Couple-Level Stress Proliferation and Husbands' and Wives' Distress During the Life Course

Objective The present study investigated the factorial structure of the dyadic stress proliferation process in couples in enduring marriages leading to their psychological distress in later years. Background Stress proliferation during short and long periods of time has been shown to drive complex stress-distress processes during the life course. This research has largely been limited to individual-level stress proliferation with less research demonstrating stress proliferation in the context of enduring relationships. Methods Using data from 224 dual-earner couples in long-term marriages, the present study examined the aggregation of individual stress (as defined by role-related stress experiences including provider, work, spousal, and parental roles) into couple-level stress constructs. These couple-level stress constructs were examined as predictors of husbands' and wives' psychological distress over 27 years (1991-2017) independent of individual-level stress. Results Couple-level socioeconomic and relationship stress was highly stable over time, suggesting that stress within a domain proliferates across the life course. Individual-level psychological distress was significantly associated with couple-level stress constructs at midlife and in later life after controlling for previous distress. Conclusion Evidence suggests that husbands' and wives' psychological distress is significantly affected by couple-level stress processes. Findings have implications for intervention and prevention programs focusing on the well-being of married couples in later life.