J. Bookwala et R. Schulz, SPOUSAL SIMILARITY IN SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING - THE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH STUDY, Psychology and aging, 11(4), 1996, pp. 582-590
This study examines the extent to which one spouse's subjective well-b
eing predicts that of the partner (N = 1,040 spousal pairs, 65 years o
r older). Prior research is extended in two ways: (a) She similarity o
f both affective domains (depressive symptoms, feelings about life asa
whole, and satisfaction with the meaning and purpose of life) and non
affective domains (perceived health) are examined, and (b) known predi
ctors of well-being in older adults (sociodemographic variables, self
and spouse health status variables, and exposure to common environment
al events) are statistically controlled. Results indicate that one spo
use's assessments of well-being and depression predict the other's wel
l-being even after controlling For known predictors of these outcomes.
Given tile similarity of findings For affective and nonaffective doma
ins, multiple mechanisms, including contagion, mate selection, and com
mon environmental influences, are speculated as likely ro contribute t
o this phenomenon.