Living With Partner May Lower Risk Of Depression, Study Shows

They were portrayed as self-satisfied and insufferable by Bridget Jones's Diary but research suggests that couples who live together might have something to be smug about: they have a lower risk of depression than singletons.

- Nicola Davis

A large-scale analysis involving more than 100,000 individuals across seven countries has added weight to previous research suggesting that being married or in a cohabiting relationship could bring health benefits.

While the researchers do not advocate dashing down the aisle to dodge depression, saying personal circumstances and broader social factors also play a significant role in mental health, they claim their research could help inform strategies for tackling the condition in society.

"The study underscores the importance of developing culturally sensitive interventions and support systems to address the elevated depression vulnerability among unmarried individuals, particularly those with higher risk profiles based on country, sex, and education level," said Dr Kefeng Li, co-author of the research from Macao Polytechnic University.