A review of old studies by the University of Arizona indicates that the risk of early death is increased when couples file for divorce. The head author of the study stressed that there was nothing definitive about the study, but that by using existing evidence researchers were able to come to a broad conclusion.

This process is known as "meta-analysis," which researchers employ to "study studies" (so to speak) and then draw new information from what they discover. Using information from 32 different studies, the university tracked 6.5 million people for 11 years and found that suffering early death is 23% more likely for those who get a divorce compared to those who are married.

The head author is a psychology professor at the University of Arizona, and he expressed surprise at what the research indicated. "We thought there was some risk," he said, "but we didn't think the risk elevation would be as substantial as other very serious public-health risks."

The study also found that men (31% increase) were at a higher risk of early death than women (18% increase) after factoring in divorce, though it wasn't clear if this finding is caused by the fact that women generally live longer than men.

Considering the process used to obtain these findings, the professor warned that the study does not guarantee anything. He also stressed that there is a potential issue with cause and effect when relating divorce and early death. For instance, substance abuse is something that can cause both divorce and early death. In that case, one could not make a direct correlation between divorce and death.

The professor said that more research needs to be done to determine any conclusive evidence that ties a biological reaction to divorce.

Source: USA Today, "UA study: Divorce can raise risk of early death," Anne Ryman, Jan. 10, 2011