Abstract
Spouses tend to have similar lifestyles. We explored the degree to which spouse similarity in alcohol use, smoking, and physical exercise is caused by non-random mating or convergence. We used data collected for the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study from 1984 to 1986 and prospective registry information about when and with whom people entered marriage/cohabitation between 1970 and 2000. Our sample included 19,599 married/cohabitating couples and 1,551 future couples that were to marry/cohabitate in the 14-16years following data collection. All couples were grouped according to the duration between data collection and entering into marriage/cohabitation. Age-adjusted polychoric spouse correlations were used as the dependent variables in non-linear segmented regression analysis; the independent variable was time. The results indicate that spouse concordance in lifestyle is due to both non-random mating and convergence. Non-random mating appeared to be strongest for smoking. Convergence in alcohol use and smoking was evident during the period prior to marriage/cohabitation, whereas convergence in exercise was evident throughout life. Reduced spouse similarity in smoking with relationship duration may reflect secular trends.
Highlights
Results showed that 183 female spouses of men with a mental disorder reported approximately one-half of an standard deviation (SD) more symptoms of anxiety and depression and one-third of an SD lower subjective well-being compared with the rest of the married women in the population
Results showed that female spouses of men with subjective hearing loss reported more symptoms of anxiety and depression and lower levels of subjective well-being compared with the rest of the married women in the population
The results indicate that the presence of a partner with a dementia diagnosis is associated with moderately lower levels of life satisfaction (0.49 SD) and more symptoms of anxiety (0.19 SD) and depression (0.30 SD) than reported by spouses of elderly persons without dementia
Summary
Close relationships are defined by interdependence, which is known as pair relatedness, reciprocity, and mutuality (Kelley et al, 1983; Thompson & Walker, 1982). These concepts indicate the existence of connections between one partner’s behaviors and characteristics and outcomes measured in the other partner. In Norway almost 10% of the adult general population has been suffering from a depression disorder and almost 20% from anxiety disorders during a 12 month period [4]. Prevalence for anxiety and depression in the European Region at any point in time has been estimated to 100 million people, corresponding to 11.5% of the population [1].
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