by A recent study conducted in Australia has found that the level of marital harmony or conflict can account for nearly 10% of the variation in mental health self-assessments. The survey, conducted by Bernard Kwadwo Yeboah Asiamah-Asare and his colleagues and published in PLOS ONE, examined the relationship between individuals’ marriage or past marital experiences, financial problems, and mental health status.
The study analyzed data from 6,846 Australian adults who participated in the Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. The majority of the respondents were over the age of 42 and were born in Australia. Approximately 78% of the participants were married, with an almost equal gender split. The researchers found that 7% of the respondents reported poor mental health.
The findings showed that individuals who reported a good relationship that met their original expectations tended to have higher mental health scores. On the other hand, those who reported loving their spouse but regretted entering the relationship and experienced relationship problems had significantly lower mental health scores.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that characteristics such as age and gender were associated with mental health scores. Participants aged 60 and older tended to have higher mental health scores compared to those under 25. Women, individuals born outside of Australia, retirees, and students were more likely to have poorer mental health scores.
Financial difficulty was another factor that impacted mental health. The study found that 3% of the variation in mental health scores could be linked to financial problems. Participants who experienced difficulties paying utility bills, pawned or sold belongings, sought financial help from friends or family, or sought assistance from welfare or community organizations had lower mental health scores.
The researchers emphasized the significance of their finding that love alone is not enough to improve mental health in individuals experiencing relationship difficulties. They recommend further research to identify any other factors that may influence this finding. Additionally, they call for greater policy attention to the social determinants of poor mental health, particularly in relation to marriage and relationships, which have received less policy and research attention in Australia.
These findings highlight the importance of marital satisfaction in overall mental well-being. Understanding the impact of relationships on mental health can inform policies and interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes for individuals and couples. By addressing issues related to marital satisfaction and providing support for couples experiencing relationship difficulties, mental health professionals and policymakers can contribute to improving mental health on a broader scale.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
