How You Argue And What It Means For Your Health

How you argue says a lot about how your health will fare, according to research recently conducted at UC Berkeley. A Berkeley news release warns that people who rage with frustration during a marital spat are likely to develop high blood pressure, and those who keep a stiff upper lip may experience musculoskeletal ailments such as a bad back or stiff muscles. The study, based on 20 years of research, found that the link between emotions and health outcomes was most pronounced for husbands, but yes, it is also found in wives. The researchers videotaped 156 couples as they talked about events in their lives and areas of disagreement and enjoyment, then categorized their behaviors based on facial expressions. Here’s what they found: spouses who were apt to fly off the handle more easily were at greater risk of developing chest pain, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems over time; and those who stonewalled by barely speaking and avoiding eye contact were more likely to develop backaches, stiff necks or joints and general muscle tension.