Effects of marriage policy on mental health in New Zealand
Official title: Mental Health Effects of Marriage Policy: Evidence from Linked Administrative Data in New Zealand
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11072243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes in marriage laws in New Zealand might impact the mental health of people who are more vulnerable, focusing on issues like anxiety and depression for those who were able to get married starting in 2013.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | November 21, 2024 |
| Project end | March 20, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $722,293 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH140023-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072243 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in New Zealand who belong to vulnerable populations affected by changes in marriage policy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of vulnerable populations or those who do not reside in New Zealand may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in marriage policy in New Zealand affect the mental health of vulnerable populations. By analyzing linked administrative data, the study will explore outcomes such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and substance abuse among individuals who gained legal access to marriage in 2013. The research employs rigorous statistical methods to assess the impact of marriage on mental health, utilizing comprehensive healthcare data that includes information on prescriptions and treatment referrals. The goal is to provide insights into how legal recognition of marriage can influence mental health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes for vulnerable populations by informing policies related to marriage access.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that legal recognition of marriage can positively impact mental health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carpenter, Christopher S. — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Carpenter, Christopher S.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.