The contribution of stressful marital interactions to loneliness and health across mid-life and later adulthood
APA Citation:
O’Neal, C. W., & Wickrama, K. (2021). The contribution of stressful marital interactions to loneliness and health across mid-life and later adulthood. Journal of Family Issues, 42(3), 553–570. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X20921927
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Physical health
Subject Affiliation:
Civilian
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Methodology:
Longitudinal Study
Authors:
O'Neal, Catherine Walker, Wickrama, Kandauda K. A. S.
Abstract:
Although past research has noted longitudinal, and sometimes bi-directional, associations between marital interactions, loneliness, and physical health, previous work has not identified long-term associations and differential associations over life-course stages (i.e., mid-life and later adulthood). Utilizing a life-course stress process perspective and a sample of 250 couples in enduring marriages over 17 years (2001-2017), a structural equation model within a dyadic framework assessed the unique influences of stressful marital interactions on loneliness and physical health and the variation in bi-directional influences of loneliness and physical health over time. Marital interactions were relatively stable across life stages, yet marital interactions appear to influence loneliness and physical health. Notable distinctions were evident across life stages (from mid-life to later adulthood and then within later adulthood). Findings are discussed with an emphasis on the implications for health promotion and prevention programs targeting couples' quality of life in later years.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
SAGE Publications
Publication Type:
Article
Author Affiliation:
Department of Human Development and Family Science, The University of Georgia, CWON
Department of Human Development and Family Science, The University of Georgia, KKASW
Keywords:
later life, loneliness, marital conflict, marriage, physical health, mental health, health, couples