The Incidence of Polygamy in Contemporary Africa: A Research Note

A Comparison of Family Functioning, Life and Marital Satisfaction, and Mental Health of Women in Polygamous and Monogamous Marriages

“…In some communities, women in polygamous relationships report being abused by their husbands or other wives (Hassouneh-Phillips, 2001c), and for some populations the incidences of psychiatric disorders, low self-esteem and loneliness are higher for women in polygamous relationships (Al-Krenawi, 2001). Research has found increased rates of mortality among children of polygamous unions (Strassmann, 1997), especially if the mother is the first wife, the environment at home is stressful, parental investment is low, and resources are diluted; however, results regarding polygamy and associated issues of fertility are mixed (Elbedour et al, 2000;Welch & Glick, 1981).…”

A Comparison Study of Psychological, Family Function Marital and Life Satisfactions of Polygamous and Monogamous Women in Jordan

“…Co-wives likely have very limited private time with the lone husband they share, and thus might vie for his attention and favour. In some polygamous communities, women's self-worth is linked to the number of children they bear and, therefore, having time with their husband is also critical to their status within the family and community (Committee on Polygamous Issues 1993; Thompson and Erez 1994;Ware 1979;Welch and Glick 1981). Studies showed that in certain contexts, jealousy between co-wives can escalate to intolerable levels, resulting in physical injuries sustained by women and suicide attempts amongst women; families often live together in crammed and overcrowded conditions, creating an environment that aggravates stress and conflict between co-wives.…”

The impact of polygamy on women's mental health: a systematic review

“…As a consequence of the sheer magnitude of the polygamous population as well as the breadth of the research topic, polygamy has substantially developed as a subject of study over the last three decades. Of course, the criticism uttered by Welch & Glick (1981) still stands partially true – namely that the study of polygamy is largely ignored by researchers despite the fact that its ongoing practice warrants its further study. Indeed, Al-Krenawi (1999) has further argued that, ‘researchers and family practitioners have rarely paid attention to the association between polygamy and mental health’ though some published evidence has suggested that polygamous women and children report higher rates of emotional distress, psychological problems, familial conflict, jealousy and stress than their monogamous counterparts (Al-Krenawi, 1998; Elbedour et al 2002).…”