ABSTRACT
Classical studies of concordance of mental illness among hospital patients or the normal population have left unanswered the question of why and how people with mental illness are more likely to have spouses who are also ill. This chapter examines homogamy on certain social variables, but not on all those personality dimensions which are supposed to be most influenced by genetic factors. It suggests that attention may need to be paid to the medical settings in its function as a mating pool for disadvantaged patients, such as schizophrenia sufferers. Although it is harder for mental patients to get married and survived in an intimate relationship, the couples provide an example of how one can better adapt to the environment by creating a social milieu through marriage that is accepting, understanding, and less demanding.
