Released May 22, 2008

STURGEON BAY, Wis.— A growing body of research suggests that the costs of unhealthy, unstable couple relationships can be surprisingly high. In the workplace alone, it is estimated that 30 percent of sick time is taken for marital or relationship distress rather than physical illness.

Work loss associated with relationship problems translates into a loss of approximately $6.8 billion per year for U.S. businesses and industry. One study found that in the year following a divorce, employees lost an average of 168 hours of work time.

Although divorce is a private decision, its consequences are not. Recent estimates put divorce costs to state and federal governments at $33.3 billion annually. These estimates include costs related to children’s poor academic performance, drug use, medical services, lost productivity, family support and mental health services.

"On average, children in families where two adults are in a healthy, stable relationship are more likely to perform better in school, and have fewer emotional and behavioral problems," says Pam Peterson, University of Wisconsin-Extension family living educator in Door County. "These children are less likely, on average, to engage in risky sexual behavior, criminal activity, or to abuse drugs, alcohol or tobacco."

Children from stable-couple families are also less likely to experience teen pregnancy, or to suffer from depression or sleep-related health problems.

Healthy couple relationships can benefit the community in a number of important ways, but especially in the workplace. Studies show that employees in stable relationships have lower rates of absenteeism, a greater work commitment, higher levels of productivity, and lower rates of job turnover.

Peterson and other UW-Extension family living educators are developing educational programs designed to help individuals and couples acquire behaviors, skills and communication patterns that research finds support good relationships.

"It’s important to note that research does not prescribe marriage as a solution to difficult issues," says Peterson. "But couple and marital relationships can benefit from some ‘how to’ information, some effort and the investment of time."

"Our goal is to provide education that can improve relationships, especially before they start to spiral downward," she says.

For more information about building stronger relationships or local educational programs, contact your local UW-Extension office.

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http://www.uwex.edu/news/2008/05/fallout-from-unhealthy-relationships-can-be-costly

Contact: Pam Peterson, (920) 746-2260, pam.peterson@ces.uwex.edu