In Bridget Jones’s Diary, they were portrayed as complacent and insufferable, but research shows that cohabiting couples can be more smug and more likely to suffer from depression than single people. That means the risk is low.
The large-scale analysis of more than 100,000 people in seven countries adds to previous research suggesting that being in a marriage or “marriage-like” relationship may have health benefits. Added weight.
Although researchers don’t recommend dashing down the aisle to avoid depression, they say personal circumstances and broader social factors also play an important role in mental health. argue that their research could help inform strategies for tackling this condition in society.
“This study aims to develop culturally sensitive interventions and support systems to address the increased vulnerability to depression among unmarried people, especially those with high risk profiles based on country, gender, and education level. “We highlight the importance of Research from Macau University of Technology, China.
Written for Nature Human Behaviorthe team reported how they first analyzed data from 106,556 participants from seven countries, including China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Indonesia, and South Korea, of whom 22,490 reported having symptoms of depression.
After taking into account factors such as age, gender, education, smoking status, BMI, and health status, the research team found that people who did not live with a partner were 86 times more likely to be depressed than those who lived with a partner. % was found to be high.
“Participants who are unmarried but cohabiting are considered ‘married’ for this study,” Lee said. This study did not consider the impact on non-cohabiting relationships.
Unmarried people are more likely to be single (79% more likely to be depressed than married people), divorced or separated (99% more likely), or widowed (64% more likely) Regardless, the odds have increased.
The researchers found that this association was particularly strong among men and highly educated people in Western countries. This may be due to cultural differences in tolerance to psychological distress, with women having larger and stronger social support networks and more highly educated individuals potentially experiencing greater pressures and demands. The researchers suggest that this may be due to differences.
The team also enrolled 20,865 participants from five countries and followed them for four to 18 years.
Overall, 4,486 participants reported developing symptoms of depression, and the analysis suggests that alcohol consumption may be a reason why unmarried people are at higher risk for depression, at least in China, Mexico, and South Korea. The researchers found that smoking may be another factor in China and Mexico. .
The researchers say these results may be due to lower rates of alcohol and tobacco consumption among married adults.
The researchers also said marriage may benefit from better access to economic resources and social support, as well as spouses having a positive impact on each other’s mental health.
However, this study has limitations, including its reliance on self-reported depressive symptoms, its focus on only heterosexual couples, and its associative nature.
After newsletter promotion
“This does not prove that being unmarried directly causes depression or that being married can prevent or treat depression,” Lee said, adding that the quality of the marital relationship is also probably important but was not considered in the study. he added.
Dr Veronica Lamarche from the University of Essex, who was not involved in the study, said previous research had shown that there are health benefits to being in a relationship compared to being single.
But she also said the quality of the relationship is important. In fact, recent research suggests that marital conflict can negatively impact mental health.
“The important thing is that this [study] That should not be seen as a motive for dating or getting married for that purpose,” LaMarche said.
“A growing body of research shows that people who are single by choice and feel comfortable at that stage of their lives have similar health outcomes as people who are in relationships.
“People derive as many health and well-being benefits from their connections with close friends and family as they do from their marital partners. The key here is that being married… It’s not about ‘not being married,’ it’s about the quality of the relationships we cultivate.”
