THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HEALTH-RELATED BEHAVIOURS AND THE RISK OF DIVORCE IN THE USA

Abstract

This study investigates the link between health-related variables and risks of divorce. The findings indicate that physical characteristics associated with poor health – namely, obesity and short stature – are not significantly related to risks of marital dissolution for either men or women. On the other hand, risk-taking behaviours – such as smoking and drug use – are strongly related to higher risks of divorce for both sexes. Overall, the results emphasize the need to accommodate health-related variables in the dominant economic and social psychological theories of marital dissolution.