Marital and sexual functioning and dysfunctioning, depression and anxiety

This paper reviews empirical and theoretical publications from 1970 to 2009 on the relation between marital and sexual functioning, depression and anxiety. The link between sexual and marital functioning is well known. Marital functioning is a factor in relation with sexual dysfunctions such as hypoactive sexual desire. Sexual functioning is associated to marital satisfaction. The role of marital and sexual factors was also studied in relation with psychological distress. Satisfying marital functioning protects against the development of psychological distress but is also a factor related to depression and anxiety. The link between marital distress and depression is particularly strong. Empirical data indicate also that marital treatment may improve not only sexual and marital functioning but may also reduce symptoms of psychological distress. When depressive symptoms are associated to marital distress, research indicates that marital therapy may be considered as one of the first options of treatment to reduce both marital and psychological distress.