Consequences of staying in an unhappy marriage…
Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
Navigating the Consequences of Staying in an Unhappy Marriage: Understanding its Impact on You and Your Partner
Enduring a less-than-fulfilling marriage can be emotionally draining.
But did you know that how it affects men and women can differ?
Research shows that while women may crave emotional intimacy during tough times, men might withdraw emotionally.
On top of that, societal pressures can add extra stress, with women feeling pressure to maintain family unity… and men feeling obligated to fulfill traditional provider roles, regardless of marital strain…
Attachment theory suggests that our early life experiences shape how we bond with others later on. If you've had a rocky start in the attachment department, it could make it harder to feel close to your partner and lead to more frequent conflicts.
Here's another twist: Your brain might also influence your perceptions. Studies have found that when you're in a happy relationship, your brain reacts differently to stress than when things aren't going well at home. In unhappy marriages, stress signals can go into overdrive, affecting both partners' well-being.
So, what happens when you tough it out in a troubled marriage? Well, for starters, it can take a toll on your mental health. Depression, anxiety, and feelings of low self-worth are common, especially among women. But it's not just your mental health that suffers – your physical health can be impacted, too. Prolonged stress from marital discord can increase your risk of heart problems and even shorten your lifespan.
And let's not overlook the financial and career consequences. Staying in an unhappy marriage can hinder your professional advancement and overall quality of life, affecting you and your children.
The bottom line? Weathering the storm in a struggling marriage is tough. However, understanding the gender dynamics, attachment issues, and neurological factors at play can help you make informed decisions about your relationship. Remember, you're not alone – seeking support can make all the difference. I can help with that.
Be well, Stay kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Amato, P. R. (2010). Research on divorce: Continuing trends and new developments. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72(3), 650–666.
Coan, J. A., Schaefer, H. S., & Davidson, R. J. (2006). Lending a hand: Social regulation of the neural response to threat. Psychological Science, 17(12), 1032–1039.
Gordon, I., & Zagoory-Sharon, O. (2015). Oxytocin and the neural mechanisms regulating social cognition and affiliative behavior. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 36, 526–537.
Kalmijn, M., & Poortman, A. R. (2006). His or her divorce? The gendered nature of divorce and its determinants. European Sociological Review, 22(2), 201–214.
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. Guilford Press.
Robles, T. F., Slatcher, R. B., Trombello, J. M., & McGinn, M. M. (2014). Marital quality and health: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 140(1), 140–187.
Whisman, M. A. (2007). Marital distress and DSM-IV psychiatric disorders in a population-based national survey. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 116(3), 638–643.
