Marriage Linked to Better Health and Happiness
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan and Singapore Management University has shed light on the surprising benefits that marriage can have on an individual’s health and happiness. The study, which involved nearly 5,000 adults in the U.S. and Japan, compared the well-being of single individuals to that of married couples.
The findings revealed that single people in both countries reported lower life satisfaction and poorer health compared to their married counterparts. Married Americans, in particular, reported higher levels of family support, which contributed to their overall well-being. On the other hand, both single Americans and Japanese participants experienced more family-related stress, but this stress only had a negative impact on happiness for Americans, not Japanese individuals.
According to Robin Edelstein, a co-author of the study and a U-M professor of psychology, cultural differences play a significant role in how marriage, family support, and stress affect individuals’ well-being. While marriage is often seen as a cornerstone of societal structure and personal fulfillment, being single can still carry a stigma and familial pressure that may contribute to poor health and life satisfaction globally.
The researchers combined data from two large-scale, nationally representative samples of mid- and later-life adults in the U.S. and Japan, spanning nearly two decades. The study included both married and never-married participants, with a sample of 3,505 married and 308 single Americans, as well as 710 married and 164 single Japanese adults.
Single adults in both cultures reported worse physical health and lower life satisfaction than their married counterparts, with familial support and strain playing a significant role in these disparities. While familial strain negatively impacted well-being in the U.S., its influence was not as significant for Japanese participants. Similarly, familial support had a stronger positive association with well-being in the U.S. compared to Japan.
The study also highlighted the challenges faced by single individuals, particularly in the U.S., where feelings of isolation and lack of emotional support were prevalent. In contrast, Japanese singles seemed to have developed adaptive coping strategies to deal with familial pressure, which helped buffer the negative effects on their well-being.
Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of considering cultural differences when examining the impact of marriage, family support, and stress on individuals’ health and happiness. While marriage may provide significant benefits in terms of social support and well-being, it’s essential to recognize the unique challenges faced by single individuals in different cultural contexts.
The findings of the study were published in the journal “Personal Relationships” and provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between marital status, family dynamics, and overall well-being. Further research in this area could help inform interventions and support systems for individuals, regardless of their relationship status.
