How Problems in the Orthodox Jewish Shidduch Dating System Influence Mental Health: Clinical Guidelines for Treatment

Previous qualitative studies have noted that the Orthodox Jewish dating system, often referred to as shidduch dating, has become difficult for many. The aim of this study was to assess the way some of these problems influence well-being. To minimize response bias, some questions pertaining to problems in the shidduch system were added to a larger communal survey. Participants were asked to rate the severity of the following problems on a Likert scale of 1-100: (a) pressure to get married before you feel ready, (b) lack of dating opportunity, (c) superficiality of dating criteria and resume system, (d) too much gender segregation makes it hard to meet people, (e) stigma and lack of respect for singles; (f) parental overinvolvement in the dating process, (g) problems related to matchmakers, and (h) lack of education regarding dating, intimacy, and creating meaningful relationships. Participants also completed the Depression Scale (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression-10), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Seven-Item Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Two hundred fifty-five Orthodox Jewish single individuals responded to the study. A correlational analysis revealed that most of the problems noted correlated with mental health measures, and differentially impacted females where females rated most of the problems as more severe, and appeared to be more negatively impacted by them. This study provides some awareness regarding the impact problems in shidduch dating has on well-being and can help clinicians working with this population better understand the way these problems influence mental health. Clinical Impact Statement The findings of this study shed light on the difficulties within the Orthodox Jewish shidduch dating system, and the way some of these difficulties impact well-being, particularly for females. These findings can help mental health professionals better understand challenges experienced within the shidduch system. Clinical implications and suggestions are discussed to better service this population.