A comparison study of psychological, family function marital and life satisfactions of polygamous and monogamous women in Jordan

Young Bedouin-Arab Men's Ego and Pride: Do Traditional Masculinity and Positive Attitudes Toward Polygyny Shape Responses to a Wife's Refusal?

Cultural traditions in Israel's Bedouin-Arab community encourage and permit men to take up to four wives, a practice supported by Islamic teachings. Despite legal prohibitions against polygyny in Israel, such marriages remain common and have profound effects on women, children, and broader society. This study explores how traditional notions of masculinity and positive attitudes toward polygyny influence young Bedouin men's reactions to a hypothetical scenario in which their wife refuses to accept a polygynous marriage as a threat to men's ego and pride. The sample consisted of 459 young, unmarried Israeli Bedouin-Arab men, aged 16 to 25, a demographic frequently under family pressure to marry, making the issue of marriage highly relevant. We hypothesized that traditional masculinity and favorable attitudes toward polygyny would be positively associated with heightened perceptions of ego and pride threats in response to a wife's refusal. Participants were randomly assigned to imagine either their wife refusing a polygynous arrangement (n = 228) or accepting a polygynous arrangement (n = 231) and then reporting their anticipated emotional responses. The results showed that traditional masculinity was linked to positive attitudes toward polygyny, and both were significantly associated with increased perceptions of ego and pride threats in the refusal scenario but not in the acceptance scenario. The findings suggest that men with strong masculine identities and favorable views of polygyny are especially vulnerable to feeling threatened by a wife's refusal. This supports social construction theory and underscores the role of cultural norms in shaping emotional responses. The discussion highlights the psychological impacts of polygyny in patriarchal societies and calls for culturally sensitive interventions that challenge traditional norms while fostering psychological resilience and gender equality.

Sharing Your Husband: Adult Attachment Styles and Emotional Responses of Israeli Bedouin-Arab Women to Potential Polygynous Marriage

Polygynous marriage is prevalent among Israel's Bedouin-Arab community, despite being explicitly banned by state law. Cultural traditions and customs permit men to take multiple wives, and Islamic teachings do not prohibit the practice. The impact of polygyny is significant, affecting women, children, and society as a whole in various ways. We examined the connections that attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance had with hypothetical responses to the potential threat of polygynous marriages in a community sample of young unmarried Israeli Bedouin-Arab women (n = 306). Participants were randomly assigned to imagine either a high-threat scenario (i.e., finding that their husband decided to take a second wife; n = 151) or a low-threat scenario (i.e., their husband would not decide to take a second wife; n = 155) and report their anticipated responses to these scenarios. Results showed that attachment anxiety was positively associated with anticipated negative emotional responses in the high-threat condition but not in the low-threat condition. However, neither attachment anxiety nor attachment avoidance were associated with the perceived threat of polygyny to their marriage. The findings of this study suggest that attachment styles play a significant role in shaping women's perceptions and reactions to hypothetical polygynous marriages. Women with anxious attachment styles are more likely to experience intensified negative emotions regarding such marriages, while those with avoidant attachment styles may display greater tolerance toward polygyny. These results highlight the need for tailored interventions and support systems that take into account individual psychological profiles as well as the broader cultural context of Israeli Bedouin-Arab society.

Clinical Implications of HIV Treatment and Prevention for Polygamous Families in Kenya and Uganda: "My Co-Wife Is the One Who Used to Encourage Me"

Polygamy is the practice of marriage to multiple partners. Approximately 6-11% of households in Uganda and 4-11% of households in Kenya are polygamous. The complex families produced by polygamous marriage customs give rise to additional considerations for healthcare providers and public health messaging around HIV care. Using 27 in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with participants in two studies in rural Kenya and Uganda, we analysed challenges and opportunities that polygamous families presented in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HIV, and provider roles in improving HIV outcomes in these families. Overall, prevention methods seemed more justifiable to families where co-wives live far apart than when all members live in the same household. In treatment, diagnosis of one member did not always lead to disclosure to other members, creating an adverse home environment; but sometimes diagnosis of one wife led not only to diagnosis of the other, but also to greater household support.

A qualitative study of a mental health awareness intervention for Jordanian and resettled Syrian refugees in host communities

BACKGROUND

Mental health disorders significantly contribute to the global burden of disease, however, prevention and treatment programs are often inaccessible in low- and middle-income countries.

AIMS

The goal of this qualitative evaluation was to examine participants experiences of the healthy community clinic (HCC-MH), an integrated mental health awareness intervention delivered in primary care clinics to Jordanians and resettled Syrians in a border community in Jordan.

