The impact of male anxiety on their spousal relationships

The purpose of this research was to understand how men, who self-identify the experience of anxiety, perceive it impacts their spousal relationship. The theoretical frameworks this study draws from are attachment and social learning. This study used a qualitative, cross-sectional, exploratory design. Six males, who self-identified experiences of anxiety, participated in the study. One focus group and two individual interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data. The findings revealed four themes: (a) emotional confusion (b) avoidance of their spouse when anxiety/anger is present, (c) financial responsibilities as a precursor to anxiety, (d) cognitions and physiological responses related to anxiety and the spousal relationship. Finally, implications for social work policy, practice, and research are discussed.