The association between health-related behaviours and the risk of divorce in the USA

J Biosoc Sci. 2000 Jan;32(1):63-88. doi: 10.1017/s0021932000000638.

Abstract

This study investigates the link between health-related variables and risks of divorce. The findings indicate that physical characteristics associated with poor health--namely, obesity and short stature--are not significantly related to risks of marital dissolution for either men or women. On the other hand, risk-taking behaviours--such as smoking and drug use--are strongly related to higher risks of divorce for both sexes. Overall, the results emphasize the need to accommodate health-related variables in the dominant economic and social psychological theories of marital dissolution.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Crime
  • Divorce / psychology
  • Divorce / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • United States