Marital Relationship, Psychological Distress and Perceived Social Support among Spouses of Alcohol Dependents

The aim of the present study was to examine marital relationship, psychological distress and perceived social support among spouses of alcohol dependents (SADs) and spouses of non-alcohol dependents (non- SADs). The sample consisted of 30 spouses of alcohol dependents and 30 spouses of non alcohol dependents. The mean age of the total sample was 35.71 years and mean education was 12 years. The tools used in the study were Sociodemographic Data Sheet, Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Marital Status Inventory- Revised (MSI-R), General Health Questionnaire- 28 (GHQ-28) and The Social Support Behaviors (SS- B) Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and percentages and parametric statistics such as t- test. Results revealed that spouses of alcohol dependents had significantly less dyadic adjustment, higher divorce potential and greater psychological distress when compared to spouses of non alcohol dependents. Further, they also perceived less availability of social support from their family members and friends when compared to spouses of non alcohol dependents. The findings indicate that spouses of alcohol dependents are vulnerable to emotional problems and require psychological intervention to prevent more serious psychopathology from developing.