Toxic people in your life may have a hidden health impact, study suggests
Reducing exposure to people who consistently create stress or conflict “may benefit health,” the study suggests, although this is not always realistic, Lee noted.
“Many of these relationships involve family members or others who are deeply embedded in daily life, so the challenge is often not simply avoiding them, but finding healthier ways to manage them,” he said. “More broadly, our results suggest that the overall balance of one’s social network matters.”
“Many of these relationships involve family members or others who are deeply embedded in daily life, so the challenge is often not simply avoiding them, but finding healthier ways to manage them,” said the researcher. (iStock)
Community-based programs that expand social circles through shared hobbies, volunteering or mutual aid may be beneficial, the researchers suggested.
“Broadening and diversifying one’s network may be one way to offset some of the biological toll associated with chronic relationship stress,” Lee added.
Study limitations
The authors noted that these findings only show an association, but do not prove that toxic relationships have a negative impact on aging. Other traits or environments were not considered when measuring morbidity.
Because the data came from one Midwestern sample, it may not apply to other cultural or socioeconomic populations.
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The study used data collected at one point in time, which means it cannot show whether hasslers came before the aging changes or if the faster aging influenced social perceptions.
The hassler relationships were also self-reported and subject to participants’ moods and experiences — which could introduce some bias.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/toxic-people-your-life-may-have-hidden-health-impact-study-suggests