Relationship Separation and Mental Health Problems: Findings from a 30-Year Longitudinal Study

Sheree Gibb · David M. Fergusson · L. John Horwood

28 citations0/0 files storedAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry

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Family Dynamics and Relationships Mental Health Treatment and Access Health disparities and outcomes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between relationship separation and a range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol abuse/dependence, cannabis abuse/dependence, and total number of mental health problems. METHOD: Data were drawn from a 30-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of individuals born in Christchurch, New Zealand. Associations between separation and mental health problems were examined using two types of regression models: population-averaged generalized estimating equation models and fixed effects models. Associations were adjusted for a wide range of fixed and time-dynamic potential covariate factors. RESULTS: After due allowance was made for confounding, separation was associated with depression, suicidal behaviour, and the total number of mental health problems (rate ratios range 1.7-3.4, median 3.2). These associations were apparent both when separation was used as the dependent variable and when the mental health problems were used as the dependent variables. In contrast, separation was not significantly associated with anxiety disorders, alcohol abuse/dependence, or illicit drug abuse/dependence when due allowance was made for confounding. Associations between separation and mental health problems were not significantly different for men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Separation of a cohabiting relationship is associated with increased rates of depression, suicidal behaviour, and total mental health problems. However, it was not possible to determine the causal direction of the relationship between separation and mental health problems. Future studies may need to employ approaches other than observational research designs in order to address issues of causality.

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References

2009Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 2000The Consequences of Divorce for Adults and Children 1996Childhood Sexual Abuse and Psychiatric Disorder in Young Adulthood: II. Psychiatric Outcomes of Childhood Sexual Abuse 1994THE COMPOSITE INTERNATIONAL DIAGNOSTIC INTERVIEW (CIDI)1998The Social Consequences of Psychiatric Disorders, III: Probability of Marital Stability 2001The Christchurch Health and Development Study: Review of Findings on Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2004Marital Transitions and Mental Health 2002An Empirical Test of Crisis, Social Selection, and Role Explanations of the Relationship Between Marital Disruption and Psychological Distress: A Pooled Time‐Series Analysis of Four‐Wave Panel Data

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