Wilson, Chris M. and Oswald, Andrew J. (2005) How does marriage affect physical and psychological health? A survey of the longitudinal evidence. Working Paper. Coventry: University of Warwick, Department of Economics. (Warwick economic research papers.

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Abstract

This paper examines an accumulating modern literature on the health benefits of relationships like marriage. Although much remains to be understood about physiological channels, we draw the judgement, after looking across many journals and disciplines, that there is persuasive longitudinal evidence for such effects. The size of the health gain from marriage is remarkable. It may be as large as the benefit from giving up smoking.

Item Type:	Working or Discussion Paper (Working Paper)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Economics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Marriage -- Psychological aspects, Well-being -- Social aspects, Health -- Psychological aspects, Longitudinal method, Happiness -- Social aspects
Series Name:	Warwick economic research papers
Publisher:	University of Warwick, Department of Economics
Place of Publication:	Coventry
Date:	May 2005
Number:	No.728
Number of Pages:	31
Status:	Not Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/1466

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