A number of previous studies suggest that stable, committed relationships can exert a powerful effect on both partners’ mental and physical health. Christine Proulx, from the University of Missouri (Missouri, USA), and colleagues examined the long-term relationship between self-rated health and marital quality. The team found that, in all stages of marriage, positive or negative relationships affect the individuals’ health. The team observes that spouses should be aware as to how they treat each other and how happy they are in marriage affects both partners’ health. Thus, the study authors encourage medical professionals to consider marital quality in their patients’ health and well-being.