METHODS

Four focus group discussions (FGDs) with Jordanians and Syrians (N = 21) who participated in the HCC-MH were conducted. FGDs examined knowledge, acceptability, and applicability of the intervention. Open coding and the constant comparison method were used to identify themes that emerged from the FGDs.

RESULTS

Six central themes emerged from the data including : (1) awareness; (2) behavior changes; (3) reduction in stigma; (4) connecting physical and mental health; (5) relationships; and (6) coping. Notably, female participants stated participation in the intervention fostered awareness of their own emotional needs, which led to positive lifestyle and behavior changes. Participants also described how the information provided in the intervention normalized emotional distress and aided understanding of the interconnection between physical and mental health. The amplification of healthy coping strategies to reduce stress and distress was also a prominent theme.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings are discussed within the cultural and contextual setting of the study, and implications for mental health awareness interventions in complex settings are provided.

The Meaning of the Marital Relationship in the Lives of Three Generations of Bedouin Women

Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, its Bedouin population has undergone many changes—from a traditional society to a modern one and from a nomadic life to permanent settlement—that have greatly affected the marital relationship. This is a qualitative study, using a narrative paradigm, of perceptions of the marital relationship in three generations of women in10 Bedouin families. An interpretive analysis of their life story interviews revealed differences and some similarities between one generation and the next. The first-generation women spoke in general about the woman’s role in the relationship and the man’s role, which was to defend, protect, and support the woman. In the two later generations, the women took upon themselves the overall responsibility for the marriage’s success. In the second generation, the marriage relied primarily on the behavior of the woman, whose role was to nurture the relationship and her husband’s reputation. The third generation saw the relationship as an escape from their suffocating birth family, a warm environment in which to rear children, and a way of meeting many emotional and physical needs. Although their expectations were often not realized, this generation, too, strove to preserve the relationship. None of the interviewees mentioned polygyny, although it is widespread among Israel’s Bedouins. And despite the intergenerational differences, there were some constants: “Women’s wisdom,” the key factor appearing in each generation, enabled Bedouin women to adapt to their marital lives and to preserve Bedouin culture.

Stressful life experience of the first married women in polygamous families in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia: a qualitative study, 2021

INTRODUCTION

Polygamy is commonly referred to as the union of a man with multiple women or the practice of having more than one wife at a time. In Ethiopia, polygamy has practiced in all regions. In particular, the stress of polygamous family life predisposes mothers to psychological problems. Being a serious public health issue, the stressful experience among polygamous women was not known in Ethiopia.

AIM

To explore a stressful life experience among first married polygamous women in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia, 2021.

METHODS

This study was conducted using a phenomenological study approach from February 20-30, 2021. A purposive sampling method was used and an in-depth interview was conducted. Data were collected from 13 first married women from polygamous.

FINDINGS

Three themes emerged from the study including reaction to polygamy, socio-economic challenges in polygamy, and bonds of families in polygamy families. The finding indicated that the status of life experience among first married women in a polygamous family was stressful. They experienced various degrees of psychological difficulties including anger, mistrustfulness, emotional distress, loneliness, emptiness, unhappiness, and lack of intimacy with their husbands.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study highlighted how polygamy is a complex issue and common practice in the Gedeo zone. There has to be a mechanism for serious follow-up to educate women properly. A long-lasting measure to empower women in the economy, social, political, and creating a level of consciousness to resist polygamy is important.

Psychological impact of polygamous marriage on women and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Over the last two decades, there has been significant growth in public, political, and academic awareness of polygamy. Polygamous families have distinct household problems, usually stemming from jealousy between co-wives over the husband's affections and resources. This study aimed to ascertain the psychological impact of polygamous marriage on women and children worldwide.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Google Scholar, and ProQuest using search terms such as "marriage" and "polygamy." Studies published from the inception of the respective databases until April 2021 were retrieved to assess their eligibility for inclusion in this study. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used for data extraction and the quality assessment of the included studies. The generic inverse variance and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using RevMan software.

RESULTS

There were 24 studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria, and 23 studies had a low risk of bias. The pooled meta-analysis showed women in polygamous marriages had a 2.25 (95% CI: 1.20, 4.20) higher chance of experiencing depression than in monogamous marriages. Children with polygamous parents had a significantly higher Global Severity Index with a mean difference of 0.21 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.33) than those with monogamous parents.

CONCLUSIONS

The psychological impact of polygamous marriage on women and children was found to be relatively higher than monogamous marriage. Awareness of the proper practices for polygamy should be strengthened so that its adverse effects can be minimized. The agencies involved in polygamous practices should broaden and enhance their understanding of the correct practice of polygamy.

