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Couples / Close Relationships

Golden bonds: Marital and kin relationship qualities are differentially associated with subjective physical health among older adults

(PS8-14) Golden Bonds: Marital and Kin Relationship Qualities Are Differentially Associated with Subjective Physical Health Among Older Adults

Saturday, November 16, 2024

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Location: Franklin Hall, Level 4, Marriott Downtown

Author(s)

Jacinda Lee, M.S., MFT (she/her/hers)

PhD Candidate
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Chicago, Illinois, United States

Co-Author(s)

Belle Tseitlin, B.A.

Ph.D. Student
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Buffalo Grove, Illinois, United States
HR

HyeRim Ryu, M.S., MFT

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Glenview, Illinois, United States
BW

Benjamin N. Wall, B.A.

Research Assistant
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Chicago, Illinois, United States
TS

Tamara Sher, Ph.D.

Professor
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
North Chicago, Illinois, United States

Abstract Text: Research suggests that overall life satisfaction positively predicts mental and physical health outcomes among older adults. There is robust evidence linking marital satisfaction with better physical health (Nakamura et al., 2021) and satisfying family life with positive mental health outcomes among older adults (Fuller-Iglesias, 2015). However, less is known about how the quality of close relationships, such as with spouses and children, differentially relates to physical health outcomes. The present study aims to fill this gap by examining how marital and kin (i.e., with one’s children) relationship qualities differentially predict subjective physical health among older adults. Participants were a nationally representative U.S. sample recruited into the 2020 Health and Retirement Survey (N = 2,729) who rated their subjective physical health and completed measures of perceived closeness and interactions with their spouses and children. Multiple regression was performed to evaluate how the quality of relationships with one’s spouse and children predicted subjective physical health. Results indicated that the quality of relationships with one’s spouse and children positively predicted subjective physical health [F (2, 2725) = 52.081, p < .001; R2 = 0.037]. Of note, higher marital quality significantly predicted better subjective physical health when quality of relationship with children was controlled for [t(2725) = 7.469, p< .001]. For every one point increase in marital quality, subjective physical health increased by .27 points. Similarly, quality of relationship with children positively predicted subjective physical health when marital quality was controlled for [t(2725)=4.06, p< .001]. For every one point increase in quality of relationship with children, subjective physical health increased by .15 points. Overall, marital quality appeared to have a larger effect on subjective physical health than quality of kin relationships. These findings align with the extant literature suggesting that marital quality is a key predictor of health outcomes in older adults. The present findings also provide further nuance into understanding how the quality of marital and kin relationships differentially impact subjective well-being. Continued research into the possible interactions between marital and kin relationship quality is important to identify the strongest agent of change, whether it is the marital relationship, kin relationships, or the family unit. Elucidating family-related risk and protective factors on health informs the development of innovative and tailored relational interventions for older adults.