An APA (American Psychological Association) Study recently addressed the question of whether marriage helps or hinders the health of women. This is what was found. The study, involving middle-aged women over a 13-year period.

Results indicate that women in marriages characterized by high levels of satisfaction showed a health advantage when compared with participants in marriages characterized by low levels of satisfaction and with unmarried participants (single, widowed or divorced).

Happy marriages led to:

Lower levels of cardiovascular risk factors – such as

  • Better blood pressure
  • Better cholesterol levels
  • a Better body mass index

As well as lower levels of:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Anger

Women in highly satisfying marriages also showed this same health advantage when compared with women in moderately satisfying marriages, but to a lesser extent.

The study found that marriage itself may offer a health advantage by providing:

  • Social support
  • Protecting against social isolation

Also, spousal influence and involvement may encourage health-promoting behaviors and deter unhealthy behaviors. Married people, especially women, may also be at a health advantage relative to their unmarried counterparts through the increased availability of socioeconomic resources.

“Marital Status and Quality in Middle-Aged Women: Associations With Levels and Trajectories of Cardiovascular Risk Factors,” by Linda C. Gallo, San Diego State University, Wendy M. Troxel, University of Pittsburgh, Karen A. Matthews, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Lewis H. Kuller, University of Pittsburgh; Health Psychology, Vol. 22, No. 5.