0
0
A groundbreaking study conducted by Rutgers Health has revealed that individuals with higher genetic predispositions to mental health conditions are more likely to experience divorce, even if they never develop the disorders themselves. The analysis, published in Clinical Psychological Science, examined millions of marital histories in Sweden, uncovering a significant link between genetic risk for psychiatric issues and divorce.
The research, led by Dr. Jessica Salvatore, an associate professor of psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, analyzed anonymized data from 2.8 million Swedish residents born between 1950 and 1980. The study tracked their marriages and divorces up until 2018, focusing on how genetic factors influenced marital stability. Researchers determined genetic risk scores based on the psychiatric diagnoses of extended family members, as direct genetic data was not available.
The Role of Genetics in Divorce Risk
The findings indicate that people with higher genetic risks for conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and other psychiatric conditions are more likely to divorce. This trend held true even when individuals who had actually developed these disorders were excluded from the analysis. Notably, those who divorced multiple times showed genetic risk scores for conditions like depression and anxiety that were nearly identical to those of people diagnosed with these disorders.
“The genetic predispositions for psychiatric disorders can impact major life events, such as divorce,” said Dr. Salvatore. “Our study highlights how even if a person does not show symptoms of these conditions, their genetic risk can still influence relationship stability.”
Gender Differences in Genetic Risk for Divorce
The study also found gender-specific differences. Women who divorced displayed higher genetic risk scores for a variety of psychiatric disorders than men. Moreover, individuals who remarried and had stable second marriages were found to have lower genetic risk scores compared to those who divorced again or never remarried.
The analysis further revealed that stable marriages were associated with lower genetic risk scores across all disorders, suggesting that marital stability may provide protective effects against the destabilizing influence of genetic predispositions.
Implications for Relationship Stability
The study underscores the importance of understanding how genetic factors contribute to relationship outcomes. Genetic predispositions may influence traits such as impulsivity, emotional instability, and partner selection, all of which can challenge marital dynamics. While marriage appears to mitigate some of these risks, individuals with higher genetic predispositions may still face difficulties in maintaining stable relationships.
“Our research sheds light on the broader role of genetics in marital outcomes,” Dr. Salvatore explained. “In the future, understanding these genetic links could help identify couples at higher risk of relationship difficulties and guide targeted interventions to support marital stability.”
The study considered genetic risks for 10 psychiatric conditions, including major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and alcohol use disorder. By analyzing family history and genetic relatedness, the researchers were able to estimate genetic risk scores and assess their impact on divorce rates.
A Step Toward More Comprehensive Mental Health and Relationship Support
These findings provide some of the most comprehensive evidence to date regarding the role of genetic predispositions in marital outcomes. They suggest that, in addition to environmental factors, genetic traits may significantly influence the success or failure of relationships. As the research progresses, it could pave the way for more personalized interventions to strengthen marriages and improve mental health outcomes for individuals with higher genetic risks.
The study was published in Clinical Psychological Science, with the full paper available for review. For more information, visit the journal’s website.
Citation: Salvatore, J. E., et al. Family Genetic-Risk Profiles Associated With Divorce. Clinical Psychological Science, 2024. DOI: 10.1177/21677026231214204
