Individual, Relational, and Developmental–Contextual Pathways Linking Marriage to Health

Brazeau, Pfund, and Hill’s (2020) comment on Kiecolt-Glaser’s (2018) “Marriage, Divorce, and the Immune System” review article provides a thoughtful application of attachment theory to the relationship–health link. In addition to an attachment perspective, we offer multiple moderating and mediating mechanisms through which marriage contributes to health. A brief overview of relationship stress and coping models, as well as the importance of couples’ interdependence, is discussed. We provide specific individual, couple, and developmental–contextual factors through an interdependence lens that help explain the health costs and benefits of relationships.