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Tied to the perceived importance of marriage is the idea that it makes us happy. Indeed, many single people believe that their relationship status is the cause of all their problems, and that if they could just marry all their problems would melt away.
For a long time, society has told us that marriage is great. From a young age, we are taught that finding a partner should be a priority, particularly if there is the prospect of getting hitched.
The question as to whether people in relationships are happier than individuals who are single is something that plays heavily on some minds. Indeed, we live in a society that tries to convince us life is better when we're coupled up. But whether there is any truth to that theory has for a long time gone unstudied. However, in 2024 scientists published a study that shows single people are, in fact, more likely to become depressed.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
The study participants were located in various countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Korea, China, and Indonesia.
The study, whose findings experts believe may help identify risk groups for depression, looked at 18 years' worth of data from more than 100,000 people.
Overall, the study found that being unmarried is associated with a 79% higher risk of experiencing symptoms of depression, compared to those who are married.
In addition, it found that people who were divorced or separated were at a 99% higher risk of depression, while those who were widowed were at a 64% higher risk.
In addition to publishing their results, the authors of the study opined on the reasons that married people may be less likely to experience symptoms of depression.
The first reason is financial stability. Indeed, in 2024 it seems fair to say that being in a relationship is more financially beneficial than remaining single.
On the one hand, living costs are lower. For example, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment becomes considerably more affordable when split between two people.
And then, of course, there is the fact that good romantic partners can be relied upon for emotional support and they therefore contribute to their partner's emotional well-being.
Coming home from a terrible day at work, for example, is not so bad if you are greeted by someone who can offer a listening ear and cheer you up.
However, it is important to note that the study does have its limitations. For one, it is not representative of all couples, since all couples studied were heterosexual.
Also, the data was collected from self-reported questionnaires, rather than from clinical diagnoses of depression.
Indeed, in this situation, the partner carrying most of the load may be left feeling they would be happier if they only had themselves to worry about.
Given the differences in the way mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated around the world, it may be argued that using self-reported questionnaires makes for more reliable data. However, it could also be argued that the data is less reliable, since study participants' responses are based on their own individual interpretations of the questions.
While the results of the recent study are interesting, it seems they shouldn't be taken as the hard truth, especially since every relationship situation is unique.
Sources: (Daily Mail) (Sky)
Study suggests unmarried people are more likely to be depressed
A new study sheds light on a popularly-held belief
HEALTH Mental health
The question as to whether people in relationships are happier than individuals who are single is something that plays heavily on some minds. Indeed, we live in a society that tries to convince us life is better when we're coupled up. But whether there is any truth to that theory has for a long time gone unstudied. However, in 2024 scientists published a study that shows single people are, in fact, more likely to become depressed.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.