Recent research indicates that individuals who are divorced or widowed may face a higher mortality risk than those who are married or cohabiting.
Study Overview
A team of researchers in Norway examined national health data over several decades. They focused on the mortality risk among divorced individuals, those who ended cohabiting relationships, and widows.
The findings were published in the journal BMJ Public Health. The study involved three groups of about 20,000 people each, spanning from 1984 to 2019. All participants were initially married or living with a partner.
“Divorces or breakups were consistently linked with higher mortality across all groups compared to couples who stayed together.”
Mortality Risks Analyzed
Participants were categorized into groups: still married or cohabiting, divorced or separated, and widowed. Death records up to January 2020 were reviewed.
The study revealed a consistent link between divorces or breakups and increased mortality, which persisted even after considering variables such as age, gender, health habits, and loneliness.
Being widowed was associated with a 14% higher mortality risk. This link was more pronounced in the early period of the study.
Findings and Implications
The results highlighted the impact of social disconnection on public health. M. David Rudd, a professor at the University of Memphis, suggested these findings reiterate the known effects of loneliness on physical health and emotional well-being.
Rudd emphasized, “Loneliness has significant and severe consequences for individual physical health and emotional well-being. We are social beings, and relationships are essential to health, happiness, and survival.”
This research suggests that relationships and social engagement are vital, not only in romantic contexts but also across all human interactions. Maintaining these relationships contributes to overall health and happiness.