Marital disruption and change in mental health

Using four-wave (1980, 1983, 1988, and 1992) longitudinal data from a national probability sample concerning marital instability over the life course, this study tests different theoretical perspectives and models regarding change patterns of mental health resulting from marital disruption. Theoretical perspectives and models examined are: the Social Selection Perspective and the Social Causation Perspective including Crisis Theory, Role Transition Theory and the Double ABCX Model. Fixed-effects and random-effects pooled time-series analyses suggest that no one theory alone is comprehensive enough to explain the complexity of the relationship between marital disruption and change in mental health. Among three theoretical models, Social Selection Theory and Role Transition Theory are believed to be the two models that fit the data best. Part of the Double ABCX Model is also supported. This study indicates that the difference in mental health condition between those who would experience marital disruptions in the following waves and those would not exists before marital disruption occurs. Role changes and role loss induced from marital disruption will elevate mental health problems to a new level. This elevated level in mental health problems is believed to stay high for a while before it gradually resumes its original level. It was also found that the relationship between marital disruption and change in mental health differs by the levels of marital happiness before marital disruption and changes in financial status, residence and household structure after marital disruption were found to add significant effects on change in mental health