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Brigham Young University
The purpose of this on-going study is to examine how martial therapy affects the relationship between marital distress and blood pressure over time. Research studies have shown that marital status and martial distress are related to blood pressure levels and overall health. Married individuals have been shown to have lower blood pressure and cardiovascular mortality as compared to divorced, single, and widowed individuals. However, individuals reporting marital distress report engaging in more negative health behaviors and show increased blood pressure as compared to less distressed couples.
No studies to date have examined the effect of marital therapy on the development of high blood pressure. This study will make a unique contribution by examining how marital distress and marital therapy impact blood pressure over time.
Three groups will be recruited this year to compare the affects of marital distress on blood pressure. They include thirty couples engaged in martial therapy and thirty couples that have already participated in the study for a one-year follow-up visit, as well as thirty couples in the process of separation/divorce.