Marital and Sexual Satisfaction, Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Wives of Patients with Chronic Illnesses

Page: 01-06
Daanesh M. Umrigar and Rajendra Mhaske (Department of Psychology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra)

To explore the psychological health, as well as the levels of marital and sexual satisfaction, of wives of patients with a chronic illness. The sample consisted of 34 women, whose husbands were diagnosed with, and were undergoing treatment for a chronic illness (Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), Diabetes; or Cancer). Correlational and comparative analysis were conducted on the data. Clinically significant marital and sexual dissatisfaction were found. Wives reported moderate levels of depression and anxiety, but severe levels of stress. Depression and Sexual satisfaction were found to be significant predictors of marital satisfaction. Wives are impacted by the illness status of their spouse. The additional stress of caregiving, along with societally ascribed roles and responsibilities on women creates a more difficult, stressful environment, which affects the relationship satisfaction as well as psychological health and well-being.