A new study conducted by the University of California Davis contributes to the understanding of the link between positive emotions in intimate relationships and cortisol levels, especially among older people, who are more vulnerable to stress and health problems.
The happiness of the partner helps to manage stress in old age Photo Arhiva Adevărul
According to research conducted in partnership with Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia in Canada, Humboldt University in Germany and Stanford University in California, a happy partner can not only improve our mood, but also help us manage stress, especially as we age.
By comparing individuals’ emotional states and their relationship satisfaction with cortisol levels, researchers observed that in older couples, the stress hormone is at a lower level when partners experience positive emotions. This effect was even more pronounced in people who reported being more satisfied with their relationship as a couple. The study was published in September in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
“Experiencing positive emotions with your life partner can act as an important social resource”said Tomiko Yoneda, an assistant professor of psychology in the College of Letters and Science and lead author of the study.
The stress hormone, marital happiness, and healthy aging
Cortisol plays an essential role in the body’s response to stress and in its daily functioning. Cortisol levels rise sharply in the morning when we wake up and then gradually decrease throughout the day.
In situations of acute stress, cortisol reaches high values, stimulating the body to produce glucose and speed up its metabolism, preparing us for quick reactions in the face of unexpected challenges.
Our emotional states throughout the day have a direct impact on cortisol production. Studies have consistently shown that negative emotions are associated with higher levels of cortisol, and elevated and persistent levels of this hormone can lead to poorer overall health.
During senescence, these connections between our emotions and cortisol can be even more pronounced. Older people typically have more intense physiological reactions to stress, but their bodies are less able to slow down cortisol production. According to researchers, couples’ intimate relationships in old age may play an important role in managing stress and cortisol levels.
“Emotional experiences positive can help reduce cortisol production. This aspect is especially important when we think about how our partners from the relationship of torque can amplify this effect”Tomiko Yoneda also said.
Linking happiness and cortisol in older couples
Yoneda and his research team analyzed data from 321 adults between the ages of 56 and 87 in three intensive studies conducted in Canada and Germany between 2012 and 2018. The analysis compared the participants’ self-rated emotional states and their satisfaction in relation to cortisol levels measured by saliva samples. In all three studies, participants’ emotional states and cortisol levels were assessed several times a day for an entire week.
The study found that a person’s body produced less cortisol when their partner reported more intense positive emotions than usual. This effect was even more pronounced than when people reported their own positive emotions. The effect was also more pronounced among older people who reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
The study found no link between a person’s cortisol levels and their partner’s negative emotions. Yoneda explained that this is not surprising because previous research suggests that older people can protect partners from physiological responses to others’ negative emotions.
Building long-term happiness and health
Yoneda noted that these results are consistent with a psychological theory that suggests positive emotions improve our ability to act more effectively in the present moment. These experiences can generate a positive vicious circle that improves this skill in the long run.
The study suggests that people in a relationship can share these benefits when they experience positive emotions.
“Relationships provide an ideal source of support, especially when they are of high quality. These dynamics may be particularly important during late adulthood.”Yoneda also stated.
In conclusion, while happy relationships have been known to have a positive impact on health, the recent study details how a partner’s positive emotions can directly influence a person’s cortisol levels, highlighting a specific dynamic of interpersonal relationships. This research provides valuable insight into stress management and health among older adults.
Thus, the partner’s happiness plays a significant role in the overall well-being of the relationship. A healthy relationship is based on mutual support and constant attention to the needs and emotions of each partner.
