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Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal =... Sep 2023Suicide is one of the main causes of premature death and an important health concern globally because of its current rising prevalence.
BACKGROUND
Suicide is one of the main causes of premature death and an important health concern globally because of its current rising prevalence.
AIMS
To investigate suicidal thoughts and attempts among married women who have experienced intimate partner violence in Sivas, Türkiye.
METHODS
This cross-sectional, population-based survey was conducted between January and December 2019 among 2243 currently married women aged 15-49 years, who had been residing in the centre of Sivas Province, Türkiye, for ≥ 6 months. Multistage clustered random sampling was used in the survey. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire was used for the measure of mental health, while the violence items were measured using the Conflict Tactic Scales-2. The data were analysed using SPSS version 16.0.
RESULTS
Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts was 9.5% and 4.8%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age < 25 years, mental health problems, being a victim of violence during childhood or marriage, and insufficient income were associated with suicidal thoughts. Age < 25 years, mental health problems, being a victim of violence during childhood or marriage were associated with suicidal attempts.
CONCLUSION
Intimate partner violence is a risk factor for poor health among women, including mental health, and it could result in suicidal thoughts and attempts. Intimate partner violence against women should be addressed by the relevant authorities to reduce suicidal thoughts and attempts, especially among younger women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Suicidal Ideation; Marriage; Cross-Sectional Studies; Intimate Partner Violence; Violence; Risk Factors; Prevalence
PubMed: 37776134
DOI: 10.26719/emhj.23.097 -
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors :... Jun 2022To examine associations between alcohol use disorder (AUD), its psychiatric comorbidities, and their interactions, with marital outcomes in a diverse high-risk,...
OBJECTIVE
To examine associations between alcohol use disorder (AUD), its psychiatric comorbidities, and their interactions, with marital outcomes in a diverse high-risk, genetically informative sample.
METHOD
Participants included European ancestry (EA; = 4,045) and African ancestry (AA; = 1,550) individuals from the multigenerational Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) sample (56% female, ∼ 41 years). Outcomes were lifetime marriage and divorce. Predictors included lifetime AUD, an alcohol problems polygenic score (PRS), and AUD comorbidities, including conduct or antisocial personality disorder (ASP), cannabis dependence/abuse (CAN), frequent tobacco use (TOB), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Mixed effect Cox models and generalized linear mixed effects models were fit.
RESULTS
Among EA participants, those with AUD and CAN were less likely to marry (hazard ratios [HRs] 0.70-0.83, s < 0.01). Among AA participants, those with AUD and TOB were less likely to marry (HRs 0.66-0.82, s < 0.05) and those with MDD were more likely to marry (HR = 1.34, s < 0.01). Among EA participants, AUD, CAN, TOB, and MDD were associated with higher odds of divorce (odds ratios [ORs] 1.59-2.21, s < 0.01). Among AA participants, no predictors were significantly associated with divorce. Significant random effects indicated genetic and environmental influences on marriage, but only environmental factors on divorce.
CONCLUSIONS
In a high-risk sample, AUD was associated with reduced likelihood of marriage in EA and AA individuals and increased risk of divorce in EA individuals. These associations were largely independent of comorbidities. Genetic and environmental background factors contributed to marriage, while only environmental background factors contributed to divorce. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Adult; Alcohol-Related Disorders; Alcoholism; Depressive Disorder, Major; Divorce; Female; Humans; Male; Marijuana Abuse; Marriage
PubMed: 35617219
DOI: 10.1037/adb0000840 -
Psychiatria Polska Feb 2020Episcopal courts adjudicate in proceedings for declaring a marriage void and in these cases psychiatrists and psychologists are appointed as experts. Expert judgment... (Review)
Review
Episcopal courts adjudicate in proceedings for declaring a marriage void and in these cases psychiatrists and psychologists are appointed as experts. Expert judgment requires the expert to follow a specific substantive approach when preparing the expertise, as well as knowledge of canon legal provisions. Canon law makes validity of a relationship dependent on fulfilment of premises of a valid marriage at the time of the marriage, thus accepting the possibility of an invalid marriage. The so-called consensual and indirectly mental incapacity to marry is dealt with in canon 1,095, which says that the following are incapable of contracting marriage: (1) those who lack the sufficient use of reason; (2) those who suffer from a grave defect of discretion of judgment concerning the essential matrimonial rights and duties mutually to be handed over and accepted; and (3) those who are not able to assume the essential obligations of marriage for causes of a psychic nature. Episcopal courts use terminology that is not found in psychiatry or clinical psychology. However, specific psychopathological conditions stand behind specific formulations in the Code, and they should be taken into account by experts in their analyzes. In proceedings before common courts, only mental illness and mental retardation are taken into account, and no specific disorders are mentioned in Church legislation, which means that experts must consider a wide range of mental dysfunctions in their assessments.
