Mental Health Benefits Of Marriage Research Paper

Amber Weaver
Everglades University
HSC3102 The Meaning of Health
Dr. Linda Abbott
The Mental Health Benefits of Marriage
3/18/14

Abstract Over the past few years, there have been numerous studies conducted on the positive health benefits of a healthy marriage, and its physical effects on individual health. A recent study, found in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, took a look at whether a healthy marriage benefited those who suffered with depression prior to getting married. The results indicated that, on average, those who were depressed prior to marrying reported larger psychological benefits from marriage than those who were not depressed. Married people tend to have higher levels of well-being.
Until recent years, not much consideration has been taken on how marriage affects previously depressed individuals. Could this be because it is thought that depression places demands on a marriage and negates the quality of that marriage? (Skinner, 2002) We know that married people report higher levels of well-being than those that were never married, divorced, widowed, or separated. Other factors that influence this outcome are the length of the marriage, the strength of social support from friends and relatives, as well as economic wealth (Frech & Williams, June 2007). There may be reason to believe that depressed men and women will not receive the same benefits of marriage as non-depressed men and women. This could be due simply to the fact that depression and distress put a strain on the relationship as well as complicate the communication between the partners within the marriage (Segrin & Heather Powell, 2003). Even if depressed spouses receive the same love and attention from a healthy marriage, they may not be able to enjoy the psychological benefits from this support. A depressed spouse may require more caring and support than the other spouse is willing or able to give. They may also be unable to give support in return. (Segrin & Heather Powell,
It helps to reduce the incidence of depression and mental illness, and may provide an important buffer against stress. Marriage can also enhance feelings of attachment and belonging, which are thought to positively affect mental health (Williams, 2003). You could say that married individuals behave differently than single people do. They have more tendency to practice healthy habits. They drink and smoke less. This could be that they are unconsciously monitoring there health because of the effect sickness may have on their partner (Skinner, 2002). It is apparent that there are significant benefits to marriage and it is uplifting that the results of this study show that a healthy marriage is significantly beneficial to even a previously depressed individual. The research has indicated that the mental health benefits of entering marriage are highly dependent on both the length of the marriage and the quality of the marriage. There are striking results in the power of marriage and how it can affect even a depressed person in a positive way. Thus increasing one’s quality of