Is Marriage Dissolution Linked to Differences in Mortality Risks for Men and Women?

Is marriage dissolution linked to differences in mortality risks for men and women? This study based on 44000 deaths in Sweden analyzes the impact of the event of marriage dissolution on subsequent mortality using sex-specific intensity regression models. The results show an excess mortality among people who are remarried and cohabiting especially among women and provide evidence for a long-term causal relationship between marriage dissolution and mortality. The results also show that there is a narrower gender mortality difference than expected when work status and number of children are taken into consideration and that women who are not employed as well as unskilled male workers are in particularly vulnerable situations at divorce. Aspects of the divorce process selection protection and stress factors may be responsible for the outcome. (EXCERPT)