Research shows that marriage does not make people happier or healthier than single people.
Scientists examined the physical and mental health of married people and those who have never said yes.
Getting married showed “little evidence” of improving long-term well-being, according to researchers from the University of California.
Dr. Bella DePaulo, who led the study, elaborates on the findings in her book Single At Heart: The Power, Freedom And Heart-filling Joy Of Single Life.
A study by the author, published in 2016, says: ‘The media, and even scientific journals, are full of claims that marriage is good for health and well-being.
Scientists examined the physical and mental health of married people and those who have never said yes. Pictured: file photo
But a closer look at the research, considering its methodological biases, reveals that such claims often misrepresent or exaggerate the results of the study.”
She continued, “Examples of research on suicide, depression, loneliness, physical health and happiness are discussed. Cross-sectional research shows that people who remain single tend to have very similar outcomes to those who are currently married.
‘In longitudinal research, there is little evidence that getting married results in lasting improved health or well-being.’
The study review was published in the Encyclopaedia Of Mental Health.