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Marital breakdown and subsequent depression
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By Michelle Rotermann
Abstract
Keywords
Author
Findings
Methods
Definitions
Limitations
References
Abstract
Objectives
This study examines the relationship between the dissolution of a marital or cohabitating relationship and subsequent depression among Canadians aged 20 to 64.
Data sources
Data are from the longitudinal component of the National Population Health Survey (1994/1995 through 2004/2005) and include the household population only.
Analytical techniques
Cross-tabulations were used to examine the association of marital dissolution with change in household income, social support, presence and number of children in the household and employment status over a two-year period. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between marital dissolution and depression over a two-year period among those who had not been depressed two years earlier, while controlling for these changes. To maximize sample size, pooling of repeated observations was used.
Main results
Cross-tabulations were used to examine the association of marital dissolution with change in household income, social support, presence and number of children in the household and employment status over a two-year period. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between marital dissolution and depression over a two-year period among those who had not been depressed two years earlier, while controlling for these changes. To maximize sample size, pooling of repeated observations was used.
Keywords
- divorce
- health surveys
- income
- longitudinal studies
- common-law
Author
- Michelle Rotermann, Health Analysis and Measurement Group
Statistics Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0T6
Telephone: (613) 951-3166
Email: Michelle.Rotermann@statcan.ca
Findings
In Canada, an estimated 4 marriages in 10 will end before the couple celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. The most recent data available from the Divorce Registry show that nearly 71,000 married couples divorced in 2003; thousands more separated. [Full text]
Methods
Data source
The analysis of associations between the dissolution of a marriage or common-law relationship and a new episode of depression over a two-year period among those who were free of depression at baseline is based on data from the National Population Health Survey (NPHS). The NPHS, which began in 1994/1995, collects information about the health of Canadians every two years. It covers household and institutional residents in all provinces, except persons living on Indian reserves, on Canadian Forces bases, and in some remote areas. [Full text]
Definitions
Depression is characterized by a depressed mood and/or lack of interest in most things, along with other symptoms, all lasting at least two weeks. [Full text]
Limitations
The potential for bias due to respondent attrition is problematic in longitudinal research. [Full text]
References
