Psychological State of Wives of Migrant and Resident Husbands: A Comparative Study in Bangladesh

Abstract

In low-income countries, temporary migration for occupational purposes has resulted in millions of married couples living in long-distance conjugal relationships. While it brings economic benefits to the respective families, this phenomenon also ushers profound changes in the everyday lives of left-behind spouses. Spousal separation, lack of companionship, and increased household responsibilities may trigger mental health problems in left-behind female spouses of migrant workers. Thus, the present study was planned to (i) investigate the psychological state of wives of migrant and resident husbands and (ii) explore whether it varies due to the employment status and types of family. A descriptive cross-sectional design was followed to conduct the study. A questionnaire package comprising three Bangla versions (i.e., Anxiety Measuring Questionnaire, Depression Measuring Questionnaire, and Hopelessness Measuring Questionnaire), along with a Personal Information Form (PIF), was used in the study. The sample encompassed 200 women (100 wives of migrant husbands & 100 wives of resident husbands) who were purposively and conveniently selected from three areas in Bangladesh. The data so obtained were analyzed through both descriptive (e.g., mean and SD) and inferential statistical techniques (e.g., independent sample t-test). The output of this study indicated that wives of migrants display significantly higher anxiety, depression, and hopelessness than wives of resident husbands. Results also revealed that no significant differences were found among wives of migrant husbands with different residential areas and family types in terms of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. But in the case of hopelessness, a significant difference exists due to different occupation levels. The implications of the output have been interpreted in light of previous studies.