A recent study suggests that unmarried individuals may be at a significantly higher risk of experiencing depression compared to those who are married. The research, conducted across seven countries and including data from over 100,000 individuals, found that unmarried people, particularly men and those with higher education levels, were more likely to report symptoms of depression.
The study indicated that married individuals generally had lower rates of depression, which the authors attributed to factors such as social support, access to economic resources, and the positive influence spouses can have on each other’s well-being. Data from the UK’s 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey revealed that out of 222 individuals reporting symptoms of depression, 73 were married, 62 were single, 55 were divorced or separated, and 32 were widowed.
Researchers from Macao Polytechnic University in China, who published their findings in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, emphasized the importance of considering cultural context, sex, educational background, and substance use when addressing the increased risk of depression among unmarried individuals. The study also found that divorced or separated individuals faced a 99% higher risk of depression compared to married individuals, while widowed individuals had a 64% higher risk.
Additionally, the research highlighted regional differences in the risk of depression, with unmarried individuals in Western countries showing a higher risk compared to those in Eastern countries. The study, which spanned four to 18 years and included participants from the US, Mexico, Ireland, South Korea, China, and Indonesia, underscored the global impact of depression, affecting approximately 280 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
It is important to note that the data used in the study was based on self-reported questionnaires rather than clinical diagnoses of depression, and all couples included in the analysis were heterosexual. The findings of this research shed light on the potential risk factors associated with marital status and underline the significance of social support and well-being in mental health outcomes. Addressing the mental health needs of unmarried individuals, particularly those who are divorced or separated, may require tailored interventions that consider individual circumstances and cultural factors.