Study Reveals Alarming Mental Health Link Among Divorcees and Widows

WHO:

Yahoo - Researchers in Norway conducted the study.

Fox News - M. David Rudd, a University of Memphis professor of psychology and director of the Rudd Institute for Veteran & Military Suicide Prevention, commented on the findings.

WHAT:

Yahoo - The study revealed that divorcees and the widowed may face a higher risk of death compared to those who are still coupled.

Yahoo - The study analyzed long-term national health data from about 20,000 individuals in three groups: still married or cohabiting, divorced or moved out, and widowed.

Yahoo - Being widowed was linked to about a 14% higher mortality risk.

Yahoo - The link between breakup and mortality was found to be statistically significant only among women during the second study period.

WHERE:

Yahoo - The study was conducted in Norway.

WHEN:

Yahoo - The study analyzed data from 1984 to 2019 and checked death records through January 2020.

WHY:

Yahoo - The researchers noted that the findings highlight the importance of addressing social disconnection in public health to reduce preventable mortality.

HOW:

Yahoo - Researchers used statistical models to assess the relationship between living alone and mortality risk, accounting for factors such as age, gender, health habits, self-rated health, and loneliness.

(UPDATED June 14, 2026 08:18 UTC)

A new study from researchers in Norway has found that individuals who are divorced or widowed may face a higher risk of death compared to those who are still in a relationship. Specifically, being widowed is linked to about a 14% increase in mortality risk, with the significant connection between breakups and mortality primarily observed among women. M. David Rudd, a professor of psychology at the University of Memphis, emphasized that these findings highlight the critical need to address social disconnection in public health efforts to reduce preventable mortality.