Topics: Disability Evaluation; Divorce; Expert Testimony; Female; Forensic Psychiatry; Humans; Male; Marriage; Mental Competency; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Mentally Ill Persons; Poland
PubMed: 32447364
DOI: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/89924 -
The Journals of Gerontology. Series B,... Apr 2021Adults' perceptions of aging are known to affect their mental and physical health. However, not much is known about how perceptions of aging within the couple-unit...
OBJECTIVES
Adults' perceptions of aging are known to affect their mental and physical health. However, not much is known about how perceptions of aging within the couple-unit affect each member of the unit. Therefore, the current study explores the effects of husbands' and wives' self-perceptions of aging (SPA) on each other's physical and mental health, both directly and indirectly, through impacting each other's SPA.
METHOD
The study used data from the Health and Retirement Study, focusing on couples aged 50 and older. Self-rated health and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D) were used as indicators of physical and mental health. SPA was measured using the "Attitudes toward aging" subscale of the "Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale." An actor-partner interdependence mediation model was used to examine the effects of the 2008 SPA of couples on each other's 2012 SPA and 2016 health.
RESULTS
The SPA of both husbands and wives was associated with their own future mental and physical health in 2016, but not with that of their partner. However, their SPA was associated with their partner's health indirectly, by influencing the SPA of the partner. That is, the SPA of both husbands and wives in 2008 impacted their partner's SPA in 2012, which was subsequently related to that partner's mental and physical health in 2016.
DISCUSSION
Older couples can influence each other's health indirectly, by affecting each other's SPA. This indicates that adults' SPA are interconnected, and thus, the entire couple-unit should be targeted to enhance positive SPA.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Attitude to Health; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Marriage; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Personal Satisfaction; Self Concept; Spouses
PubMed: 32572494
DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa082 -
BMC Women's Health May 2021The study explores women's perception and experience of sexual difficulties. The need to address the subject was triggered by the scarcity of research that reflects on...
BACKGROUND
The study explores women's perception and experience of sexual difficulties. The need to address the subject was triggered by the scarcity of research that reflects on women's subjective views on sexual difficulties. This is particularly crucial for middle-aged women who frequently experience hormonal and psychosocial changes that may affect their sexual life.
METHODS
Using in-depth individual and focus groups interviews, 52 Lebanese women aged 40-55 years discussed their thoughts, feelings and behaviours concerning sexual difficulties. Women were recruited purposefully from clinical and non-clinical settings to get maximum sampling variation that provided rich information and deep understanding of the subject. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed about the framework analysis. Many strategies were adopted to ensure rigour.
RESULTS
Women's narratives led to four themes: women's inability to communicate sexual desires and concerns; male sexual difficulties; marital conflicts; and sexual difficulties as context-bound. Women's sexual difficulties are driven by double standards and inhibiting sexual socialisation. Once married, many women had very challenging sexual experiences. They were obliged to silently bear their husbands' poor sexual performance to protect their masculinity and thus their social image and identity. Women's narratives also showed that marital conflicts, daily life problems as well as physical and psychological burdens further challenged their sexual wellbeing and contributed to their sexual difficulties.
CONCLUSION
The study makes a unique contribution to voicing women's views and concerns as sexuality is insufficiently researched and reported in Lebanon. It emphasises the multidimensional nature of female sexual difficulties, particularly the gender-based norms that inhibit their sexual selves and profoundly affect their sexual wellbeing and capacity to claim their sexual likes and dislikes. Findings have implications on research and practice to help women prevent and overcome their sexual difficulties.
Topics: Female; Humans; Lebanon; Male; Marriage; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality
PubMed: 34001078
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-01132-0 -
BMJ Open Sep 2022To examine the relationship between baseline union status (ie, including marriage and cohabitation) and mortality, paying attention to gender differentials, through an...
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between baseline union status (ie, including marriage and cohabitation) and mortality, paying attention to gender differentials, through an 11-year follow-up of a large cohort in Thailand.