Prevalence of mental health problems in women in polygamous versus monogamous marriages: a systematic review and meta-analysis

While some studies suggest different mental health outcomes among women in polygamous versus monogamous marriages, no published systematic review or meta-analysis has analyzed the relevant research literature. This article aims to review the evidence of marriage types (i.e., polygamous and monogamous marriages) and differences in the prevalence of mental health issues. Eleven electronic databases, along with further identified references lists, were searched. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. They included 3166 participants, and 986 women were in a polygamous marriage. All studies were rated for quality and were tested for publication bias. Meta-analyses were conducted on the five symptoms to assess for the effect of marriage type. The studies indicate a significant association of marriage type with psychological symptoms. The meta-analysis indicates that women in polygamous marriage had worsened mental health as compared with women in monogamous marriages. The weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were somatization 0.53, 0.44-0.63; obsession-compulsion 0.35, 0.14-0.56; interpersonal sensitivity 0.42, 0.12-0.73; depression 0.41, 0.15-0.67; anxiety 0.41, 0.15-0.68; hostility = 0.47, 0.28-0.66; phobic anxiety 0.39, 0.17-0.61; paranoid ideation 0.35, 0.24-0.47; psychoticism 0.41, 0.23, 0.59; and Global Severity Index (GSI) 0.43, 0.25-0.60. A higher self-esteem and life satisfaction among women in polygamous marriages and statistically superior family functioning among women in monogamous marriages were also found. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the marital satisfaction of women in polygamous versus monogamous marriages. Results are consistent with the existing research on the prevalence of mental health issues among women in polygamous marriages. Nonetheless, these women were found to have elevated self-esteem and life satisfaction than women in monogamous marriages. Directions for future research are indicated.

Marital interactions and experiences of women living in polygamy: An exploratory study

The study examines interactions and experiences of Bedouin women living in polygamous households in Israel. A mixed-method approach was applied in a two-part study. The quantitative part examined differences in differentiation of self and marital satisfaction between 50 Bedouin women in polygamous marriages and 50 in monogamous marriages. It found that, in polygamous families, women's levels of marital satisfaction were positively related to their I-position and fusion with others and negatively related to emotional cutoff and number of children at home, whereas among monogamous counterparts, marital satisfaction was only negatively associated with emotional cutoff. Surprisingly, fused relationships with the family of origin predicted higher satisfaction only in women in polygamous marriages. The qualitative part, which yielded deeper understanding of the authentic voices and experiences of 18 senior wives, revealed that they had severe emotional and physiological responses to their husbands' marriage to another woman. For most, particularly those who married young, living in a polygamous family adversely affected their marital satisfaction. Interactions ranged from violent relationships, accompanied by jealousy and anger, to respectful and harmonious relations. Along with the challenges, some women, especially the educated, chose proactive ways of coping. Educated women also preferred cohabitation with the other wife.

Sense of coherence among Bedouin women in polygamous marriages compared to women in monogamous marriages

We compared sense of coherence (SOC) among Bedouin women in polygamous with those in monogamous marriages. SOC is a global orientation toward life as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful, and is derived from generalized resistance resources that promote effective coping in stressful life situations. Strong SOC may be a resource for strengthening resilience and promoting health. We administered questionnaires to 464 Indigenous Arab Bedouin women (ages 18-49 years) in 2008-2009 using the 13-item SOC questionnaire. Contrary to our hypothesis, SOC was higher among women in polygamous compared to monogamous marriages. Husband's education, husband's abandonment of the household, living in unrecognized villages, and low mastery (perception of one's ability to control life situations) were associated with higher SOC. These results might suggest that polygamy may provoke new coping mechanisms among women as they reappraise life amidst low mastery, accept cultural norms, and marshal new resources, thereby increasing key elements of SOC, including comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. Interventions and services seeking to empower women in polygamous marriages should build on their resilience.

Caregiving of offspring with intellectual developmental disabilities in Israeli Jewish and Arab households: Financial and psychosocial differences

BACKGROUND

This research responds to the lack of evidence-based knowledge regarding the psychosocial and financial gaps among caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities living in Jewish and Arab households. It examines the financial gaps and explores whether caregivers' social economic status and households' affiliation (Jewish vs. Arab) can explain the psychosocial variables such as levels of stress, social participation types and rates, and use of public services.

METHOD

One hundred and twenty-five Jewish and Arab caregivers completed an income and expenditure survey, including out-of-pocket expenditures, a services use survey, a questionnaire regarding resources and stress levels, and a social participation scale.

