How stress can affect our relationships – new video uploaded to AP Video Hub

In the video, she describes how stress can impact a person’s physical health and, in turn, affect the health of their partner. This video can be found at https://apvideohub.ap.org/detail/Howstresscanaffectourrelationships/af3910b9b2c94ab8a870e29665ce0b9e. All videos in the Campus Insights series are free for download and use by all AP members and can be found at apvideohub.ap.org or by doing a general search on the Associated Press site. AP members may use the video or to pull quotes for print article or for broadcast or podcast.

STORYLINE

Shrout says stress can shape how long and how healthy people live, especially if it is not managed well. Over time, unmanaged stress can lead to chronic diseases and disorders that may result in insomnia, fatigue, digestive issues, anxiety and inflammation. Shrout says that couples who manage stress poorly and are hostile toward one another have heightened distress responses. Distressed spouses not only have a higher risk for divorce, but also for disease development and early mortality. Shrout says a healthy marriage has a similar, if not greater, impact on health than how often people exercise, smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. Ways to reduce stress in relationships include communicating openly, not interrupting, showing affection physically and working together to find solutions.