A latest research paper shows that arguing with friends and family increases risk of early death.
Researchers at Denmark assessed the link between stressful social relations and mortality rates. For the study, the research team analysed the data gathered from the Danish Longitudinal Study on Work, Unemployment and Health from 2000. The data was comprised of nearly 10,000 men and women between the ages of 36 and 52. The data was associated to the Danish Cause of Death Registry that had all-cause mortality information until December 31, 2011
The findings revealed that arguments with family, friends, and neighbors posed the greatest risk for middle age mortality, mainly men and unemployed people.
"Stressful social relations in private life are associated with a two- to three-times increased risk of dying," said lead researcher Dr. Rikke Lund, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, reports Philly. "Worries and demands from partners and children, and conflicts in general, seem the most important risk factors."
"Men respond to stressors with increased levels of cortisol, which may increase their risk of adverse health outcomes," the study's authors wrote according to BBC News.
Researchers stated that the constant arguing increases stress levels, resulting in high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. These two factors significantly contribute to premature death risk. In order to reduce the risk of premature death, people should build strong support system or find helpful ways of relieving stress.
The study, 'Stressful social relations and mortality: a prospective cohort study,' was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
