This paper examines the hypothesis that in marriages which are characterized by shared power, flexible division of tasks, and a high level of companionship the level of health and health behavior of husbands and wives will be higher than in marriages which are characterized by unequal power, rigid sex role differentiation, and a low level of companionship. Data are based on detailed personal interviews with a random sample of 273 families and 237 additional wives. The hypothesis was generally sustained. The possible emergence of a family form which is more effective in the contemporary setting than the traditional form is discussed.
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Lois Pratt (1972) studied this question.