Research Shows That Marriage Makes People Healthier and Happier

A joint study by the University of Michigan, USA, and Singapore Management University reveals that marriage significantly increases happiness and health.

The research analyzed data from nearly five thousand adults in the United States and Japan. Among them, 3,505 participants from the US were married, while 308 were unmarried. In Japan, 710 were married and 164 were unmarried.

The results showed that married individuals generally lead a calmer, healthier, and more fulfilling life compared to their unmarried counterparts. The study found that married participants in the US receive more emotional support from their families, which directly contributes to their happiness and mental well-being. On the other hand, unmarried people in both the US and Japan often face social and familial pressures that reduce their levels of happiness. While some manage to cope individually, many reported that such pressures cause mental distress.

In Japan, according to social expectations, married life is still considered the norm. Researchers warned that prolonged exposure to such pressures could lead to loneliness or regret later in life. Experts also noted that unmarried individuals can enjoy some benefits similar to married people, but they still lag behind in terms of social recognition and acceptance. The study further highlights that, especially in Asian societies, being unmarried remains socially less acceptable, causing many to suffer from stress and loneliness.

Researchers believe that due to these cultural factors, marriage is still regarded in many societies as a symbol of stability, security, and mental peace.