Who benefits: Health effects of marriage matching patterns

Abstract Objective This study analyzed the impact of marriage matching patterns on individual health and the mechanisms underlying these effects. Background Numerous studies have examined the benefits of marriage matching from a single aspect but have rarely concentrated on the health domain. We argue that investigating the health effects of marriage matching is crucial and that assessing marriage matching from multiple dimensions is more rational and compelling. Method Based on the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), we measured the health levels of respondents using self‐reported health, chronic diseases, and BMI and assessed marriage matching based on the respondents' individual characteristics, family background, and socioeconomic status to establish an econometric model for empirical analysis. Results The health benefits of homogamous marriages are limited. In contrast, spouses occupying a “dominant” position in heterogamous marriages experience significantly poorer health outcomes, primarily due to negative health behaviors and lower marital satisfaction. These adverse health effects are especially pronounced among women and older individuals. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that patterns of marriage matching have a profound impact on individual health, underscoring the importance of multidimensional assessment and further research in this domain. Implications This study highlights the need for public health interventions to improve the health of “dominant” spouses in heterogamous marriages, especially women and the elderly.