Work

Dyadic Analysis of Chronic Stress, Relationship Quality, and Medical Multimorbidity Among Later Life Spouses

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Drawing from the life course concept of “linked lives,” we examine the associations between chronic stress, positive relationship quality (PRQ), negative relationship quality (NRQ) and medical multimorbidity (MMB) (number of chronic diseases) among married, heterosexual, later-life spouses. Utilizing data from 2,840 couples from the Health and Retirement Study and Actor-Partner Interdependence Models, we examine the direct and moderating effects of spousal chronic stress and relationship quality on MMB. Husbands’ and wives’ chronic stress was directly related to greater MMB for the individual and their partner. Wives’ reports of lower relationship quality were disease risk factors for wives. Conversely, husbands’ greater perceived PRQ was a disease risk factor for their wives. Further, wives’ PRQ and NRQ moderated the relationships between their own chronic stress and MMB. Findings suggest that husband’s and wife’s ongoing stress, coupled with their perceived relationship quality, plays a critical role in disease, particularly for older wives.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2159

Authors: A Jasper, M Gilligan

Institution: Iowa State University

Language: English

Topic: Chronic Disease Management Strategies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,977