Norway Study Finds Higher Mortality After Divorce or Widowhood, Strongest in Early Years

Researchers in Norway tracked national health data and found that adults who divorced, ended cohabitation or became widowed showed higher mortality rates than those who stayed with a partner. The study, published in BMJ Public Health, examined three groups of roughly 20,000 people each who were married or living with a partner between 1984 and 2019.

In a later wave, participants were classified as still partnered, divorced or moved out, or widowed, and death records were reviewed through January 2020.

Divorces and breakups were tied to higher mortality across all groups even after statistical adjustment for age, gender, health habits, self-rated health and loneliness. Widowhood was associated with about a 14 percent higher mortality risk, with the strongest link appearing in the earliest period examined.

In the second study period the association between breakup and mortality was statistically significant only among women.

The authors stated that the findings highlight the importance of addressing social disconnection in public health and clinical practice to reduce preventable mortality. M. David Rudd, University of Memphis professor of psychology and director of the Rudd Institute for Veteran & Military Suicide Prevention, said the results align with long-standing evidence on the health effects of isolation.

"Loneliness has significant and severe consequences for individual physical health and emotional well-being," Rudd said. " He said divorcees and widows should recognize that relationships and social engagement remain critical, noting that developing, nurturing and maintaining connections supports health, well-being and happiness. Fox News reported the study findings.