A family row can slow down the body’s ability to produce a protein vital for healing wounds, say researchers from Ohio State University College of Medicine. In fact, it can delay healing by at least one day.

You can read about this study in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry (archpsyc.ama-assn.org).

Researchers found that couples who quarrel a lot took longer for their physical wounds to heal than couples who don’t (quarrel a lot).

Blisters were inflicted on couples by using a vacuum pump. Those who rowed consistently took 60% longer to heal.

As well as undermining the body’s ability to cope with heart disease, high blood pressure and depression, it seems quarrelling also has a negative impact on our ability to heal physical wounds.

The researchers pointed out that having a spouse can help people recover from health problems. However, having the wrong kind of relationship can be damaging.

Lead researcher, Janice Kiecolt-Glaser said that the study demonstrates that wound healing is much more sensitive to even minor stresses than we ever assumed. If you are facing surgery, it is important to be mentally relaxed.

http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org

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