The Effects of Marital Dissolution and Marital Quality on Health and Health Service Use Among Women

Marital dissolution increases the risk for mental and physical health problems, some of which emerge only among women who had harmonious marriages, and marital harmony appears protective against physician visits.

Abstract

Marital dissolution increases the risk for mental and physical health problems, some of which emerge only among women who had harmonious marriages. Marital harmony appears protective against physician visits. Widows should be encouraged to seek help for their health difficulties. Separated women should be counseled that they are at heightened risk for increased alcohol consumption. Divorced and separated women appear to seek help for emotional problems, over and above depressive symptoms.