DESIGN
Cohort data from Thai Cohort Study (TCS) were linked official death records over an 11-year follow-up period.
SETTING
Community-based adults in Thailand.
PARTICIPANTS
87 151 Thai adults participated in TCS cohort.
METHOD
Cox regression models measured longitudinal associations between union status and 11-year mortality.
RESULTS
From 2005 (baseline) to 2016, persons who cohabited and lived with a partner, married persons but not living with a partner and separated/divorced/widowed people were more likely to die compared with those married and living together with a partner. Those who did not have good family support had a higher death risk than those having good family support.Single or cohabiting women had higher risks of mortality than women who were married and living together with a partner throughout follow-up, while separated/divorced/widowed men had higher risks of mortality than counterpart males.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study reveals the protective effect of marriage and living together on mortality in Thailand, an understudied setting where institutionalisation of cohabitation is low leading to a limited mortality protection. Public policies for moderating mortality should thus be gender nuanced, culturally and institutionally specific. Also, we demonstrate that in settings such as Thailand, where marital status is not always defined in the same way as in western cultures, the need to measure cohabitation in locally relevant terms is important.
Topics: Adult; Cohort Studies; Family Characteristics; Female; Humans; Male; Marital Status; Marriage; Thailand
PubMed: 36123057
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062811 -
Aging & Mental Health Apr 2022Negative marital interaction and purpose in life have been associated with depressive symptoms. Yet, these associations have not been fully explored in a dyadic context....
OBJECTIVE
Negative marital interaction and purpose in life have been associated with depressive symptoms. Yet, these associations have not been fully explored in a dyadic context. This study examines the actor (intra-individual) and partner (cross-spousal) effects of negative marital interaction on depressive symptoms in couples and the potential mediating role of purpose in life.
METHODS
Data came from 1186 heterosexual married couples who participated in the 2016 (T1) and 2018 (T2) waves of the Health and Retirement Study and completed the psychosocial questionnaire in 2016. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the direct and indirect associations among T1 negative marital interaction, T1 purpose in life, and T2 depressive symptoms at the actor and partner levels. Models controlled for age, race, educational level, self-rated health, and length of marriage.
RESULTS
At the actor level, a greater negative marital interaction was associated with significantly lower levels of purpose in life for husbands and wives. Negative marital interaction was also associated with depressive symptoms for wives. Purpose in life mediated the relationship between negative marital interaction and depressive symptoms. At the partner level, wives' negative marital interaction was negatively associated with husbands' purpose in life, independent of husbands' own effects.
CONCLUSION
The findings support the dominant marital discord model of depression and highlight gender differences in the cross-spousal effects of negative marital interaction on purpose in life. Positive psychology interventions can be beneficial to promote purpose in life and subsequently improve mental health outcomes among couples.
Topics: Aged; Depression; Heterosexuality; Humans; Marriage; Middle Aged; Retirement; Spouses
PubMed: 33769159
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1904831 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Nov 2020Perceived stress can lead to dysregulated cortisol patterns, including blunted peaks and flatter slopes, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality...
BACKGROUND
Perceived stress can lead to dysregulated cortisol patterns, including blunted peaks and flatter slopes, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality risks. Couples' interdependence provides a prime opportunity for partners' stress to disrupt a healthy cortisol pattern. This study examined how individuals' own perceived stress and their partners' perceived stress shape cortisol levels and slopes across the day, as well as how positive and negative behaviors during conflict discussions impact associations between stress and cortisol.
METHODS
Both partners of a married couple (n = 43 couples, 86 individuals) completed a full day in-person visit. Each partner completed the Perceived Stress Scale, and all couples engaged in a 20-min marital problem discussion which was recorded and later coded for positive and negative behaviors using the Rapid Marital Interaction Coding System (RMICS). Partners also provided five salivary cortisol samples across the day, two samples before the conflict and three after the conflict. The dyadic design and analyses provided a way to account for the interdependent nature of married couples' data, as well as to use the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to assess the mutual influence of spouses' stress on cortisol.
