Studies have shown that single people are up to 80% more likely to experience symptoms of depression than married people.
The risk of depression was higher among men and those with higher levels of education.
Depression is a major public health problem, with approximately 5% of adults worldwide suffering from major depressive disorder.
This study, led by Macau Polytechnic University and jointly participated by researchers from Tsinghua University in China, Changzhi Medical University, University of Hong Kong, Inti University in Malaysia, and Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in the United States, was conducted in Korea, China, Indonesia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. , conducted a survey of 106,556 participants in 7 countries, including Mexico and Ireland, and analyzed the collected data.
Through follow-up for a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 18 years, the researchers found that single people had a 79% higher risk of experiencing depression compared to married people. In Korea, it was found to be 47% higher.
People who divorced or separated after marriage had a 99% higher risk of suffering from symptoms of depression compared to those who were normally married, and for those who were widowed, the risk was 64% higher.
Compared to single people in Asian countries, single people in Western countries were more likely to suffer from depression.
The researchers said, “Eastern cultures tend to tolerate higher levels of emotional distress before it becomes a problem, which may partially explain why unmarried participants from East Asian countries had a lower risk of developing depressive symptoms.” pointed out.
This risk was higher for unmarried men than for unmarried women, and greater for those with a higher level of education than for those with a lower level of education.