adult relationships
Negative marital communications leave literal, figurative wounds
Study links destructive interaction patterns to lower immune function
Newswise — COLUMBUS, Ohio – A tendency for one or both spouses to avoid or withdraw from tough conversations could set up married couples for emotional distress, bad feelings about their relationship, chronic inflammation and lowered immune function, new research suggests.
The analysis revisits data from a 2005 Ohio State University study that showed the stress couples feel during a brief argument could slow their bodies’ ability to heal from wounds by at least a day – a landmark finding at the time showing how psychological stress affects immunity.
A fresh look at the data shows that when married couples typically communicate with each other in negative ways, both spouses – and women in particular – suffer emotionally and their immune function wanes, in the form of having wounds that take longer to heal. The analysis revealed that the health consequences of negative communication patterns were evident even before the 2005 study began: These couples arrived at the lab with higher blood markers for inflammation.
The initial trial showed that one stressful argument – in a lab, recorded and analyzed by researchers – could harm immune function. This new study suggests that the more combative arguments in the lab were linked to more negative typical marital communication for these couples – and those daily patterns are a likely culprit behind persistent negative emotions and biological markers that can lead to poorer health outcomes.
“Marriage is associated with better health, but chronically distressed marriages can worsen health,” said first author Rosie Shrout, who completed this work as a postdoctoral researcher in Ohio State’s Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR). “It’s important to understand what is going on behind the scenes that contributes to these effects.
“What we’re seeing is that both chronic daily negativity and acute negativity, and their combination – experiencing both of those – is particularly bad for couples’ emotions, relationships and immune functioning,” said Shrout, now an assistant professor of human development and family science at Purdue University.
The new study was published recently in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
The 2005 research was co-led by Jan Kiecolt-Glaser, senior author of the new study and professor emerita of psychiatry and psychology at Ohio State, whose decades of discoveries as a leader of the IBMR have shown the many ways in which stressful life events are detrimental to health.
The 2005 work involved 42 married heterosexual couples who had been together for an average of 12 years. Researchers tested the baseline level of a proinflammatory protein in their blood and used a device to raise small blisters on each partner’s forearm – the wounds’ healing progress was monitored as an indicator of how well each participant’s immune system was functioning.
Participants completed questionnaires assessing their typical communication patterns when problems arise – mutual constructive or symmetrical positive communication, or variations of negative communication patterns that involved either mutual avoidance or instances where one partner made demands and the other withdrew from the discussion in response.
Couples were recorded having discussions in two separate lab visits: The first focused on social support and the second was an attempt to resolve a known source of tension in the marriage, such as finances or in-laws. Researchers coded negative and positive behaviors during these talks.
In follow-ups, couples evaluated the discussions – whether they were satisfied with the conversation, and the degree to which they felt supported and understood by their partner, and in control and working productively while sorting out a problem. Their blister wound healing was assessed daily for eight days and then again on day 12.
In the new study, statistical modeling of the qualitative and biological data showed that couples’ negative communication patterns – specifically mutual avoidance or demand/withdrawal – had cascading effects on how they felt after the lab conversations, and on their inflammation and immune function measures.
“If they were more negative typically on a day-to-day basis, and were negative in those specific interactions, they rated the discussion more negatively and less positively, they felt fewer positive emotions, and their wounds healed more slowly,” Shrout said. “That chronic negativity and acute negativity had emotional, relational and immune effects – most notably for women.”
In contrast, couples who reported more mutual constructive communication patterns rated the lab conversations more favorably.
A few specific findings suggested how insidious the effects of poor communication patterns could be: Wounds healed more slowly in couples who mutually avoided talking about tough topics and also showed fewer positive behaviors during lab discussions. Even when mutual avoiders were more positive while trying to resolve conflict, that positivity didn’t help their wounds heal more quickly.
