A new long-term study challenges the idea that romantic relationships are the primary buffer against depression. It finds that single individuals who enter romantic partnerships may experience higher depressive symptoms, while building close friendships offers a clearer protective effect, especially for Thai adults navigating modern life.
The research followed nearly 3,000 participants from adolescence into adulthood, surveying them at ages 15, 16, 28, and 38 about whether they had a romantic partner or at least one close friend, and their levels of depression. The study’s findings emphasize the value of friendships as a reliable source of emotional resilience, alongside stable family support.
Why this matters for Thai readers. Thai culture often places romantic partnerships at the center of social expectations—weddings, engagements, and media portrayals frequently celebrate romance as the key to happiness. This study invites a shift in perception, highlighting the importance of sustaining strong friendships as a culturally appropriate route to mental well-being in a rapidly urbanizing society.
The study’s most striking result shows that single people who formed romantic relationships tended to report greater depressive symptoms across all ages studied. In other words, romance did not consistently alleviate depression and could coincide with higher distress for new couples. This challenges commonly held beliefs shaped by popular media and everyday conversations that love automatically improves mood.
In contrast, forging and maintaining close friendships provided meaningful protection against depression. Adults who moved from having no close friends to at least one confidant reported fewer depressive symptoms, with the strongest evidence seen among adults aged 28 and 38. While teens showed a smaller, yet positive, trend, the overall message is clear: friendship acts as a steady shield across life stages.
The research also suggests that romantic relationships offered inconsistent benefits. For example, 15-year-olds with a romantic partner often reported higher depression than their single peers. Only by age 38 did romantic involvement emerge as mood-enhancing for some, but the pattern was not uniform across earlier years. The lead author notes that shifting the dialogue from romantic status to social connectedness could better support mental health.
For Thai audiences, the findings resonate with the country’s emphasis on social bonds beyond the family unit. Historically, community networks and temple-based groups provided strong support, but urban lifestyles and modern work pressures have strained those connections. Strengthening peer networks and friendship-friendly public spaces could counter rising mental health challenges in cities like Bangkok and beyond.
The study’s implications extend to policy, education, and everyday life. Researchers advocate for public initiatives that foster community centers, peer-support programs, and campaigns that recognize friendship as a legitimate pillar of well-being. Such approaches align with Thailand’s public health priorities, including reducing depression and suicide risk, while acknowledging the cultural value of close social ties.
As Thailand’s population ages and social isolation becomes more pronounced, prioritizing friendship-building is becoming increasingly essential. Public discourse should normalize thriving social networks that extend beyond family and romantic partnerships, supporting people of all ages to maintain meaningful connections.
Practical steps for readers: invest in close friendships through regular meetups, group activities, and community involvement. Schools and workplaces can incorporate peer-support initiatives that encourage students and staff to build supportive networks. Mental health professionals should routinely assess social support beyond family and romantic partners and guide clients toward strengthening friendships as a viable path to emotional resilience.
This study invites a cultural shift: celebrate and cultivate friendship as a cornerstone of well-being. By valuing diverse social ties, Thai society can build stronger, more resilient communities in the face of modern stressors.
Integrated attribution: Research insights are drawn from a long-term national study on relationships and mood. Data interpretation reflects the broader literature on social support and mental health, including cross-cultural perspectives on friendship’s protective role.