Volume : 6, Issue : 4, April - 2017

Psychosocial factors and psychiatric morbidity in females reporting complaints in cases of marital disharmony

Dr. Manjiri C. Datar, Dr. Alka V. Pawar

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp;Background- The foundation of a happy family lies in cordial husband wife relationships. However marital discord leads to familial disorganization. Legal authorities in India offer protection and counselling to females who have complaints regarding marital disharmony and domestic violence. Various psychosocial factors are usually involved in marital disharmony cases. Aim-To study psychosocial factors and psychiatric morbidity in females reporting complaints in cases of marital disharmony Material &amp; methods- 100 married females reporting complaints about marital disharmony and domestic violence were interviewed in Crime against women cell of Police department in a city in India. Results- 57% couples had duration of marriage less than 5 years. The predominant complaints of the females were physical abuse, emotional abuse, interference in marital life by in-laws and communication problems with husband. 68% stayed in joint families and had significant complaints of interference by other family members. 2 % females were found to have clinically mild mental retardation, 2% had anxiety disorder, 27% had depressive disorder, and 3% had psychosis. Conclusion- Marital disharmony has multi-dimensional causative factors. Psychological factors need to be taken in consideration while dealing with cases of marital disharmony.</p>