In a new study conducted by Kansas State University in Manhattan has been examining questionnaire responses and evaluating physiological markers of stress in recordings of emotional reactions in young dating couples.
Psychologists have concluded that young couples who had ‘optimal communication’ were significantly less likely to be angry or maintain anger for long periods of time and were more likely to be happy with their relationship and report less stress.
Communication is a form of stress management; it extends beyond that good old saying “A problem shared is a problem halved” allowing a partner to understand, thoughts, feelings and anxieties not only produces a stress relief but are less likely to cause future problems.
The research team analysed data from 50 couples aged between 18 and 20 who had been together for a minimum of 6 months but who were not living together, engaged or married. The researchers reported that these young couples were chosen for the study of conflict as they will often avoid causing arguments due to not wanting the relationship to end in its early stages.