The scientific evidence leaves little doubt that love and intimacy are powerful determinants of our health and survival. Poor social relationships are as damaging to physical health as cigarette smoking. For adults, a stable, healthy marriage is the best protector against illness and premature death, and for children, such a marriage is the best source of emotional stability and good physical health. Marital distress is an important health hazzard for adults and children.
Marital distress leads to depression and reduces immune system functioning in adults.
In addition, chronic marital conflict harms the emotional and physical well being of children. Divorce is a major health risk for adults and children. In addition to well established links between divorce and mental health problems, adults who experience divorce more than double their risk of earlier mortality. These effects are comparable to those of cigarette smoking. Marriage education is effective in promoting marital quality and stability.