Depression and the Psychological Benefits of Entering Marriage

Adrianne Frech · Kristi Williams

215 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Health and Social Behavior

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Attachment and Relationship Dynamics Family Dynamics and Relationships Marriage and Family Dynamics

Abstract

Past research has consistently documented the positive relationship between a transition to marriage and psychological well-being. In this study, we separate the depressed from the nondepressed to assess whether the benefits marriage has for psychological well-being depend on premarital depression. We also examine whether the effect of marital quality in moderating the psychological consequences of marriage differs for the depressed and the nondepressed. Results indicate that, on average, those who were depressed prior to marrying report larger psychological gains from marriage than those who were not depressed. The role of marital quality in moderating the effect of marriage on psychological well-being is similar for previously depressed and previously nondepressed respondents. These findings call into question the assumption that marriage is always a good choice for all individuals. What appear to be strong average benefits of marriage are actually highly dependent on a range of individual, interpersonal, and structural characteristics.

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References

1977The CES-D Scale 2001Social Ties and Mental Health 1993Emotional Contagion 2000Gender differences in depression 2001The case for marriage: why married people are happier, healthier, and better off financially 2000Research on the Nature and Determinants of Marital Satisfaction: A Decade in Review 1995Does Marriage Matter?2000Social Support and Strain from Partner, Family, and Friends: Costs and Benefits for Men and Women in Adulthood

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