Kiecolt-Glaser, who has led a number of marriage and health studies, said it doesn’t take long for married couples to have expectations of what the marriage is like that can override any evidence to the contrary. In a bad marriage, a negative behavior is perceived as reinforcement of this expectation, while in a good marriage, a negative behavior is taken as a sign one’s partner is in distress.
“This study provides a window into relationships: What couples say about their relationship really did translate not only into how they behaved, but also what they said about the behavior, and their biology,” she said. “They walked into this study situation, and the way they’re responding may in part be because that’s what they’re expecting. They have such well-worn tracks in terms of interactions that it’s hard to derail the train.”
That doesn’t mean all is lost, Shrout noted – couples have lots of options to pursue education or therapy to help them learn better communication skills.
This work was supported by an Ohio State Presidential Postdoctoral Scholars Fellowship and the National Institutes of Health.
Additional co-authors include Megan Renna of the University of Southern Mississippi, and Annelise Madison and William Malarkey of Ohio State.
Source: Ohio State University
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Lifestyle
Wyzr: The Leading Activity and Health & Wellness-Based Friendship App Leads the Shift Away from High-Pressure Dating Apps
LOS ANGELES /PRNewswire/ — Wyzr, the leading activity and health & wellness-based friendship app for singles and couples, celebrates a highly successful beta-testing phase with over 250,000 friendship connections. Wyzr officially launches this week in celebration of National New Friends Day on October 19.
health & wellness
Wyzr also announces its inclusion in the AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP accelerator program, where it will receive the tools to help bring Wyzr to people 50+.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP accelerator,” said Joy Teitel, co-founder of Wyzr. “We’ve created a smarter, safer app where singles and couples can find friends and activity partners to facilitate social connection, which improves physical and mental health. Wyzr’s proprietary friendship matching algorithm optimizes connections by intelligently pairing people based on shared interests, and health & wellness goals, among other factors.”
Carolyn Kelly, co-founder, added, “People are exhausted from the pressure and the constant push for romance. Wyzr is different. We are focused on building real friendships for adults without the stress. Our activity-based approach makes connecting easy and natural, and our market is significantly larger than dating apps. After the isolation of the pandemic and return to on-site work, people are craving genuine, pressure-free connection, and Wyzr offers exactly that.”
Wyzr: New Features for Real Connections
Wyzr offers several exciting features that set it apart from dating and other social apps, focusing on easy, engaging ways to meet new people for meaningful friendships, shared health & wellness goals, and interests:
- Friend Blast: With just one tap, users can instantly invite their friends to social gatherings, one-on-one meet-ups, or group events, making spontaneous plans for golf, pickleball, concerts, day trips or shopping, more accessible than ever. This feature enhances community engagement and encourages users to connect through shared experiences.
- Health & Wellness Goals: Wyzr allows users to connect based on shared health and wellness interests, creating opportunities for friends to support each other on their personal journeys.
- Carpool: The Carpool feature, known as Wyzr Ride, helps users share rides to work, school, events and activities, promoting convenience, eco-consciousness and connections in their local communities.
- ID Verification: Wyzr prioritizes safety, offering optional ID verification for users who prefer added security when connecting with others.
Involving Community Groups & Employers
Wyzr invites community groups, organizations and employers across the U.S. and Canada to become a part of this movement to promote connection, longevity and healthy living. Eligible groups and organizations with at least 50 Wyzr sign-ups in 2024, can receive free event postings on the Wyzr App.
About Wyzr
Wyzr is a free, activity-based friendship app focused on helping singles and couples create meaningful connections. Available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play, Wyzr is on a mission to empower users to build strong social networks.
SOURCE Wyzr Group, LLC
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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(Family Features) After all the planning and stress of a wedding, many newlyweds look forward to celebrating their union by taking the trip of a lifetime. With the honeymoon destination options nearly unlimited, however, choosing where to go on your post-wedding getaway can be more stressful than proposing or choosing the right venue to say “I do.”
