Marital Satisfaction and Depression in Older Adults: A Literature Review

Abstract

Marital satisfaction is an important concept contributing to depression. In contrast to younger and middle-aged individuals, the negative association between marital satisfaction and depression has been reported to be strongest among older adults. This study reviewed the association between marital satisfaction and depression in older adults. Based on the literature review, findings demonstrated that older women have lower marital satisfaction and higher depression level compared to older men. Also, although spouse support is a primary source of social support and an influential protective factor against depression in older marriages, older women have less spouse support than older men. According to the findings, older women are at increased risk for depression due to poorer marital satisfaction and spousal support.

Keywords

• Marital satisfaction
• Depression
• Older adults
• Spouse support

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