Shacking Up Provides Just As Much of a Mental Health Boost As Saying 'I Do'

By SheSpeaksTeam Dec 11, 2015

Whether you’re just shacking up or saying your ‘I do’s’ with that special someone, a new study suggests women can get just as much of a mental health boost from doing either one. Researchers found that deciding to cohabitate can decrease a woman’s emotional stress just as much as getting married to her partner.

Yahoo! Health reports about the Ohio State University study that suggests living together or getting married can provide similar mental health support, but only for women. Men involved in the study only saw a boost in their mental health after walking down the aisle but not from moving in with a partner for the first time. They did however see a decrease in emotional stress when they cohabited with a second partner or decided to remarry.

Since two thirds of couples are now living together before marriage, the study is good news for many women’s mental health. Co-author of the study Claire Kamp Dush believes that social support is a big factor in the mental health benefits we receive from living with a partner. Getting intimate more often also doesn’t hurt. Kamp Dush says, “You’re also having more sex when you’re living with someone, which is good for your health.”

The reason why men and women have different feelings about living with a partner for the first time may have something to do with the way they are viewing the decision. Kamp Dush points out that women tend to see that step as a sign of commitment and security whereas men may not take it as seriously and simply see it as a trial run for marriage.

And as to why men don’t see a decrease in emotional stress until they live with a second partner, Kamp Dush theorizes that this may have something to do with better decision making the second time around.

What do you think of the study that suggests women get just as much as a mental health boost from moving in with a partner as they do from marriage?

Why do you think men only see a decrease in emotional stress when they marry or move in for the second time with a new partner?

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Comments

by Cschouvi | SAINT LOUIS, MO

Jan 15, 2016

I know that when I moved in with my boyfriend it was a huge relief to me. I looked forward to it. And this article totally makes since because it was a huge since of security to me. It was a good sign that we both felt the same way and that we were going to be moving forward with our relationship

by chloew22 | Watertown, TN

Jan 10, 2016

Coming from someone who is looking into moving in with her boyfriend in the near future, this makes sense to me. Moving in together feels like a security blanket and is a huge commitment! It can also make you feel as if you're moving in the direction towards and engagement and marriage. Liked this article.

by nessanu | GAINESVILLE, FL

Dec 14, 2015

It's exactly that, the security of knowing they're making that next step..leading to marriage. I know that's how I felt moving in with my hubby before we got hitched :)