WORK, MARRIAGE, LIFE-STYLE, AND CHANGES IN MENS PHYSICAL HEALTH

Using three waves of data for 320 men living in the rural Midwest, thi s study tested a model which proposed independent effects of work cond itions and marital experiences on change in physical health through he alth behaviors. The findings support the hypothesized model. Both cont rol over work and positive marital interactions reduced the probabilit y of a risky lifestyle in terms of health related behaviors after cont rolling for family economic status. Risky lifestyle, in turn, was rela ted to poorer self and spouse reported health after controlling for pr evious health status and family income. The findings underscore the im portance of specific work and marital processes for men's physical hea lth.