Marital relationship and psychological distress: Its correlates and treatments

Abstract

The present review examines the link of marital relationship with depressive and anxiety disorders in adult and older couples. Empirical and descriptive studies from the period 1984 to 2005 are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of different treatment modalities and methodological approaches for dealing with co-occurring marital discord and psychological distress. Overall, the literature indicates a strong association of depressive symptoms with marital relationship, being this association of a different nature in adult and older couples. Possible causal pathways of this relationship are discussed. However, the literature about the link between anxiety disorders and marital discord is inconclusive, and its relationship in older couples has not yet been addressed. Suggestions for future research are included.

Keywords:

• behaviour therapy
• couples therapy
• cognitive therapy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gilles Trudel

This paper was written under the supervision of Gilles Trudel, Professor at the Department of Psychology of the Université du Québec à Montréal.