Words can leave wounds, and it's especially serious when they come from close people.
New research suggests that a tendency for spouses to avoid or withdraw from difficult conversations could lead to emotional distress, negative relationship feelings, chronic inflammation, and compromised immune function among married couples.
Let's find out more.
The study of harmful communication
The study revisited data from a 2005 study by Ohio State University, which initially found that stress from arguments could delay wound healing by at least a day due to its impact on immunity.
The re-evaluation of the data indicated that negative communication patterns between spouses, particularly mutual avoidance or demand/withdrawal, had adverse effects on emotional well-being, immune function, and inflammation markers, especially among women.
The study demonstrated that chronic and acute negativity in communication had cascading effects on emotional and immune responses.
Mutual constructive communication patterns, on the other hand, were associated with more favorable evaluations of conversations and tended to have positive impacts on the healing process.
Why is the study important?
The research showed that negative communication patterns could slow wound healing and negatively affect emotional and relational experiences, especially when discussing difficult topics.
The findings underscore the interconnectedness of communication, emotions, and physical health within marriages.
The study also highlights the significance of addressing negative communication patterns and fostering positive interactions to promote overall well-being in relationships.
