Health Concerns and Couple Separation

Stress of any kind can strain relationships, leading to separation of couples. While this strain can come from any number of places—finances and politics, to name a few—health concerns present notable challenges for couples. In fact, the difficulty of dealing with illness, whether it’s in one of the individuals or both, may lead to a significant uptick in separation.

To assess the relationship between illness, separation risk, and individuals in couples, a study was conducted. Read on to uncover what the study considered, what researchers found, and how it is applicable to now.

The Study

Finnish data collected from 1998 to 2003 was used to assess 127,313 couples. Three primary physical conditions categories—cancer, heart and lung disease, and neurological conditions—were evaluated in relation to their separation risk.

The data included in this study contained hospitalization, medication, separation, and sociodemographic information. Both marital and non-marital couples who cohabited were included. These couples ranged in age from 40 to 70 years.

Findings

A correlation between physical illness and risk of separation was observed. This increase in risk was significant, especially when both individuals in the couple had a health condition. Amongst those in this category, separation rose by 43%.

In situations where only the male individual fell ill, the risk of separation grew by 22%. When only the female fell ill, the risk rose by 11%. As couples aged, the relationship between physical health conditions and separation risk was even starker.

The type of health condition also played a role. Neurological conditions led to the strongest separation risk. Sociodemographic characteristics, however, showed a limited effect.

What it Means

Relationships can be strained by health conditions, and this strain can be compounded when both individuals in a couple fall ill. The association between physical health conditions and separation risk is significant.

This may be due to several factors. For example, the burden of caring for a partner or spouse that has fallen ill or become disable is an exceptional challenge that can severely stress a relationship.

To help mitigate the risk of separation in situations where one or both individuals in a couple fall ill, the increased risk must be taken into account. Then, more effective support services can be planned to help relieve some of the stress that accompanies such tough circumstances.