Even a divorce that is necessary can have negative effects on a couple. Most often, the effects people think of are depression, uncertainty, loneliness, and/or financial insecurity, but, according to USA Today, there is another serious effect of divorce, as demonstrated in the findings of a University of Arizona (UA) divorce study: higher risk of an early death.
The UA study, or rather review, was published in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science. After examining 32 case studies involving 6.5 million adults in 11 countries over 27 years, researchers found that divorced adults suffer a higher risk of early death than married adults. More specifically, divorced adults have a 23 percent greater chance of dying early, and for divorced men, it is more than that.
The study found that health risks of divorce were similar to the health risks of other established health risks, such as alcoholism, smoking, and obesity. These findings do not conclude, without a doubt, that divorce always leads to early death, but that divorce is a risk factor which can contribute to early death. In most cases, divorced adults actually find more happiness and/or satisfaction in their lives post-divorce; seventy-five percent even remarry.
Relationships are not a one-way street. Health risk factors may contribute to divorce just as much as divorce contributes to health risks. Regardless of what this study reveals, however, a marriage and a divorce cannot be generalized. Every couple has their own unique problems that they deal with in their own way. Likewise, every divorced adult’s situation is unique. If you are considering a divorce in Illinois, our experienced divorce lawyers in Chicago at Nottage and Ward can help you understand your legal rights and options as they pertain to your particular situation. We are committed to providing each and every client the personal attention they deserve. To find out more, call us at (312) 332-2915.
