Marital Interaction and the Health and Well-Being of Spouses

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which the various dimensions of marital interaction are associated with differences in health status of spouses measured by the use of medical services and self-reported health and well-being. Dimensions of marital interaction and health and well-being measures with most covariation are identified and the relative effect of the quality of marital interaction on the health and well-being of husbands and wives are assessed. The study population includes 1004 married couples. Medical record and survey data for each respondent are linked for the analysis. The findings do support the hypothesis that the quality of marital interaction is related to the health of marital partners.