Department of Psychology. University of Santa Monica, California, United States of America
Expert Review
The Generational Effects of Marriage on Children: Marriage Education as a Preventive Mental Health Intervention
Author(s): Nancy Landrum*
Over the past century, marriage has shifted from a practical institution centered on survival to one expected to provide emotional connection, personal fulfilment, and psychological safety. This transition has raised expectations without a corresponding increase in the relational skills needed to meet them, contributing to widespread marital dissatisfaction and its associated mental and physical health risks. This article explores how the quality of marriage shapes not only the well-being of partners but also the developmental trajectories of their children.
Research and clinical observations consistently show that children internalize the relational patterns they observe, carrying these models into adulthood. High-conflict or unstable marriages increase the likelihood of emotional and relational difficulties across generations, while stable, supportive partnerships foster r.. View more»