Study Links Happy Marriages to Healthier Life

A latest finding from the Birghman Young University reveals that people in happy marriages live less in sickness and enjoy more of life 'in health'.

The 20-year longitudinal study tracked health and marriage quality. It was conducted by family life researcher, Rick Miller from BYU, who found that  physical health of a couple depended on the quality of the marriage.

"There's evidence from previous research that marital conflict leads to poor health," Miller said in a press release. "But this study also shows happy marriages have a preventative component that keeps you in good health over the years."

Prior to this, a study conducted by researchers at BYU noticed a strong association between meaningful relationships and long life. But the current new finding states that positive marriage relationships maintain good health over a longer period in life.

The study was based on the data gathered from a nationally representative sample of 1,681 married individuals. They were followed over a period of two decades. This is one of the longest study on marital quality and health to date.

The researchers in the study measured marital quality in two different ways; On the basis of happiness and satisfaction and on the basis of marital issues such as in-laws, monetary problems etc. The participants had to rate their health on a scale of 1-4 with 1 being excellent and 4 being poor.

"The implication is that marital conflict is a risk factor for poor health," Miller said. "Couples that fight or argue frequently should get professional help to reduce their conflict because it is affecting their health."

People with marital conflicts were more likely to report poor health. Maintaining a happy marriage also inspires the couple to take up habits that lead to better and healthier life.

The study was published in the June issue of the journal of Marriage and Family.