THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH ON THE REALIZATION OF FAMILY FUNCTIONS IN MARRIED COUPLES

Abstract

The article presents a theoretical and empirical analysis of the impact of mental health on the realization of family functions in married couples. Mental health is considered as an integrative resource that includes emotional stability, self-regulation, adaptability, and psychological well-being, ensuring effective functioning of individuals within family systems. It is substantiated that the psycho-emotional state of partners plays a key role in shaping emotional interaction, communication quality, and mutual support.

It is established that under conditions of social instability and chronic stress, the level of mental health significantly affects the quality of family functioning. In particular, it is revealed that increased levels of anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms lead to disruptions in emotional contact, difficulties in communication, and decreased ability to make joint decisions. The empirical study was conducted among married couples of reproductive age using the DASS-21 scale and an author-developed questionnaire aimed at assessing the realization of emotional, communicative, reproductive, and educational family functions.

The results show that a significant proportion of respondents demonstrate elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. It is found that these indicators negatively correlate with the effectiveness of family functioning, especially emotional and communicative functions. It is substantiated that mental health acts as a system-forming factor that determines marital interaction, stability of the family system, and the effectiveness of family role performance. The findings confirm the need for further research and the development of psychological support programs aimed at improving the mental health of spouses and strengthening the adaptive potential of family systems in contemporary social conditions.