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Marital Conflict and Health in Taiwan: A Dyadic Longitudinal Analysis

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Abstract

Marital conflict is predictive of physical health; however, there are few studies that demonstrate this relationship in Chinese cultures. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of marital conflict on physical health among couples in Taiwan. This study utilized dyadic data of 239 married couples from three waves of a longitudinal study on work and family issues conducted in Taiwan. This study used participant’s reports of marital conflict at time 2, depressive symptoms at time 3, and physical health at time 4. Using a time-sequential method of analysis, results indicated that marital conflict was indirectly predictive of physical health 2 years later, with depressive symptoms fully mediating this relationship for husbands and wives. There were no significant partner effects or gender differences. The findings of this study provide evidence that the quality of marital relationships is important for the physical wellbeing of couples in Chinese cultures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brigham Young University, 234 TLRB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA

    Bryan C. Kubricht & Richard B. Miller

  2. Fu-Jen Catholic University, No.510, Chung Cheng Rd., Hsinchuang, Taipei County, 24205, Taiwan, ROC

    Tsui-Shan Li & Ying-Ling Hsiao

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  1. Bryan C. Kubricht
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Correspondence to Bryan C. Kubricht.

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Kubricht, B.C., Miller, R.B., Li, TS. et al. Marital Conflict and Health in Taiwan: A Dyadic Longitudinal Analysis. Contemp Fam Ther 39, 87–96 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-017-9404-3

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