Overview

• Unmarried individuals are up to 79% more likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to their married counterparts, according to a study involving over 100,000 participants.
• The study highlights that being in a marriage-like relationship can reduce the risk of depression, with cohabiting couples showing similar mental health benefits to married couples.
• Cultural differences play a role, with unmarried individuals in Western countries like the UK and US facing a higher risk of depression than those in Eastern countries.
• Men and highly educated individuals in Western nations are particularly vulnerable, which researchers attribute to differing social support networks and societal pressures.
• While marriage may offer economic and social benefits that reduce depression risk, the study does not imply that marriage directly prevents or cures depression.