Health

Strained marriages 'harm women'

by generaldecay | March 5, 2009 at 06:33 am

134 views | 28 Recommendations | 10 comments

Women are more likely than men to suffer damage to their health from being in a strained marriage, research suggests. US psychologists found wives in tense marriages were prone to risk factors for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In comparison, husbands seemed relatively immune from such problems.

This is one of the studies where I think that the results are more predictable than revelationary. It would be common sense (however misguided) that woman suffer more than men when relationships become difficult. Of course, this is not a hard and fast rule. It seems to me that the resultant physical problems are likely to be correlated to the high levels of emotional strain experienced by women in tense relationships. However, even on this point, there seems to be gender differences. Even if husbands are depressed, they are less likely to experience physical problems.

But although husbands in unhappy marriages were also depressed, they did not show signs of physiological damage to their health.

(Aside: yet another reason for me to avoid marriage. Yes sir!)

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

Blue Crush

at 07:15 on March 5th, 2009

Yes, as long as they are taken care of, they're quite immune. Maybe the next generation will be a little different!

generaldecay

at 09:47 on March 5th, 2009

Man, the older I get, the less hope I have for the next generation. My libertarian self shirks at this of course! ;)

Thanks for the recommendation and comment, Blue. :)

Paschen

at 08:19 on March 5th, 2009

The research is based on less then 300 couples and only in one country, no such conclusion can be objectively made nor defended based on such a small sample and area.

generaldecay

at 09:59 on March 5th, 2009

300 couples isn't a small sample size in social science research. In fact, it's actually quite a large sample compared to the samples in the 100s of social science research studies I've read. That said, it's difficult to generalise from 300 couples. Generalisation is difficult in any research, really.

Thanks for the comment, Paschen.

jazzyzazzy

at 11:20 on March 5th, 2009

Does this mean that women are weaker and more feeble than men. No! men tend to keep quiet about how they suffer from stress, some have mastered the art of turning the other cheek when a relationship get hard to cope with. Most go to the pub and have a good winge with there pals. However,women with children do not have the luxury of just turning the other cheek. Children and homes need care and constant attention,so often women do not have time to stop off somewhere and relax with friends.Yes is certainly is and always will be a mans world.