Authors: Homish, Gregory G.; Leonard, Kenneth E.; Kozlowski, Lynn T.¹; Cornelius, Jack R.²

Source: Addiction, Volume 104, Number 7, July 2009 , pp. 1201-1209(9)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Aims 

The objective of this work was to examine the relation between patterns of substance use among newly married couples and marital satisfaction over time. In particular, this work examined if differences between husbands' and wives' heavy alcohol use and cigarette smoking, rather than simply use per se, predicted decreases in marital satisfaction over the first 7 years of marriage. Methods 

Married couples (n = 634 couples) were assessed on a variety of substance use and relationship variables at the time of marriage and again at the first, second, fourth and seventh years of marriage. Results 

After controlling for key socio-demographic variables, discrepancies in husband and wife cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol use were related to significant reductions in marital satisfaction. Importantly, couples who were discrepant on both substances experienced the greatest declines in marital satisfaction over time. Conclusions 

Patterns of substance use among newly married couples are important predictors of changes in marital functioning over time. It was not simply the heavy alcohol use or cigarette smoking that predicted dissatisfaction but, rather, differences between husbands' and wives' substance use that impacted the relationship.

Keywords: Adult relationships; alcohol use; discrepancy; marital satisfaction; substance use patterns; tobacco use

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02614.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA, 2: Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Publication date: 2009-07-01

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