Which statement about health risk after partner loss is supported by research?

Which statement about health risk after partner loss is supported by research?

• A. After partner loss, people may experience worse health and higher mortality risk.
• B. After partner loss, health improves.
• C. There is no effect.
• D. Only mental health is affected, not physical health.

Answer: (A)

Bereavement from losing a partner is a major life stressor that research consistently shows can negatively impact health across multiple domains. After a partner dies, many people experience a rise in health problems and a higher risk of mortality, especially in the weeks and months following the loss. This isn’t just about feeling sad; the stress response can affect the body—altering sleep, mood, blood pressure, immune function, and health behaviors like exercise, medication adherence, and seeking medical care. Social support—an important buffer against stress—often declines after a loss, which can compound these health risks. Because the evidence shows both worse physical health outcomes and higher mortality risk following partner loss, this option best reflects what research supports. The other statements don’t fit the data: health does not typically improve simply with bereavement; there is evidence of effects on physical health as well as mental health; and there is a real effect rather than no effect.

Bereavement from losing a partner is a major life stressor that research consistently shows can negatively impact health across multiple domains. After a partner dies, many people experience a rise in health problems and a higher risk of mortality, especially in the weeks and months following the loss. This isn’t just about feeling sad; the stress response can affect the body—altering sleep, mood, blood pressure, immune function, and health behaviors like exercise, medication adherence, and seeking medical care. Social support—an important buffer against stress—often declines after a loss, which can compound these health risks. Because the evidence shows both worse physical health outcomes and higher mortality risk following partner loss, this option best reflects what research supports. The other statements don’t fit the data: health does not typically improve simply with bereavement; there is evidence of effects on physical health as well as mental health; and there is a real effect rather than no effect.