RESULTS

Arab households are more likely to have a low socioeconomic status (SES) than Jewish ones, characterized by lower per capita income, less spending, fewer out-of-pocket expenditures, and less ability to deal with an unexpected expense. In respect to psychosocial measures, Arab caregivers report lower use of public services than Jewish caregivers and lean more toward contact with relatives and religious participation than do Jewish caregivers. Caregivers' social economic status and households' affiliation do not have any interaction effect on psychosocial variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings are discussed regarding research and practice.

Polygamy and birth outcomes among Bedouin women of the Negev: The contribution of social determinants and pregnancy complications

Polygamy has been associated with adverse health outcomes. We examined the association between polygamy and adverse birth outcomes (composite score of preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age, Apgar score < 7) using survey data linked to retrospective medical data of 9,872 cohort Bedouin women who bore live singletons in a large medical center in Southern Israel between 2008 and 2014. Women in polygamous marriages (18%) were more likely to have adverse birth outcomes after considering different factors (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.09-1.51), indicating that polygamy is an independent risk factor for birth outcomes that should be considered in research and clinical practice.

A Comparison of Sexual Function, Psychological Status, and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Turkish Men within Polygamous and Monogamous Marriages

BACKGROUND

A limited number of studies within the literature have entailed objective evaluations of psychological, sexual, and emotional features of women within polygamous marriages. However, there is a lack of studies reporting these features among polygamous and monogamous men.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate sociodemographic characteristics, sexual function, and psychological status of polygamously and monogamously married men.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The study sample comprised two groups: 35 polygamous and 45 monogamous men in Kahramanmaraş Province, Turkey. Door-to-door surveys covered sociodemographic factors and adopted Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and International Index of Erectile Function - Erectile Function Domain (IIEF-EFD) scales.

RESULTS

Polygamous men showed considerably higher IIEF-EFD scores (p<0.05). While the median score of IIEF-EFD was 25.0 for polygamous men, it was 22.0 for monogamous men. A comparison of the two groups revealed that polygamous men had lower BDI scores. However, the difference between the groups was statistically non-significant (p>0.05). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of monogamous men for erectile dysfunction and depression were 14.4 (95% CI: 3.1-67.5) and 7.4 (95% CI: 0.9-61.9), respectively. The main reasons for multiple marriages reported by polygamous men, in descending order, were: 1) decreased satisfaction of sexual desires by a wife (37.1%); 2) falling in love with the second wife (22.8%); and 3) incompatibility with the first wife (17.1%). However, 62.9% of them responded negatively to the question: "Would you recommend polygamous marriage to other men?"

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that polygamous men had higher erectile function and lower depression scores than monogamous men. Further studies investigating the effects of polygamy on men's psychosexual function are warranted. Additionally, studies that address the perspectives of offspring and women's expectations within polygamous marriages should be conducted.

Children with bronchial asthma assessed for psychosocial problems in a teaching hospital in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Paediatric bronchial asthma causes respiratory related mortality and morbidity globally and elevates the risk of psychological and social problems (psychosocial problems); which may result in poorer asthma control. The rate of and associated factors for psychosocial problems among our asthmatic children was assessed in this study.

METHODS

Seventy five (75) children aged 7 to 14 years with bronchial asthma who were attending clinics at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, were assessed with Child behaviour questionnaire and a semi-structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

Probable psychological morbidity was present in 25% of the children. The most frequently reported social impairments associated with the disease were: interference with play (60%), domestic work (49%), fear of dying anytime (29%) and feeling of being a burden on the family (25%). Psychological morbidity was significantly associated with lower maternal education (p=0.020) and occupation (p=0.038), polygamy (p=0.012), fathers having more than 5 children (p=0.027) and mothers having inadequate spousal support (p=0.012). Inadequate spousal support and lower maternal occupational level were the significant predictors of morbidity following logistic regression.

CONCLUSION

Routine psychosocial assessment and care for children with asthma needs to be introduced into our clinics to help protect them and their families from avoidable suffering.

Polygamy and poor mental health among Arab Bedouin women: do socioeconomic position and social support matter?

OBJECTIVES

Polygamy is a complex phenomenon and a product of power relations, with deep cultural, social, economic, and political roots. Despite being banned in many countries, the practice persists and has been associated with women's marginalization and mental health sequelae. In this study, we sought to improve understanding of this ongoing, complex phenomenon by examining the contribution of socioeconomic position (SEP) and social support to the excess of depressive symptoms (DS) and poor self-rated health (SRH) among women in polygamous marriages compared to women in monogamous marriages. Measuring the contribution of these factors could facilitate policies and interventions aimed at protecting women's mental health.

