The Impact of Marital Conflict on Health and Health Care Utilization in Older Couples

Keywords

health care utilization, marital quality

Abstract

This study tested the hypothesis that marital distress has a significant effect on health care utilization for older couples. Results from 536 intact couples in long term marriages showed men in dissatisfying marriages are more likely to utilize health care services; women in satisfying marriages are more likely to use health care services. There were no significant partner effects of marital quality on health problems or health care utilization. The association between husbands' marital quality and wives' health care utilization approached significance. Implications for future research and clinical practice, including gender differences, are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Sandberg*, J.G, Harper*, J.M., & Miller*, R.M, Robila, M., Davey, A. (2009). The impact of marital conflict on health and health care utilization in older couples. Journal of Health Psychology, 14(9), 9-17 (*equal authorship).

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2009-01-07

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5288

Publisher

Journal of Health Psychology

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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