How Does Financial Stress Affect a Marriage?

Financial Stress Reduces Intimacy

Financial stress is a leading cause of divorce in the United States. The chronic stress that can result in a marriage from insufficient funds to cover debt over long periods can diminish sexual desire. Of course, a lack of sexual desire between married partners typically results in decreased intimacy. Chronic stress can actually prevent a woman from achieving orgasm, and it can cause temporary impotence in a man. Stress hormones affect the hypothalamus gland, which can affect fertility because it produces reproductive hormones. Infertility itself increases stress in marriage and can increase expenses for couples who seek treatment, resulting in more financial stress. Lack of intimacy in a marriage can increase stress. It becomes a vicious cycle.

Increased Arguments

Financial stress can cause marriage partners to react angrily towards each other using hurtful words and loud voices with the slightest provocation. Individuals struggling with financial stress tend to drink alcohol more often, abuse drugs and smoke more. This decreases available funds to pay incoming bills. Of course, all of these coping behaviors tend to result in increased arguments between the married couple. The marriage partners may blame each other for the financial problems, causing ongoing arguments. These conflicts provoke a chain reaction that results in a decrease in socializing together with friends and family.

Health Problems

Ongoing, chronic stress increases each partner's risk of serious health problems including depression, heart disease and obesity. The effects of chronic stress tend to sneak up on individuals and can cause a decrease in productivity at work, crying spells, increased fatigue, anxiety, and withdrawal from each other and friends. Severely high Cortisol levels caused by chronic stress, according to the American Institute of Stress, can result in higher incidence of miscarriage. The health problems from chronic financial stress can be long-lasting, especially if exacerbated by alcohol, drugs or nicotine. All of these health problems and financial worries usually result in couples spending less time together. This fact makes financial woes a leading cause of marital conflict and divorce.

Resources

• Intimacy & Sex by Dr. Ava Cadell
• Stress assessment
• Money Dr. Phil