Marital loss, mental health and the role of perceived social support: findings from six waves of an Australian population based panel study

• DOI: 10.1136/jech.2009.104893
• Publication Date: 2010-10-22T05:51:26Z
• Authors: Belinda Hewitt; Gavin Turrell; Katrina Giskes
• Keywords: Marital status

<h3>Objectives</h3> To investigate the impact of transitions out marriage (separation, widowhood) on self reported mental health men and women, examine whether perceptions social support play an intervening role. <h3>Methods</h3> The analysis used six waves (2001–06) Australian population based panel study, with analytical sample 3017 3225 women. Mental was measured using MHI-5 scale scored 0–100 (α=0.97), a higher score indicating better health. Perceptions were 10-item ranging from 10 to 70 (α=0.79), perceived support. A linear mixed model for longitudinal data used, lags marital status, <h3>Results</h3> After adjustment characteristics there decline in who separated (−5.79 points) or widowed (−7.63 points), compared remained married. Similar declines found women (−6.65 became (−9.28 points). inclusion models suggested small mediation effect loss. Interactions between showed strong moderating widowed. No significant interactions <h3>Conclusion</h3> Marital loss significantly decreased Increasing, maintaining, high levels has potential improve men9s immediately after death their spouse.