MARITAL DISSOLUTION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN MIDDLE AND LATE LIFE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY

Abstract Literature to date has long indicated that marital relationships serve as one of the most important sources health and well-being across adulthood. Despite well-documented link between status health, however, studies have examined strict within-person linkages martial transitions subsequent are limited . Drawing from strength vulnerability integration theory life course perspective, we investigated mental consequences two forms dissolution (i.e., divorce widowhood), whether vary depending on timing midlife vs late adulthood). Data for this study came 11 waves longitudinal data Health Retirement Study (1998-2018). sample included 22,911 individuals 50 older (11,429 women, 11,482 men) who were selected at first wave which they identified married during observation period subsequently followed up 14 years (person-wave observations N=127,081). Approximately 4% 17% experienced a widowhood, respectively, observation. Mental was assessed with an 8-item version Center Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. findings based multilevel models robust association transition widowhood higher levels depressive symptoms, but such not found regarding divorce. For women only, more detrimental compared late-life widowhood. The discussed in context intervention strategies.