Question

Divorce contributes to higher rates of psychiatric disturbance, depression and alcoholism for who?
men
women
or both?

Answer 1

Divorce is the termination of marriage, which is a union created between a man and a woman. It ends the bonds of matrimony or legal duties and responsibilities, created by the social institution of marriage. This termination is recognized by the law of a particular country or state. The act of divorce removes the compulsion of living together as husband and wife.

Divorce has a history of negative consequences on the mental and physical health of the two individuals, who were earlier involved in marriage. It is known to contribute to higher rates of psychiatric disturbances like depression and alcoholism. Research published in the 'American Journal of Sociology' and the 'Journal of Marriage and the Family' highlights that divorced men have twice the premature rate of mortality than married men, in most developed countries. Similar have been the findings in case of divorced women. The likelihood of dying at an early age have been found to be more in divorced women as compared to married women. Post divorce, individuals have been found to be at a greater risk of depression and other mental health disorders.

It is important to note that negative impacts of divorce have been more focused on women than on men. But there are researches proving more negative impact of divorce on men than women. Research published in the 'Journal of Men’s Health' found that divorced men are more susceptible to heart disease, high blood pressure and strokes than married men. It further found that 39 percent of divorced men were more likely to commit suicide and exhibit unsafe behavioral actions. Robards (2012) found that poor physical and mental health was more strongly linked to men than women, in case of divorce. Kolves (2010) found that the likelihood of developing suicidal tendencies was more in men than women, post divorce. It is important to note that, irrespective of the gender, divorce has negative impacts on both men and women. Personality types also play an important role in the management of divorce, which takes place between the individuals.