What are the benefits of marriage for women?

Research published in the journal Global Epidemiology based on a study of 12,000 American women, comparing the lives of married women with those of unmarried women, found that marriage brings many benefits to women's overall health.

The researchers looked at the physical and mental health and longevity of all these women after 25 years, taking into account factors like age, race and socioeconomic status. What they found was that marriage still matters.

The study authors, Brendan Case and Ying Chen, reported the results in the Wall Street Journal that married women, even those who later divorced, had a 35 percent lower risk of death than those who never married. Married women also had a lower risk of heart disease, less depression and loneliness, more happiness and optimism, and greater sense of purpose and hope.

The researchers also looked at the effects of divorce versus staying married. Among those who were married at the start of the study, divorce was associated with consistently worse health and well-being later on, including more loneliness and depression as well as lower levels of social integration.

There is also evidence that divorced women have a 19% higher risk of dying for any reason over a 25-year follow-up than those who remain married.

Research based on factors that influence health and happiness, including genes, diet, exercise, environment, social networks, points to the fact that marriage can reduce mortality rates by more than a third by age 25.

In discussion, the study suggested that, in theory, the presence of a spouse provides a source of social support, helps the other person cope with stress, and provides a buffer against negative emotions when faced with challenging circumstances.

Marriage also provides a form of social control that encourages individuals to engage in healthier lifestyles, research shows. Because of the intense bonds created in marriage, any breakup results in loss, creating feelings of loneliness, mental distress and poor mental health.

Source VNE

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