Studies on happiness are nothing new. In fact, each day millions of people scour the internet or sift through self-help books, not to mention consume bottles of wine in their eternal search for happiness. Married people are no different. Many studies have been conducted in recent years to determine if married individuals are truly happy, or if they are merely comfortable or stuck. The problem with measuring happiness is that it is always relative to the person being studied, and most respondents in happiness surveys may not be completely honest.
According to a study by the American Psychological Association, married people are, in fact, happier than their single counterparts. For most people, happiness is measured by various factors, including financial security, health, social life, job stability, sexual pleasure, education, and family. In most of these “measurable” areas, married people consistently come out on top. Here are some statistics to consider:
Single men have a mortality rate that is 250% higher than that of married men. For women, the rate is 50% higher for single women compared to those who wear a ring. Health studies indicate that having a spouse can reduce the chances of dying from diseases like cancer within ten years of diagnosis. This is also true for many other ailments, such as heart disease. Psychologists suggest that having a spouse to lean on during emotional stress and having a support system can empower recovery. Additionally, married individuals generally visit healthcare providers more regularly, are 45% more likely to participate in routine screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies, and are typically in better physical shape by age 50 compared to those who remain single. Life expectancy rates for married people are around ten years longer than for those who are single. Interestingly, there are more married individuals living to 65 and beyond than single people. This improved health among married individuals is likely due to partners taking care of themselves for each other’s sake.
Mental health is also a critical aspect of “measurable” happiness. Regarding issues like suicide rates, married individuals fare much better. Psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress are lower among couples than among single individuals. In about 90% of happiness studies conducted, more married people report being happy compared to those who are single or widowed. Contrary to popular belief, matrimonial bliss does not lead to increased drinking; statistics show that single men drink twice as often and in greater quantities than married men.
One interesting statistic regarding happiness relates to sexuality. Research indicates that around 40% of married individuals have sex twice a week. This is encouraging, especially given the prevalent discourse around sexless marriages. Among these sexual relationships, 40% of women and 50% of men report being satisfied. In contrast, only about 38% of non-married individuals express sexual satisfaction.
Financial security is another crucial factor in general happiness. Couples often experience greater financial success in marriage and are better equipped to plan for a fulfilling retirement. Additionally, married individuals typically set financial goals early in life and work together to achieve them, providing them with more financial security, which contributes to long-term happiness.
However, the real question is: are married people truly happy with their lives? With divorce rates hovering around 50%, it’s difficult to ascertain whether marriage is the key to happiness. In many instances, marriage offers stability in areas ranging from finances to intimacy. This stability may reduce stress and, in turn, illness, making people more comfortable in their lives—but does that equate to happiness?
In numerous studies of married couples, partners often admit to feeling trapped in their marriages. They report losing a sense of self and feeling confined by the institution of marriage. Many individuals cheat on their spouses, believing the grass is greener on the other side. Ultimately, it all comes down to whom you ask and how honestly they respond.
Marriage can indeed bring a lot of happiness, but this happiness doesn’t blossom simply because the seed is planted. It requires nurturing, time, and patience. In the course of a successful marriage, individuals grow and mature at varying rates, face often irreconcilable differences, think about divorce an average of once every four days, and encounter stressful situations. When they confront these challenges together and find ways to reconcile, they can emerge happier in the long run.
Yet, despite all the statistics and research suggesting that married people are generally happier, one must wonder if it’s all true. Is marriage really that satisfying? Is the effort it takes to make two people coexist and find happiness truly worthwhile? Is a good husband or wife the solution to life’s troubles? If you were to honestly poll all the married individuals you know, would the happiness quotient remain high, especially if everyone were forced to be honest? Perhaps it all boils down to the fact that as humans, one of our most primal and basic needs is to feel supported and loved by another person. Whether we were meant to be monogamous is up to you to decide!
