The physiology of marriage: pathways to health.

Robles, Theodore F; Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K

doi:10.1016/s0031-9384(03)00160-4

Cited by 748Attachment and Relationship DynamicsStress Responses and CortisolFamily Dynamics and Relationships

The physiology of marriage: pathways to health.

Robles, Theodore F, Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K·2003·Physiology & Behavior

DOI 10.1016/s0031-9384(03)00160-4

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Abstract

Marriage is the central relationship for most adults and has beneficial effects for health. At the same time, troubled marriages have negative health consequences. This review outlines the physiological pathways through which marital relationships influence health based on a stress/social support model. In addition, we review recent findings suggesting that unhappy marriages are associated with morbidity and mortality. We then turn to studies of marital interaction that include assessment of physiological pathways through which marital functioning influences health: the cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems. Across these studies, negative and hostile behaviors during marital conflict discussions are related to elevations in cardiovascular activity, alterations in hormones related to stress, and dysregulation of immune function. Using recent conceptualizations of the physiological impact of chronic stress, we illustrate how physiological changes associated with marital functioning in these studies have long-term implications for health outcomes. Finally, we discuss future implications of current research for understanding the relationships among marital functioning, physiology, and health.

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Authors: Robles, T. F., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K.
Affiliations: The Ohio State University (US)
Corresponding author: Robles, Theodore F
ORCID: Robles, Theodore F
Venue: Physiology & Behavior
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Published: 2003-08
Volume: 79
Issue: 3
Pages: 409-416
ISSN: 0031-9384 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9384(03)00160-4
OpenAlex: W2102138251
Cited by: 748
References: 93
Citations by year: 2026: 10 · 2025: 34 · 2024: 26 · 2023: 24 · 2022: 36 · 2021: 46 · 2020: 46 · 2019: 38 · 2018: 40 · 2017: 30 · 2016: 41 · 2015: 53 · 2014: 47 · 2013: 49 · 2012: 46
FWCI: 2.11
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
Locations: Physiology & Behavior (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: National Institutes of Health (5k02mh001467-05)
National Institute on Aging (P01AG016321, P01 AG-16321)
National Institute of Mental Health (K02 MH01467)
National Center for Research Resources (M01-RR-00034, M01RR000034)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
Social Sciences › Demography › Family Dynamics and Relationships
Keywords: marriage, marital relationships, marital conflict, marital functioning, stress, social support, cardiovascular reactivity, endocrine system, immune function, chronic stress, morbidity and mortality, marital interaction
MeSH terms: Adult, Cardiovascular System, Endocrine System, Female, Health Status, Humans, Immune System, Male, Marriage, Social Environment, Social Support, Stress, Psychological

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