Explaining the Symptomatology of Separated and Divorced Women and Men: The Role of Material Conditions and Social Networks

Past research consistently finds that marital dissolution is associated with psychological distress. In this paper, we propose that the explanation for this association varies by gender. Specifically, we hypothesize that it is material conditions (income and parental obligations) that are most important in accounting for the greater symptomatology of separated and divorced women while it is dimensions of social networks (both structural and experiential) that are more important in accounting for the symptomatology of separated and divorced men. Our analyses largely support the hypotheses. Our findings suggest that marriage protects men and women in very different ways.