Impact of Spousal Addiction on Women's Marital Satisfaction and Family Peace in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of spousal addiction on women's marital satisfaction and family peace in Turkey. Methods: This hospital-based case-control study was conducted between May and September 2024 in a large city in Turkey. A total of 309 married women aged 18 years and older participated, including those married to men hospitalized for addiction and those married to non-addicted men. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires covering socio-demographic characteristics, addiction status, marital satisfaction, and the Family Peace Scale (FPS). Results: The mean age of participants was 35.57 ± 9.58 years. Women whose husbands were undergoing addiction treatment (45.72 vs. 56.70) or addicted to any substance (49.13 vs. 59.11) had significantly lower FPS scores (p < 0.05). Similarly, FPS scores were significantly lower for women whose husbands were addicted to cigarettes (49.61 vs. 57.17), alcohol (44.17 vs. 54.59), drugs (44.52 vs. 56.39), or medication (41.27 vs. 53.61) (p < 0.05). According to the results of the logistic regression analysis, a higher educational level of the woman (OR = 2.388) was associated with a reduced likelihood of the man being addicted, whereas the presence of any substance addiction in the woman (OR = 2.422), lower FPS scores (OR = 2.042), and the presence of sexual problems (OR = 1.484) were associated with an increased likelihood. (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that addictive behaviors harm marital satisfaction and family stability. In addition to addiction treatment, policymakers should enhance family support and preventive programs, while clinical practice should provide family therapy and communication and stress management interventions involving both individuals and their spouses.