There is no question that a divorce can take a serious toll on a person's short-term physical health, as they experience elevated levels of stress, anger and even depression. However, what about the toll on a person's long-term physical health?

According to a recent study performed by researchers at the University of Arizona and published in the latest edition of the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, divorced adults appear to be at an elevated risk of dying younger when compared with their married counterparts.

Specifically, the researchers determined the following:

  • Divorced adults were 23 percent more likely to die early than married adults monitored by researchers for an average of 11 years
  • The health risks associated with a divorce were comparable to those associated with smoking, drinking, lack of exercise and obesity

"We thought there was some risk," said Professor David Sbarra, one of the study's primary authors. "But we didn't think the risk elevation would be as substantial as other serious public-health risks."

The researchers arrived at these findings through a process known as "meta-analysis," meaning a study composed of examining the results of other studies and drawing certain conclusions.

Here, Sbarra and his co-authors took a closer look at 32 studies published over a span of 27 years and involving over 6.5 million adults living in 11 countries (including the United States).

It must be noted, however, that the study did not definitively link dissolution of marriage to poor health and marriage to good health, rather it merely indicates that divorcees are perhaps at an elevated risk.

In fact, Sbarra pointed out that other research demonstrates that many divorced adults actually reported high levels of health and satisfaction, and that almost 75 percent remarried. He also indicated that while there is undoubtedly a connection between health and divorce, more research is needed to understand the body's biological responses.

If you would like more information regarding a divorce or other post-divorce issues, you should strongly consider speaking with an experienced legal professional.

Stay tuned for updates on this story from our Phoenix divorce blog ...

This post is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Source:

USA Today, "UA Study: Divorce can raise risk of early death" Jan. 10, 2011