Influence of marriage on mental health: sociological studies review

The author substantiates the importance of sociological analysis of mental health factors in modern conditions through the example of married couples. The paper reveals the essence of sociological concepts (theory of stress, structural strain theory, stigma theory) in the study of mental health and factors that determine it. It is established that the theory of stress considers an individual’s current state of life and negative life events to be factors determining mental health. It also indicates high risks of mental illness in groups with a low socioeconomic status. The representatives of the structural strain theory qualify weak social support for others and weak individual control over life circumstances, along with unfavorable organization of social space, as significant factors in the deterioration of mental health. It is noted that, according to the stigma theory, mentally unhealthy people become victims of stigma since others identify them as deviants, expecting corresponding behavior. Based on the analysis of a number of studies, a conclusion is drawn about the effect of marriage on mental health indicators, regardless of gender. It is revealed that some researchers point to improvement in mental health in a short term, while others do not show such dependence at all. The key role of «quality of marriage» and spouses’ satisfaction with marriage in the formation and strengthening of their mental health is noted.