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“Marriage has become more temporary than in the past”

PUDUCHERRY: “Shattering age-old beliefs, marriage today has become more of a gathering of equals rather than the subjugation of one to another. But with globalisation it has also become more temporary than it has been in the past,” said Nappinnai Seran, psychological counsellor, family Court, Madras High Court.

Presenting a paper on ‘marriage and divorce – issues in mental health’ at a seminar on “Mental Health and Legal Issues” held by Pondicherry University’s Department of Applied Psychology and the Puducherry Legal Services Authority on Saturday, she said there were both positive and negative reasons for marriage.

The negative reasons for marriage included pregnancy, immigration purposes, social stigma of remaining single and economic pressure.

The need to start a family, emotional, social and financial security, having a life-time companion, respect for culture and desire to share one’s life and desire to love and be loved were among the positive reasons for marriage, she added.

Dr. Nappinnai also explained there were 27 reasons for divorce such as lack of love, communication and security, parental influence, difference in personal and career goals, unhappy childhood, conversion of religion, physical, emotional and sexual harassment.

D. Nesy, Head, Department of Philosophy, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, highlighted issues relating to bio-ethics and mental health.

“People who promote a culture of fear in which no one can be trusted; people who bear grudges and seldom forgive others, people who promote a hatred of a common enemy to gain acceptance; people who feel victimised and seldom express gratitude have paranoid personality disorders. In contrast, (mentally) healthy people trust their friends, forgive and freely express praise and gratitude,” she said.

She said, “Advances in modern science and technology affected all phases of our lives, the result of which was many of us in the contemporary world tend to stumble around and are anxious, unhappy and bewildered.”

V.D. Swaminathan, Professor of Psychology, Director-in-charge, University, Students Advisory Bureau, University of Madras in his paper on ‘Mental Health – Clinical Aspects’ gave ‘Ten Commandments for good health’ including maintain good physical health; smile and laugh appropriately; develop cordial interpersonal relationship; knowing your personal worth; concentrate on the present; have a definite philosophy of life and follow the religion of love.

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