DESIGN

The study was conducted among a sample of Arab Bedouin women living in a marginalized community in southern Israel (N=464, age 18-50). The women were personally interviewed in 2008-2009. We then used logistic regression models to calculate the contribution of SEP (as defined by the women's education, family SEP, and household characteristics) and social support to excess of depressive symptoms and poor SRH among participants in polygamous versus monogamous marriages.

RESULTS

About 23% of the participants were in polygamous marriages. These women reported almost twice the odds of depressive symptoms (OR=1.91, 95%CI=1.22, 2.99) and poorer SRH (OR=1.73, 95%CI=1.10, 2.72) than those in monogamous marriages. Women's education changed these associations slightly, but family SEP and household characteristics resulted in virtually no further change. Social support reduced the odds for poor SRH and DS by about 23% and 28%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Polygamy is associated with higher risk for poor mental health of women regardless of their SEP and education. Social support seems to have some protective effect.

Mental health and polygamy: The Syrian case

AIM: To examine the psychological, self-esteem (SE), family function, marital satisfaction, life satisfaction and degree of agreement with the practice of polygamy among polygamous women with a control group from monogamous women in Syria.

METHODS: Convenience sample of 136 women, 64 of whom were wives in polygamous marriages and 72 were wives in monogamous marriages participated in this study. A snowball method of sampling was used, conducted by undergraduate local female students trained to collect data according to culturally competent methods. The following research instruments were deployed: the symptoms checklist-90, the Rosenberg SE, the Life Satisfaction, family function and marital satisfaction.

RESULTS: Findings revealed that women in polygamous marriages experienced lower SE, less life satisfaction, less marital satisfaction and more mental health symptomatology than women in monogamous marriages. Many of the mental health symptoms were different; noteworthy were elevated somatization, depression, hostility and psychoticism and their general severity index was higher. Furthermore, “first wife syndrome” was examined in polygamous families, comparing first with second and third wives in polygamous marriages. Findings indicated that first wives reported on more family problems, less SE, more anxiety, more paranoid ideation, and more psychoticism than second and third wives.

CONCLUSION: These results are best understood through consideration of the socio-cultural and economic realities facing these women. Implications for mental health practice, policy and further research are discussed.

The impact of polygamy on women's mental health: a systematic review

Aims. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify and appraise the present state of prevalence research on the mental health of polygynous women, or plural wives, and to summarize its implications for future research and social work practice. Methods. PsycInfo (1967 to November 2011) and Medline (1985 to November 2011) databases, systematic bibliography hand-searches, personal communication with a leading expert, and gray literature searching were applied in a systematic literature search of the prevalence of mental-health issues in polygynous women compared to monogamous women. Twenty-two studies meeting eligibility criteria were identified. Study characteristics, methods and findings were systematically extracted and appraised for quality. Results. The identified studies are of mixed methodological quality, but generally suggest a more significant prevalence of mental-health issues in polygynous women compared to monogamous women. Individual studies report a higher prevalence of somatization, depression, anxiety, hostility, psychoticism and psychiatric disorder in polygynous wives as well as reduced life and marital satisfaction, problematic family functioning and low self-esteem. Conclusions. The current state of the research reveals with moderate confidence, a more significant prevalence of mental-health issues in polygynous women as compared to monogamous women. Implications for practice and research are indicated.

The French version of the Family Assessment Device

OBJECTIVE

To validate a French version of the Family Assessment Device (FAD), a well-known self-report questionnaire assessing family functioning in clinical and research settings.

METHODS

A French adaptation of the FAD was administered to 3 groups of subjects: a nonclinical group (n = 115), relatives of psychiatric patients (n = 102), and medical patients and their relatives (n = 106). Temporal stability was assessed by test-retest intraclass correlations. Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients. Discriminant validity was explored, comparing the scores of the 3 groups, using a covariance analysis (ANCOVA). The dimensional structure of the instrument was explored using a principal component analysis, with promax oblique rotation, on the entire sample.

RESULTS

The French FAD showed good temporal stability and good discriminant validity across groups. Internal consistency was satisfactory only for the General Functioning (GF) subscale. Factor analysis yielded a 3-factor model. The GF subscale was highly correlated with all of the other subscales.

CONCLUSIONS

The French version of the FAD provides a valuable tool for assessing family functioning. However, our study failed to identify the theoretical structure of the FAD and suggests that the GF subscale could be used as a better overall indicator of family functioning.