Apr 13, 2009 7:15 pm US/Eastern
Study: Recession Doing A Number On Marriages
Fears Of Unemployment Sending More Couples To Divorce Court, But There Are Ways To Improve Things
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The recession has many Americans understandably worried about losing their jobs. But could it also be putting you at risk of losing your spouse?
Marriage counselors say they're seeing more relationships on the rocks as the economy sours.
Stan and Tina Crouch got married last year, but the recession quickly put a damper on their marriage.
All of a sudden there was a lot of stress, a lot of uncertainty and a lot of pressure.
Stan's business is slow. There is less spending money and they admit it's strained their marriage.
"We had to kind of regroup and figure out where we are going and what are we going to do," Stan said.
They said it's just as bad for their married friends.
"They don't really want to talk about it. There is a blame going on back and forth. People are splitting up over it," Stan said.
The Crouches are not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 80 percent of Americans say the economy is causing them significant stress.
A recent CBS News-New York Times poll found 7 out of 10 Americans are worried a family member might lose their job.
Physiotherapist doctor Mel Schwartz is seeing more stressed couples.
"There is an uncertainty and unknown, and most people don't deal well with uncertainty," Schwartz said. "It makes us reactive and fearful and we are not in a cooperative mode in relationships."
The Crouches have learned communication is key, along with a sense of humor.
"We do a lot more window shopping than purchase shopping," Stan said laughing.
Counselors say couples facing financial stress can often benefit from stress management techniques such as breathing exercises, massages or even just listening to music.
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