SPOUSAL SIMILARITY IN SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING - THE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH STUDY

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.