A new international study has revealed that mental health disorders may spread between spouses in a pattern researchers describe as emotional “contagion.”
The study, which examined data from more than 6 million couples across multiple countries, found that partners frequently develop similar mental health conditions over time. According to researchers, the progression of these disorders also tends to be synchronized — meaning that when one partner’s symptoms worsen, the other partner often experiences a parallel decline.
Scientists note that some of these vulnerabilities may already exist before the relationship begins. However, the study shows that the shared environment, daily interactions, and emotional interdependence within marriage intensify these patterns, making the conditions more pronounced.
Experts say the findings highlight how deeply partners influence each other’s psychological well-being, for better or worse.
Food for thought.
