Could your difficult boss, colleague or family member be ageing you faster? What a study found and how to cope
What are the interpersonal relationships that are more stressful to deal with than others? Psychologists explain how to manage challenging interactions, set boundaries, recover emotionally – and maybe age better.
Interpersonal relationships can be more taxing than others, according to psychologists. Researchers have discovered that challenging interactions with certain individuals may accelerate biological ageing. In a study involving over 2,300 adults, NYU researchers found that having a difficult person in your close social network can increase biological ageing by 1.5%, equivalent to around nine months.
The term "hassler" is used to describe these challenging individuals, and nearly 30% of participants reported having at least one in their social network. While spouses were not found to have a significant impact, 10% of individuals had two or more toxic people in their lives. Dealing with difficult people can be a common occurrence, but the emotional response to these interactions can have long-lasting effects on one's well-being.
Adrenaline spikes and heightened heart rates are normal responses to stress, but prolonged exposure can lead to cumulative stress on physical and mental health. Chronic stress is a well-established factor in biological ageing, influencing gene activity that regulates inflammation and ageing. Physically, stress can manifest as headaches, muscle tension, digestive problems, and sleep disturbances.
Emotionally, stress can cause worry, irritability, emotional fatigue, and rumination about conversations. The closeness of the relationship can amplify the emotional impact of a difficult person's comments, making it more challenging to recover from the interaction. It is important to note that the study does not establish a direct causation between difficult people and accelerated ageing.
Instead, it highlights the association between challenging interpersonal relationships and markers of biological ageing. To cope with such situations, it is essential to recognize the signs of stress and implement healthy coping mechanisms. Developing a support system, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care can help mitigate the negative effects of difficult interpersonal relationships.
Ultimately, healthy ageing involves not only maintaining a healthy body but also nurturing positive relationships with others.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
