Between money and mental health: men who earn less than women are more prone to depression.

A recent study conducted by researchers from Durham University highlights a significant correlation between income dynamics in heterosexual couples and the mental health of men. The research, based on couples in Sweden, revealed that when women become the primary earners in a marriage, both partners face an increased risk of mental health issues, as reported by Daily Mail.

The psychological pressure associated with lower earnings was particularly pronounced among men, who experienced an 11% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with a "mental disorder," compared to 8% for the overall sample. Sweden, known for its gender equality policies, provided an appealing context for the study: researchers analyzed a decade's worth of data from couples who married in 2021 and reached an average age of 37.

Despite the country's progressive stance, traditional male preferences for higher earnings appear to persist. According to a study published in The Economic Journal, men were more prone to drug-related diagnoses, while female breadwinners more frequently exhibited neurotic disorders and stress-related issues. This supports the notion that societal norms can still significantly impact personal well-being.

The trend of women earning more than their male partners is rising globally. In Sweden and the U.S., the proportion of such couples has increased by approximately 25% since the early 2000s. However, the negative mental health outcomes observed in this study challenge the assumption that economic equality between genders will diminish such disparities.

Researchers cautioned against overgeneralizations but emphasized the importance of addressing these social issues. Lead researcher Demid Getik pointed out certain limitations of the study, noting that it did not explore the underlying beliefs and views driving these trends. He suggested that even in societies striving for gender parity, entrenched expectations related to gender and earning roles may still play a significant role.

This study contributes to a broader understanding of how economic dynamics affect personal and societal well-being. It aligns with findings from other research indicating that economic stresses, even in progressive contexts, can exacerbate mental health issues. Although the study did not examine solutions to the problem, it underscores the importance of developing support systems and policies that mitigate the psychological consequences of changing social norms.

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