Married individuals generally feel healthier and happier than singles, according to the study.
A study by researchers from the University of Michigan and the Singapore Management University showed that married individuals generally feel healthier and happier than single people. An analysis of nearly five thousand adults from the U.S. and Japan revealed that singles more frequently report poor well-being and low life satisfaction, with the results published in Personal Relationships (PR).
The influence of family support proved to be particularly strong: Americans in marriage felt more supported by their families, which directly enhanced their well-being. At the same time, singles in both countries faced family pressure, but its negative effect was only pronounced among Americans.
Interestingly, Japanese participants were found to be more resilient to stress: despite experiencing similar levels of family pressure, it did not diminish their happiness. The researchers suggest that mechanisms of adaptation have developed in Japanese culture—such as distancing from family expectations or seeking emotional support outside of it.
The authors note that the results highlight cultural differences in the perception of marriage and loneliness, but overall confirm that having a partner and family support provides a tangible advantage in health and mental well-being.
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