How spouses affect each other's health in different types of marriages.
How Spouses Influence Each Other's Health in Same- and Different-Sex Marriages: A Dyadic and Longitudinal Assessment from Mid to Later Life
This study looks at how married couples, whether they are same-sex or different-sex, affect each other's health habits and well-being over time, and it's for couples aged 35 to 65 who want to understand how their relationship might influence their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11001953 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the ways in which spouses influence each other's health behaviors and outcomes in both same-sex and different-sex marriages. By collecting longitudinal data from married couples aged 35 to 65, the study aims to understand the dynamics of health-related behaviors and mental and physical health over time. Participants will provide information through surveys and daily diaries, allowing researchers to analyze how relationship dynamics impact health. The goal is to create a comprehensive dataset that highlights differences in health influences between different types of marriages.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are legally married individuals aged 35 to 65, in both same-sex and different-sex marriages.
Not a fit: Patients who are unmarried or outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health interventions tailored to the unique dynamics of different types of marriages.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding marital dynamics and health, but this study aims to expand on those findings with a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Umberson, Debra J. — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Umberson, Debra J.
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 below.