That Unhappy Relationship Can Shorten Your Life

A new study links personal conflict to doubling your risk of dying young.
A new study links personal conflict to doubling your risk of dying young.

Keeping the peace in your close relationships won't just make for a happier life -- it may actually make for a longer one. A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health claimed ongoing, frequent conflict with partners, family members, or friends could lead to a 50% to 100% (!) higher risk of dying young.

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Over a 10-year span, researchers regularly checked in with nearly 10,000 men and women, ages 36 to 52, about their personal relationships. Around one in 10 study participants revealed that their spouse or children were a source of worry; while one in 20 participants said other close relatives caused them stress. Analysts also tracked the participants' health and employment status.

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What happened? From 2000 to 2011, 196 women and 226 men in the study died from cancer, heart disease, liver disease, accidents, and suicide. Analysis indicated that those with demanding relationships had a significantly higher risk of death from all causes during middle age.

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Other noteworthy findings: Being unemployed amplified the stress of relationships and impacted overall health, and men were particularly affected by worry about their female partners. On the flip side, researchers conceded a person's personality also plays an important role in how he or she healthfully deal with stress.

-By Betty Gold

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