Psychological Effects of Inter Marriages on Mental Health

Abstract

The objective of the current investigation was to analyze the impact of inter-family marriages on mental health outcomes. A cross-sectional research methodology was employed, and a total of 300 individuals were selected utilizing a purposive sampling strategy. The sample consisted of 150 adults originating from inter-family marriages and 150 adults stemming from intra-family marriages. Mental health was evaluated through the utilization of the Mental Health Inventory–38 (MHI-38; Veit & Ware, 1983). Statistical computations were performed employing SPSS version 20.0.

The findings revealed that positive mental health attributes were markedly elevated among adults engaged in intra-family marriages, whereas the overall mental health status was comparatively inferior among adults involved in inter-family marriages. Specifically, life satisfaction, emotional resilience, and general positive affect were found to be greater in the intra-family marriage cohort. Conversely, detrimental mental health indicators—such as anxiety, depression, and loss of behavioral regulation—were significantly more pronounced among adults from inter-family marriages. All dimensions of mental health exhibited statistically significant variations between the two cohorts at p < .0001. Additionally, gender disparities were noted, with adults from intra-family marriages displaying superior mental health outcomes compared to their counterparts from inter-family marriages.

Keywords: Mental health, inter-family marriages, intra-family marriages, cross-sectional design, life satisfaction, emotional stability.