A recent study has revealed a concerning link between parental divorce and an increased risk of stroke in older adults.
According to research, individuals whose parents separated during their childhood have a 61% higher chance of experiencing a stroke compared to those whose parents remained together.
This finding persists even after accounting for common stroke risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, income levels, education, diabetes, depression, and low social support.
“Our study indicates that even after taking into account most of the known risk factors associated with stroke — including smoking, physical inactivity, lower income and education, diabetes, depression, and low social support — those whose parents had divorced still had 61 percent higher odds of having a stroke,” said first author Mary Kate Schilke, a psychotherapist and university lecturer in the psychology department at Toronto’s Tyndale University, in a press release.
The Growing Prevalence of Divorce
Statistics indicate that divorce is a common occurrence in modern society. In the United States, 41% of first marriages, 60% of second marriages, and 73% of third marriages result in divorce. This highlights the importance of understanding its potential long-term health consequences, particularly for children who experience their parents’ separation at a young age.
The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Health
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to stressful or traumatic events that individuals face in their early years, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction. Research shows that more than 60% of U.S. adults have encountered at least one ACE, while 16% have faced four or more. Alarmingly, at least five of the top ten leading causes of death are linked to these experiences.
Investigating the Divorce-Stroke Connection
To explore this association, researchers analyzed data from over 13,000 adults who participated in the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a collaborative effort between state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The study focused on individuals aged 65 and older, of whom 57% were female, 79% white, 9% Black, and 12% Hispanic or other races. Researchers excluded individuals who had experienced sexual or physical abuse to isolate the effects of parental divorce from other childhood adversities.
“Our research wanted to clarify the association between parental divorce and stroke by avoiding any potential confounding with childhood abuse,” said Esme Fuller-Thomson, PhD, a professor of social work and director of the Institute of Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto.
Of the study participants, 7.3% had experienced a stroke, while 13.9% had gone through parental divorce before turning 18.
“Researchers were saddened, but not surprised, that parental divorce was associated with greater odds of stroke,” noted Dr. Fuller-Thomson.
“But we were surprised that the association between parental divorce and stroke was of similar magnitude to two well-established risk factors for stroke: diabetes and male gender,” she added.
The Role of a Trusted Adult in Childhood
One of the more surprising findings of the study was that even if children of divorced parents had a supportive adult in their household, their stroke risk remained elevated.
“We found that even when people hadn’t experienced childhood physical and sexual abuse, and had at least one adult who made them feel safe in their childhood home, they still were more likely to have a stroke if their parents had divorced,” said coauthor Philip Baiden, PhD, an associate professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas in Arlington.
Interestingly, other forms of childhood adversity, such as emotional abuse, neglect, household mental illness, substance abuse, and exposure to parental domestic violence, were not significantly linked to stroke in this study.
Potential Biological and Social Explanations
While the study was not designed to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, researchers propose that both biological and social factors could contribute to this connection.
“From a biological embedding perspective, having your parents split up during childhood could lead to sustained high levels of stress hormones. Experiencing this as a child could have lasting influences on the developing brain and a child’s ability to respond to stress,” said Dr. Fuller-Thomson.
On a social level, divorce was far less common in earlier generations, and it carried a greater stigma. As a result, the circumstances leading to divorce may have involved a higher degree of parental conflict, intensifying the emotional and psychological strain on children.
Despite the study’s findings, Dr. Fuller-Thomson acknowledges its limitations, noting that the research establishes correlation rather than causation.
Additionally, the study may not account for individuals who passed away from stroke before reaching the age of 65. Furthermore, the survey did not capture details about the timing of the divorce or the level of contact participants maintained with their noncustodial parent.
Would Divorce Have the Same Impact on Gen-Xers and Millennials?
This is the second major study to examine the relationship between parental divorce and stroke. A previous study conducted in 2010 found that parental divorce was associated with a higher risk of stroke in men but not in women.
The current research focused primarily on older generations, including the Silent Generation (born between 1925 and 1945) and Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964). Whether these findings extend to younger generations, such as Gen-Xers and Millennials, remains uncertain.
“Future research is needed to investigate generational differences in the parental divorce-stroke association,” the study authors wrote.
Practical Steps to Reduce Stroke Risk
Despite the concerning findings, researchers emphasize that individuals with divorced parents can take proactive steps to mitigate their stroke risk.
Dr. Fuller-Thomson suggests adopting the following habits to maintain overall health:
- Get regular medical check-ups.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Avoid smoking.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Reduce salt intake.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
By implementing these lifestyle changes, individuals may significantly lower their risk of stroke and improve their overall well-being, regardless of their childhood experiences.
The study provides valuable insights into the potential long-term health effects of parental divorce. While further research is needed to explore the full extent of these associations, the findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing childhood stressors.
By taking preventive health measures, individuals can work to reduce their stroke risk and lead healthier lives, regardless of their family background.