Feature Article
Happy Relationships Good for Health
Nina Chen, Ph.D., CFLE, Human Development Specialist, Jackson County, University of Missouri Extension
Why do healthy relationships matter? Research has
already shown great health benefits of healthy
relationships and marriages. For instance, married
people have longer life expectancies than singles,
especially married men. Children who live with their own
two married parents enjoy better physical health than
children in other family structures. Married mothers
have lower rates of depression than single or cohabiting
mothers. Several studies show that people who have a
rocky marriage or relationship are likely to experience
anxiety and stress and increased risk of health
problems. Researchers at University College London
tracked about 9,000 people for 12 years and found that
negative relationships increase the risk of heart
problems by 34%. According to researcher John Gottman,
an unhappy marriage can increase the chances of illness
by 35 percent.
Some studies indicated marriage was tied to better
survival in certain cancers such as breast and prostate
cancers. A study led by Dr. John Gore of the University
of California, Los Angeles also showed married patients
with bladder cancer had the best survival odds.
Researchers from San Diego State University and the
University of Pittsburgh found high marital satisfaction
can benefit women’s health. The study found that women
with happy relationships were less likely to develop
risk factors that lead to cardiovascular disease
compared with other women.
The health benefits attributed to marriage shows what
partners bring into marriage. For instance, couples can
benefit from strong social and emotional support.
Knowing that your partner is interested in the details
of your life and cares about you can lessen stress
levels substantially. It matters when a partner neglects
his or her health or struggles at work. Couples work as
a team and are likely to have regular checks-ups or
reminders on exercise or other recommendations that will
improve their life or health.
With the pressures of work, children, and chores, it
can be difficult to focus on nurturing healthy
relationships. Building and maintaining a healthy
relationship takes time and effort. Here are basic tips
to help couples build a healthy and strong relationship.
- Make time for each other.
- Make a commitment to your relationship.
- Have positive and open communication.
- Be appreciative and affectionate.
- Show interest and care.
- Be supportive.
- Fight fair.
- Take time for yourself.
- Keep romance alive.
- Have a good sense of humor.
- Learn to compromise and forgive
Last Updated 05/06/2008
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
