The Influence of Osteoporosis on the Marital Relationship of Older Couples

Keywords

osteoporosis; vertebral fracture; psychosocial factors; spouses; older women

Abstract

Thirty-four older wives and their husbands participated in interviews about adaptation to the wives’ osteoporosis and its influence on their relationship. For most couples, the wives’ osteoporosis resulted in changes in the structure of their marital relationship but not the overall quality of the marriage. Discrepancies in pain perceptions were associated with lower marital adjustment for wives but not for husbands. The findings suggest the need to focus on the dynamics of the marital relationship to understand chronic illness in late-life families.

Original Publication Citation

Roberto, K.A., Gold, D.T., & Yorgason, J.B. (2004). Chronic illness and marital relationships: The influence of osteoporosis on the lives of older couples. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 23(4), 443-456. doi:10.1177/0733464804270856

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2004-12-01

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7622

Publisher

Journal of Applied Gerontology

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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