RESULTS
Individuals with more stressed partners had flatter cortisol slopes than individuals with less stressed partners, who showed steeper and thus healthier declines across the day. Individuals' cortisol levels at the beginning of the day were similar regardless of their partners' perceived stress, but individuals with more stressed partners had higher cortisol levels 30-min, 1 h, and 4 h after the conflict discussion than those with less stressed partners. Couples' behavior during the conflict moderated the relationship between partner perceived stress and average cortisol; when couples used more negative and less positive behaviors, individuals with more stressed partners had higher average cortisol levels than those with less stressed partners.
CONCLUSION
On a day couples experienced conflict, having a partner with higher perceived stress is associated with dysregulated cortisol patterns, including higher levels and flatter slopes, but having a partner with lower perceived stress is linked to steeper and thus healthier cortisol declines. A partner's stress was particularly consequential for one's own cortisol when couples used more negative and fewer positive behaviors during a conflict discussion. This research adds to the growing literature on pathways connecting marital interactions to important biorhythms and health.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Family Conflict; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Marriage; Middle Aged; Saliva; Spouses; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 32853875
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104839 -
The Gerontologist Feb 2023Within relationships, sexual motives and stress are independent determinants of psychological health, with notable gendered patterns. However, previous research largely...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Within relationships, sexual motives and stress are independent determinants of psychological health, with notable gendered patterns. However, previous research largely focuses on young adults and different-sex couples. Both sexual motives and levels of stress may be uniquely important to psychological health in midlife, and in potentially different ways for same-sex and different-sex couples. This study examined how the associations between sexual motives, stress, and depressive symptoms differ for midlife men and women in same-sex and different-sex marriages.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Using dyadic data from same-sex and different-sex midlife married couples (N = 830 individuals; 415 couples), we examined the associations of intrinsic (e.g., sex for enjoyment and pleasure) and extrinsic (e.g., sex to please one's spouse) motives for having sex with depressive symptoms and tested whether these associations differed by levels of stress for same-sex and different-sex spouses.
RESULTS
Intrinsic sexual motives were associated with fewer depressive symptoms only for same-sex married couples under high stress. Extrinsic sexual motives were related to greater depressive symptoms for women in low-stress conditions and men in high-stress conditions, and this did not differ for same-sex compared to different-sex marriages.
DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Results show that the interplay between sexual motives and stress varies for men and women in same-sex and different-sex marriages. These findings underscore the importance of considering both gender and sexuality in studying sexual motives in midlife and suggest sexual motives as a useful treatment focus for protecting the psychological health of midlife married couples.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Depression; Sexual Behavior; Motivation; Gender Identity; Marriage
PubMed: 36063367
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac136 -
Journal of Global Health 2021Early marriage and childbearing have substantial detrimental effects on both, the affected girls and women at the micro level, as well as entire economies on the macro...
OBJECTIVE
Early marriage and childbearing have substantial detrimental effects on both, the affected girls and women at the micro level, as well as entire economies on the macro level. West and Central African countries have some of the highest prevalence rates of early marriage and maternity worldwide. This work attempts to quantify the long-term economic, societal, and fertility effects of marriage and pregnancy in early and late adolescence in West and Central Africa.
METHODS
We used pooled cross-sectional data collected between 1986 and 2017 in 21 West and Central African countries within the DHS and MICS programs to estimate the associations of marriage and maternity during early (10-14) and late (15-19) adolescence retrospectively on wealth accumulation, educational attainment, as well as the woman's lifetime fertility.
RESULTS
Descriptively, women who married or gave birth as young or very young adolescents are overrepresented among the poorest and least educated quintiles of the adult population and underrepresented among the richest and most educated. These gradients were confirmed within a regression analysis which additionally controlled for current age of the woman and PSU fixed effects. Marrying in early/late adolescence was associated with a 12%/6% higher likelihood of being in the poorest wealth quintile in later life and 29%/20% increased likelihood of not completing primary education, as compared to women who married as adults. Maternity in early/late adolescence was associated with a 7%/4% higher likelihood of belonging to the poorest quintile and 17%/10% higher likelihood of being uneducated. Moreover, women who married/gave birth during early or late adolescence, on average, have 2.2/2.3 or 1.4/1.5 more children than those who have married/become mothers as adults.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that the dire consequences of early marriage and maternity hit youngest girls the hardest - both immediately and long-term. Hence, it is not only worthwhile to prevent adolescent marriage and pregnancy in general, but also specifically target very young girls below age 15 to attempt to at least delay such far-reaching demographic life events.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Africa, Central; Age Factors; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Female; Fertility; Humans; Marriage; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 34484711
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.13004