RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Seeking help for marital problems: the role of the general practitioner
JF The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
JO J R Coll Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 431
OP 433
VO 34
IS 265
A1 Roslyn H. Corney
A1 Andrew Cooper
A1 Anthony W. Clare
YR 1984
UL http://bjgp.org/content/34/265/431.abstract
AB Marital disharmony is a widespread phenomenon but it is largely hidden. Research, however, suggests that of the people with marital problems more approach the general practitioner than any other professional. This preliminary study reports on the help-seeking patterns of a sample of 60 patients in primary care identified as having marital problems, and a comparison is made with patients with housing problems. Men, it appeared, are less likely than women to confide in friends or relatives concerning marital problems and are less likely to find it helpful when they do; similarly, men are less likely to discuss their marital difficulties with their family doctor. Women were more satisfied with their doctor's help, which was mainly emotional support rather than more intensive counselling or referral. The implications of these preliminary findings are discussed.