Psychiatric aspects of polygamy in Jordan

Polygamy in the form of polygyny is practiced in Arab and Islamic countries including Jordan. The attitude towards polygamy in these countries varies between men and women, and sometimes from one country to another according to cultural believes, in a survey that included 200 men and 200 women in Jordan over 18 years of age, the difference in the attitude of both sexes was clear. The effect of polygamy on psychiatric morbidity was discussed, and the clinical experience in psychiatric consultation presented. Men, senior wives and junior wives reasons for consultations are discussed. With the conclusion that polygamy is a very complicated social phenomenon that needs to be taken in consideration by the mental health professional, as it could be a contributing factor in psychiatric morbidity.