While previous studies have shown that men often face greater emotional challenges following divorce or separation, new research highlights that women’s experiences vary significantly depending on their age.
Key Findings From the Study
A collaborative investigation by researchers from universities in China, Finland, and Germany analyzed the emotional and physical effects of divorce, long-term breakups, and the loss of a partner. Their results, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, provide nuanced insights into how different age groups cope with these life events.
The Scope of the Study
The study examined data collected from Finland’s national registry between 1996 and 2018, encompassing over 228,000 participants aged 50–70. Researchers focused on three primary scenarios:
- Divorce or separation.
- Long-term relationship breakups due to infidelity.
- The death of a partner.
What the Research Revealed
High Prevalence of Antidepressant Use
One of the most striking findings was the increased reliance on antidepressants among women compared to men during the period leading up to and following separation or loss:
- Women increased antidepressant usage by 6% in the four years before separation or divorce.
- Men’s usage rose by only 3% during the same timeframe.
This pattern was consistent across the board, regardless of the reason for separation.
Re-Entering Relationships
Of the participants, 53,460 entered new relationships within two to three years of separation. This group was predominantly composed of men, particularly widowers or those who had not been in legal marriages.
Gender-Specific Emotional Struggles
Women aged 50 and older appeared to experience heightened emotional and psychological distress during separation or divorce. This was evidenced by:
- More frequent prescriptions for mental health treatments.
- Longer periods of emotional recovery compared to their male counterparts.
For women in this age group, the combination of emotional strain, societal expectations, and reduced opportunities for new relationships may exacerbate their struggles.
Impacts of Loss
Both men and women showed increased vulnerability to mental health issues following the loss of a partner. However, older women exhibited greater dependency on pharmaceutical support, highlighting the need for more targeted emotional and psychological interventions.
Implications
The findings underscore the importance of addressing age-specific challenges women face during life-altering events like divorce or loss. Psychological support and community-based resources tailored for older adults could help mitigate long-term emotional harm.
This research also reaffirms the significant role mental health care plays in providing stability and resilience during such transitional periods, particularly for women navigating these challenges in their later years.