Is Marriage Beneficial for Mental Health?

News Desk

Islamabad: A recent medical study conducted in Sweden has shed light on the correlation between marital status and mental health risks.

Drawing from medical records of 2.2 million individuals, the study found a notable increase in the risk of dementia among single individuals compared to those who were married or had experienced the loss of a spouse.

Specifically, the research focused on individuals aged 50 to 74, and it revealed that the risk of dementia was twice as high among single individuals. It’s important to note that not all participants had dementia at the beginning of the study.

Over the course of the research period, which spanned 10 years, approximately 32,000 participants experienced mental disorders. The study unveiled that the risk of developing such disorders was significantly higher among single individuals compared to their married counterparts. Interestingly, researchers found no discernible difference in risk between men and women in this regard, suggesting that both genders face similar risks associated with marital distance.

Researchers attributed these findings to the social support and reduced feelings of loneliness that often accompany marriage. Living with a spouse can provide individuals with a sense of companionship and emotional support, which in turn may mitigate negative mental health outcomes like depression and anxiety.

The study’s findings were published in the medical journal BMJ Open, underscoring the importance of addressing social factors, such as marital status, in mental health research and interventions.