Longitudinal relationship trajectories of young Australian women: are they associated with physical and mental health?

Abstract

Background: Transitions into adulthood are more complex and less certain than for previous generations, and their relationships with physical and mental health may also have changed. We examine transitions in relationship status amongst young women over a 16-year period, and their associations with physical and mental health. Methods: We analysed data from 10,438 participants (born 1973-78) in the first six waves of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, from 1996 (aged 18-23) to 2012 (aged 34-39). Group-based trajectory modelling of partnered status was used to identify coherent groups undergoing similar patterns of relationship change, general linear models to compare these groups on mental health over time, and logistic regression to examine predictors and outcomes of group membership. Findings: We identified four relationship trajectory groups. ‘Early Start’ (40%) were partnered throughout most of the study period; ‘Later Start’ (38%) were generally partnered throughout the second half of the period; ‘In and Out’ (15%) moved in and out of relationships inconsistently; ‘Not Partnered’ (8%) were unpartnered at most or all surveys. Partnership was weakly related to mental health, while all groups showed significant and meaningful improvement in mental health over the 16 years. There were few consistent group differences in physical health or health behaviours, but the groups differed on many sociodemographic factors. Discussion: In this cohort of women, relationship trajectories appear relatively unrelated to physical or mental health. Rather, the findings suggest a pattern of positive adaptation to circumstances, and improving mental health regardless of partnership status.