Explaining the Symptomatology of Separated and Divorced Women and Men: The Role of Material Conditions and Social Networks

Past research consistently finds that marital dissolution is associated with psychological distress. In this paper, we propose that the explanation for this association varies by gender. Specifically, we hypothesize that it is material conditions (income and parental obligations) that are most important in accounting for the greater symptomatology of separated and divorced women while it is dimensions of social networks (both structural and experiential) that are more important in accounting for the symptomatology of separated and divorced men. Our analyses largely support the hypotheses. Our findings suggest that marriage protects men and zwmen in very different ways. Researchers consistently find that marital dissolution is associated with psychological distress (Bachrach; Bloom et al.; Riessman and Gerstel). Compared with the married, the separated and divorced-both male and female-have higher rates of mental health symptoms as well as admission to psychiatric hospitals and outpatient clinics (Briscoe et al.; Radloff; Redick and Johnson; Somers; Warheit et al.). In this sense, marriage is protective of mental health. Various explanations have been offered for the relationship between separation and divorce and psychiatric symptoms. In general, two

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