- No happiness gap: married, single
- Study debunks marriage well-being myth
- Limited evidence supporting marriage benefits
According to scientific research, there is no discernible difference in happiness or health between married and single individuals.
Researchers compared the mental and physical health of individuals who were married and those who had never exchanged vows.
The University of California researchers stated that there was “little evidence” that marriage improved long-term wellbeing.
The study’s leader, Dr. Bella DePaulo, provides further elaboration on the results in her book titled “Single At Heart: The Power, Freedom, and Heart-Filling Joy of Single Life.
According to a 2016 study by the author, scientific journals and the media are replete with assertions that marriage is beneficial to one’s health and well-being.
Upon conducting a more thorough examination of the research, particularly in light of the methodological biases. It becomes evident that these assertions frequently distort or overstate the findings.
She proceeded: “Research examples pertaining to happiness, depression, suicide, physical health, and loneliness are examined.” In cross-sectional studies, the outcomes of individuals who are unmarried are generally comparable to those of those who are married.
There is limited empirical support from longitudinal studies to suggest that matrimony is associated with enduring improvements in health or well-being.
