Single people are more likely to suffer from depression than married people, according to a comprehensive study published Nov. 4 in the journal Nature Human behavior. This striking finding, which highlights a consistent pattern regardless of cultural differences, emerges from research spanning seven countries on different continents.

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The results are clear. Unmarried people, which include those who are single, divorced, separated or widowed, have a higher risk of showing signs of depression compared to married people. Specifically, unmarried people were found to be approximately 86% more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms. This pattern held true across countries, lending credence to the conclusion that marriage is a bulwark against depression.

However, the degree of risk was not the same everywhere for everyone. Single people in Western countries such as the US, UK and Ireland face a higher risk of depression than those in Eastern countries such as Korea, China and Indonesia. Cultural factors could explain this difference. In many Eastern societies, strong community ties and close-knit families provide support that can help alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation that single people might experience. In contrast, Western cultures tend to emphasize individualism, which would leave single people feeling less supported.

Gender also played an important role. The study found that unmarried men were more likely to suffer from depression than unmarried women. One possible explanation is that women often have stronger social networks outside of marriage, providing emotional support that men may lack.

Level of education was another important factor influencing the risk of depression among unmarried people. Those with higher levels of education were more susceptible to depressive symptoms than those with less education. This may seem surprising, but higher education often comes with increased stress, career pressures, and possibly higher expectations for personal accomplishments, including marriage. Single, highly educated individuals may face societal scrutiny or internal pressures that contribute to feelings of inadequacy or loneliness.

Beyond identifying these direct patterns, the researchers wanted to understand why unmarried people might be at greater risk for depression. They found that in countries such as China, Korea and Mexico, unmarried people were more likely to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. Substance abuse is a known coping mechanism for stress and loneliness, but it can also contribute to the development of depression.

To make sure their findings were reliable, the researchers followed more than 20,000 participants for several years, noting how their marital status and mental health changed over time. This approach allowed them to see not just a snapshot, but a progression, strengthening the evidence for a link between being single and experiencing depression.

However, it is important to note some limitations of the study. The researchers relied on participants’ self-reported depression symptoms, which are not as accurate as clinical diagnoses made by professionals. Various countries still have a stigma associated with recognizing mental health symptoms.

Also, because the study was observational, it cannot prove that being single causes depression. It can only find the association between the two. Just as smoking and drinking in unmarried people are associated with depression, other factors not measured in the study may play a role.

The study did not extend to participants in India, so what does it mean for us? Unmarried people in India may also face a higher risk of depression, in part because of the pressure to meet societal expectations of marriage and career. India’s diverse cultures and strong emphasis on family and community would be expected to provide protection against depression not found in other countries. In many Indian communities, extended families and close social networks can provide emotional support for single people. But on the other hand, the social pressure to marry (and the stigma against celibacy) is particularly strong, especially for women.

India is a country undergoing rapid social and economic change. Marriage is a major milestone, often rooted in cultural and familial expectations. Urbanization and economic and personal priorities have led to more people choosing to marry later or remain single.

In short, India is in flux. Now would be the ideal time to replicate this striking research in the Indian context.

Anirban Mahapatra is a scientist and author, most recently of the popular science book, When The Drugs Don’t Work: The Hidden Pandemic That Could End Medicine. The opinions expressed are personal.