It seems women are happier than men after a divorce.  Research published in the journal Economica says despite the fact divorce can sometimes have a negative financial impact on women, it still makes them much happier than men.  The lead author Yannis Georgellis says getting out of a long lasting bad marriage is a possible explanation.  Researchers at the Kingston Business School in London, England surveyed 10,000 people between the ages of 16 and 60 over a period of 20 years.  Participants were asked to rate their happiness after major milestones, including divorce, death of a spouse and loss of a job.  They found women are significantly more content than usual for up to five years following the end of the marriage.  While men also felt happier following divorce, the increase was less significant. Georgellis says the study is a hopeful one for women who might be afraid of the huge life changes that come with divorce, and may even bolster women’s courage to take the bold step.