Scientists analyzed data from the Copenhagen Biobank of Aging and Middle Ages.
Loneliness , frequent divorces or separations from partners increase the levels of markers of inflammation in the body. It is interesting that this concerns only men, Chronicle.info reports with reference to Channel 24.
This is the conclusion reached by researchers from Denmark, namely from the University of Copenhagen. They analyzed data from the Copenhagen Biobank on Aging and Middle Ages.
This biobank had information on 4,835 participants between the ages of 48 and 62. Data on consecutive separations from partners, including 83 deaths, were provided for 4,612 people (3,170 men and 1,442 women) between 1986 and 2011.
The number of years spent alone after the breakup was classified into 3 groups: up to one year (reference group, since such a period is common and considered normal), 2-6 years and 7 or more years.
Also scientists received information about the age of the participants, their level of education, early psychological trauma, weight, taking medications that affect inflammation in the body, diseases and assessing personality traits.
Divorce statistics:
Blood samples were taken from the study participants to measure the level markers of inflammation — interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein.
- Scientists found that about half of the participants experienced a breakup and about the same number of people lived alone for more than a year (54% of women and 49% of men).
- About half experienced the aforementioned traumatic events in childhood.
- 50% of women and almost two-thirds of men had problems with being overweight or obese.
Study results
Among men, the highest levels of markers of inflammation in the body were found in those who experienced the highest number of separations from sexual partners. This level was 17% higher than in the control group. The same applies to men who have been alone for 7 years or more: the level of markers of inflammation in them was 12% higher than in those who did not have such experience. The highest levels of both markers of inflammation were observed in men with higher education who spent 2-6 or more than 7 years alone.
Meanwhile, no such correlations were found among women.
What could be the reason
Scientists believe that this is due to different reactions to parting — men tend to externalize their behavior after the breakup, that is, to blame the outside world (circumstances, partner) for it. Therefore, they can drink in grief, which carries health risks.
Women usually blame themselves for depressive symptoms. And depression and alcoholism have different effects on the level of inflammation in the body. But experts do not exclude that there was simply not enough data on the female sex, because there were significantly fewer participants.