MENTAL-HEALTH AND CONJUGAL RELATIONS AMONG WORKERS EXPOSED TO NEUROTOXIC SUBSTANCES

Fifty-five (55) workers and their spouses took part in assessments of the effect of exposure to nerve agents in the work place on mental hea lth and marriage. Standardized measurements were used to assess exposu re level, mental health problems and marital discord. Results show tha t a) significant levels of exposure are related to a high incidence of psychological symptoms, b) workers' psychological symptoms mediate th e impact of exposure on spouses' perceptions of marital discord and c) exposure regulates the relationship between mental health and marital discord. Exposure therefore poses a risk to marital stability.