New research suggests that
partner happiness may boost your health.
partner happiness may boost your health.
Having a happy spouse obviously
makes for a more pleasant marriage. But what if it could also boost your
health?
makes for a more pleasant marriage. But what if it could also boost your
health?
A recent study from the
American Psychological Association examined a survey of 1,981 middle-aged
heterosexual couples. The data revealed that, over time, happy spouses had a
higher likelihood of reporting better health. The study was published earlier this
month in the association’s journal, Health Psychology.
American Psychological Association examined a survey of 1,981 middle-aged
heterosexual couples. The data revealed that, over time, happy spouses had a
higher likelihood of reporting better health. The study was published earlier this
month in the association’s journal, Health Psychology.
Specifically, the study looked
at survey results from couples ages 50 to 94. Participants shared details on
their happiness, health and physical activity levels spanning six years. The
couples discussed both their own health and concerns about the health of their
spouse.
at survey results from couples ages 50 to 94. Participants shared details on
their happiness, health and physical activity levels spanning six years. The
couples discussed both their own health and concerns about the health of their
spouse.
Why might having a happy
spouse equate to better health? William Chopik, an assistant professor of
psychology at Michigan State University and they study’s co-author, has three
hunches:
spouse equate to better health? William Chopik, an assistant professor of
psychology at Michigan State University and they study’s co-author, has three
hunches:
·
Happy partners have a
higher likelihood of offering social support like caretaking
Happy partners have a
higher likelihood of offering social support like caretaking
·
They may encourage
unhappy partners to have better health habits
They may encourage
unhappy partners to have better health habits
·
They ought to help a
person’s life run more smoothly
They ought to help a
person’s life run more smoothly
“This speaks to the power
of our close relationships,” Chopik told The New York Times.
of our close relationships,” Chopik told The New York Times.
“We’ve
known for a long time that when we surround ourselves with happy people, we’re
happier. But now we know that it not only makes us happier, but healthier as
well.”
known for a long time that when we surround ourselves with happy people, we’re
happier. But now we know that it not only makes us happier, but healthier as
well.”
By David Oliver
usnews.com