Study Shows Link Between Divorce & Early Death

A new study by the University of Arizona found that divorced adults are 23 percent more likely to die early than married couples.

The study in question was actually a study of studies. This "meta-study" analyzed 32 studies published over the last 27 years in 11 countries.

The authors of the study found that divorce risks are similar to other popular health risks such as alcoholism, smoking, and obesity. Divorced men are also at a slightly higher risk of early death than divorced women. The reason behind this is unknown.

It should be noted that the study did not find a definitive cause and effect relationship between divorce and early death. Just because someone gets divorced doesn't necessarily mean they will die early. There are usually other factors at play, such as substance abuse, that are linked to early death as well as divorce.

This is a preliminary study. Much research still needs to be done to clarify the body's response to divorce.

Related Sources:

USAtoday.com