Men bounce back more quickly than women after the death of a friend because they are less close to them, according to a new study.

The first long-term analysis of those bereaved by the loss of a close friend found women suffer more emotionally, socially and are more likely to endure mental health problems than men.

The study of 9,586 people argues that it takes women longer to recover because “females share tighter and had greater socioemotional bonds”.

It also showed that the physical and psychological impacts of a close friend’s death can be felt for up to four years.

The researchers at the University of Stirling say that while healthcare and society as a whole generally understand the impacts of a family bereavement, the effects of the death of friends is often ignored.

They said women experience a sharper fall in vitality, suffered greater deterioration in mental health, and impaired emotional and social functioning after a friend passed away.