Happy wife, happy life! Russian study claims marriage prevents burnout, especially for men

The phrase ‘happy wife, happy life’ might have some science behind it.

Researchers from the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Moscow, Russia found men who have marriage satisfaction experience less burnout as employees. 

The team determined that a successful career becomes their identity for men, adding pressure to their lives, but having support at home elevates burnout.

Burnout causes significant mental fatigue and manifests through emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a decline in personal fulfillment. 

The findings also suggested that men who experience greater professional success tend to have higher relationship satisfaction levels. 

A separate report found that more than half of American workers experience at least moderate levels of burnout. 

Meanwhile, according to the CDC, the number of marriages in the US was at its lowest point for 20 years in 2020.

The new study was conducted using an online survey with 120 female and 83 male employees of Russian business organizations aged 20-69.

A total of 107 were married, 87 were in relationships and nine were divorced.

Participants were asked to assess their satisfaction with personal relationships and the presence of workplace burnout symptoms.

The study found that as the level of marital satisfaction increases, the risk of burnout decreases, and this correlation is more pronounced in men.

Study author Ilya Bulgakov, a doctoral student at HSE School of Psychology, said: ‘For men, career success can often become a fundamental aspect of their identity and self-esteem. 

‘As a result, they may encounter greater pressure in the workplace and experience elevated stress levels while striving to fulfill their duties and meet expectations. 

‘In this context, marital satisfaction and feeling supported in one’s private life can become critical factors in preventing burnout among men.’

He added: ‘Individuals suffering from workplace burnout syndrome often struggle to disconnect from their work and therefore remain in a constant state of tension. 

‘Consequently, personal relationships serve as a means for them to escape the pressures of the career race, providing a source of satisfaction and support. Interestingly, this association has been observed only in men. 

‘This can perhaps be attributed to traditional social roles, where men are frequently assigned greater responsibility for attaining career success, leading to higher work-related pressure.’

The team did look at women, finding depersonalization from colleagues and clients and a decrease in empathy and compassion has a greater impact on the development of burnout.

‘The researchers suggest that depersonalization experienced by women is linked to the societal expectations and social roles commonly imposed on them within the professional realm,’ the team shared in a press release.

The study was published in the journal Organizational Psychology.