Name: Depression predicts single relationship status in later adulthood, study finds
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Depression predicts single relationship status in later adulthood, study finds

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No Result View All Result No Result View All Result [] Among the most frustrating and keenly felt consequences for individuals who suffer from depression and anxiety are those that affect present and future relationships. At times when individuals need the most support, the interpersonal repercussions of mental health issues can severely negatively impact relationships and even lead to their end.A recent study on depression and anxiety in early adulthood, published in , examines just this aspect of these prevalent and widespread mental health problems. The study takes advantage of longitudinal data from a sample of Australian adults aged 20-24 years, assessed at four year intervals for 12 years. Only individuals who were not married or in a long-term relationship at the onset were included in the present study.The results demonstrate that depression, but not anxiety, was significantly associated with remaining single later in adulthood. In addition, for those who did find a long-term partner, anxiety and depression both significantly predicted relationship dissatisfaction and conflict. These results remained significant even after adjusting for a variety of socioeconomic factors.“These findings add to the body of research demonstrating that depression and anxiety in early adulthood have important personal and social costs, not only for the individuals experiencing poor mental health, but also their partners,” the researchers said.Importantly, correcting for later experiences of depression and anxiety did not erase the effects, which the authors take as meaning that “past experiences of depression and anxiety matter above and beyond the impact of concurrent mental health problems” (emphasis added).This means that, while current mental health problems obviously impact relationships, preventative measures are equally important when it comes to ensuring happy, healthy partnerships for individuals later on in life.The authors note several limitations, including the fact that their investigation does not include mediators or mechanisms by which depression and anxiety might impact relationships later on. Indeed, knowing the relation exists is only half the battle; developing therapeutic interventions will require understanding the specific behaviors and thought processes that undermine the development of strong and lasting relationships. This will also help determine whether depression and anxiety relate causally and directly to the study’s findings of single relationship status, or whether there is some subjacent factor at work. The authors cite, for example, a negative predisposition or cognitive bias underlying both depression and anxiety, and later perceptions of relationship quality.The support of loved ones is a powerful tool in combating depression and anxiety, and relationship studies have demonstrated the utility and affective value of a strong partnership. The fact that mental health issues actively undermine the very social systems that may help alleviate symptoms is thus a key piece of information, and bears further examination.The study, ““, was authored by Liana S. Leach and Peter Butterworth. Get all the latest updates on new psychology research with the free PsyPost app. &nbsp; Powered by PsyPost is a psychology and neuroscience news website dedicated to reporting the latest research on human behavior, cognition, and society. () No Result View All Result This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. I Agree

No Result View All Result No Result View All Result [] Among the most frustrating and keenly felt consequences for individuals who suffer from depression and anxiety are those that affect present and future relationships. At times when individuals need the most support, the interpersonal repercussions of mental health issues can severely negatively impact relationships and even lead to their end.A recent study on depression and anxiety in early adulthood, published in , examines just this aspect of these prevalent and widespread mental health problems. The study takes advantage of...

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Christian Rigg

PsyPost is a psychology and neuroscience news website dedicated to reporting the latest research on human behavior, cognition, and society.  We are not interested in re-writing press releases from universities. We are not interested in over-generalizing or mischaracterizing research to get more clicks. We are not interested in confirming or disproving ideological beliefs. We are only interested in accurately reporting research about how humans think and behave. And we only report on research that has been published in legitimate, peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Depression predicts single relationship status in later adulthood, study finds

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