Many studies have found that marriage seems to produce a range of benefits to individuals and society. However, research points out that the quality of the relationship—happy vs. unhappy—is key to garnering these benefits.
In general, studies have found married people are less likely to be depressed or drink heavily. They're more likely to have health insurance, receive cancer screenings, have shorter hospital stays and visit doctors less often. People in good marriages have lower blood pressure and fewer risk factors for heart and circulatory disease than those in unhappy marriages.
However, some evidence shows marriage may lead to modest weight gain and a more sedentary lifestyle.
Understanding the benefits of a satisfying marriage may encourage you to improve your own.
Marriage and Women
Women in happy marriages are more likely to be emotionally and physically healthy. They tend to have better relationships with their children and lower odds of abusing drugs and alcohol.
They're less likely to be victims of violent crimes, including domestic violence and sexual assault. And they're less prone to attempting or committing suicide or contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDsJ.
Marriage and Men
Men in happy marriages are more likely than those in unhappy unions to be emotionally and physically healthy, too. They're less likely to commit violent crimes, contract STDs, or attempt or commit suicide.
Marriage and Children
Being raised by a married rnom and dad greatly influences a child's health and well-being.
Children can flourish in many family configurations, the American College of Pediatricians says. However, children with married parents have more robust measures of physical and mental health. They're less likely to experience physical abuse, use drugs and alcohol, be prematurely sexually active or become involved in crime.
Improving Your Marriage
Here are a few ways to start improving your marriage:
1. Write a job description for yourself and for your partner, then compare your expectations. Talk through any differences.
2. Repeat your partner's statements back to him or her in your own words. You won't always agree, but each of you will know your concerns have been heard.
3. Be specific when giving criticism or praise.
4. Protect your times of fun and intimacy, Arrange a regular couple meeting time to bring up issues and do the "work" of the relationship.
5. Exercise and eat right as a couple to help combat the effects of stress and fatigue.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, December 2013
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