Through Sickness and in Health—Unless…

Remember that part of your marriage vow where you promised to stick together through sickness and health? It may surprise you to learn that when it comes to serious illnesses, marriages are a whopping seven times more likely to fall apart when women become sick than when their husbands do. What’s up with that?

The Research

According to a 2025 study reported by the Journal of Marriage and Family, women in a heterosexual marriage are far less likely than their spouses to have marital support in times of serious illness. The study included over 25,000 couples aged 50+. For couples between 50 and 64 years old, marriages were more likely to end if the wife had failing health. But when the husband faced serious health issues, there was no greater likelihood of divorce than for couples with two healthy partners.  Likewise, when the woman faced severe limitations related to daily tasks and activities, the chances for divorce went up. Conversely, when men faced such limitations, there was no greater divorce outcome. The one area that was predictive of divorce regardless of the affected partner was in mental health. Depression in either spouse led to higher instances of divorce than for couples where neither spouse was depressed. An exception to that last situation emerged when considering older couples.  When partners were over 64 years old, the chances of divorce rose only when the woman struggled with depression.

In yet another study, when women experienced a brain tumor, the chances of divorce jumped by 21 percent.  However, when men were the ones diagnosed with a brain tumor, only 3 percent of couples divorced.

There is substantial research suggesting that illness is a severe stressor on any marriage, leading to greater levels of dissatisfaction in the marriage. That can be because it forces shifts in duties and expectations, because it creates a financial burden, and because it takes one spouse out of the workforce.

Why Men are More Likely to Leave a Sick Partner 

While there’s no definitive conclusion explaining the higher divorce rate when wives fall ill, the researchers surmised that because wives are more likely in a caregiver role in the marriage, it puts more stress on a relationship when they become ill. Additionally, because women are often more dependent on their husbands financially, it is less likely they would leave a marriage should their husbands become ill.  Another factor that could help to explain the gender gap is the fact that men are much more likely to remarry, and to remarry significantly younger women.

Divorce Due to Illness 

If you are facing divorce due to one partner’s significant illness, things can be a bit trickier due to financial considerations, emotions associated with the split, and support issues. At Courtney & Mills, our dedicated Springfield family attorneys are committed to working out the best possible settlement for you.  To discuss, visit our Springfield office today.

Source:

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-single/202503/why-more-marriages-end-when-wives-get-sick-than-when-husbands-do