Top Honeymoon Destinations
To help newlyweds make the most of their first trip as a married couple, consider this guide to some of the most lavish honeymoon destinations across the globe.
Explore the Romance of the Maldives
Known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and luxurious resorts, the Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean. A perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic, lavish honeymoon experience, the Maldives offers a range of romantic activities for couples including sunset cruises, candlelit dinners on the beach, spa treatments and luxurious accommodations in private villas built on stilts above the ocean with direct access to breathtaking views, snorkeling and diving.
Adventure and Opulence in South Africa
From thrilling safaris to world-class vineyards, South Africa offers a variety of experiences for couples looking for a unique honeymoon experience. On safari, you can spot lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos in their natural habitats and witness the beauty of African wildlife up close and personal. After an exhilarating adventure, you can unwind at one of the luxurious lodges or tented camps before visiting the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Winelands, where you can enjoy some of the finest wines and gourmet dining in the world.
Cultural Riches and Exquisite Comforts in Italy
Rich in culture, history and exquisite comforts, Italy is a perfect honeymoon destination for couples who want to combine luxury and exploration. From the rolling hills of Tuscany – where you can indulge in wine tasting, visit medieval towns or take a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Italian dishes – to the picturesque Amalfi Coast, with its colorful cliffside villages, crystal clear waters and luxurious resorts, the country offers a diverse range of experiences. Plus, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Grand Canal allows couples to immerse themselves in the rich history and art of the charming cities of Rome, Florence and Venice.
Indulge in French Polynesia
A tropical paradise made up of 118 islands and atolls, French Polynesia is known for its overwater bungalows and azure waters. These luxurious accommodations are built on stilts above the lagoon, offering direct access to the crystal-clear waters. With the South Pacific’s vibrant marine life and coral reefs, you can go on a snorkeling or diving adventure to explore the underwater world or take a boat or kayak tour to discover hidden lagoons and remote islands.
Private Island Seclusion in the Caribbean
If you seek ultimate seclusion and relaxation, the pristine beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious resorts of the Caribbean make for a romantic and intimate honeymoon experience. One of the highlights of the Caribbean is the privacy and exclusivity of staying on a private island. In addition to the private accommodations, couples can go snorkeling or diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs, take a sunset cruise or indulge in delicious Caribbean cuisine.
Find more guidance to make your honeymoon a once-in-a-lifetime experience at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. /PRNewswire/ — Adam & Eve and adameve.com, America’s most trusted source for adult products, are back this month with results from their all-new annual sex survey. This month, the sex-positive company asked over 1000 adults how often they masturbate, and the results may surprise you.
While 22% of the respondents said they masturbate once a week, nearly as many (21%) said they masturbate a few times a week. Just over 16% said they enjoy solo sex less than once a week, 15% said they rarely masturbate, another 15% said they never masturbate, and 12% said they practice self-love every day!
“Most people masturbate, and they do so for many different reasons – probably the biggest one is that it just feels good,” says Dr. Jenni Skyler, PhD, LMFT, CST, and resident sexologist at Adam & Eve. “Masturbation can be a great way to relax, self-soothe, and release tension and anxiety. Some people masturbate to help them go to sleep, or to fill a need during the absence of a partner. Masturbation is a great way to learn about your body… what feels good to you and what your body responds to.”
“Adam & Eve encourages adults to celebrate their sexuality within their own comfort levels. We provide a variety of toys, lubricants and warming lotions to enhance both partnered and solo sessions,” says Chad Davis, Director of Marketing for Adam & Eve.
The web-based survey, conducted by an independent third party survey company, of over 1,000 American adults age 18 and up, was sponsored by Adam & Eve to study sexual preferences and practices.
For more information about Adam & Eve, visit their website, https://www.adameve.com. For additional information on Adam & Eve, please contact Adam & Eve Director of Public Relations Katy Zvolerin at 919.644.8100 x 3121 or [email protected].
SOURCE AdamEve.com
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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