It was interesting to me that divorce had a larger effect, in terms of longevity, on men than in women. The chapter stated that being divorced was much less harmful to women’s health, which I think could be surprising to some readers. In another Psychology class now, I am conducting an experiment testing the differences between males and females in emotional reactions after a relationship conflict. In my research project, I discuss the stereotypes of women’s reactions after relationship conflict and breakup. This chapter was interesting, because it included another aspect of reactivity to relationship conflict that I do not discuss in my research project.
I was also surprised that divorce was more harmful for men’s health compared to women’s. Additionally, a healthy marriage may increase longevity for men but not necessarily women. I think these findings from the Terman subjects differ from typical stereotypes that men might be “less emotional”. However, the authors also discussed that men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and poor health behaviors if they are not married. This hypothesis can definitely relate to my parent’s relationship, as my mom is constantly reminding my dad to eat healthy, engage in physical activity, and get an adequate amount of sleep.
It’s very interesting that the bias that women are more susceptible of marital conflict and divorce was dismissed in this chapter. Because women are more of social-beings, other types of social relationships are very important to them compared to men.