Social isolation is a recognized risk factor for morbidity and mortality. But interacting negatively with family, friends and neighbors has its own drawbacks.
A ten-year study of nearly 10,000 middle-aged Danes found that those who had acrimonious relationships were more likely to die from cancer, heart disease, liver disease or accidents. The researchers estimate that frequent arguments or stressful demands from close contacts such as partners or children could increase the risk of death from any cause by at least 50%. Constant arguing had an especially negative effect, and men who were out of work seemed most vulnerable to this stress.
The investigators speculate that conflict management skills could help people lead longer and healthier as well as happier lives.
[Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, online May 9, 2014]
