Do conflictual relationships accelerate aging?

Do conflictual relationships accelerate aging?

Sample: 2 355 participants.

Participants filled out a questionnaire in which they listed their social contacts - people they regularly interacted with and with whom they had conflictual relationships. Next, a biomarker of biological aging was measured in the respondents - a saliva test for DNA methylation.

Shown: 30% of participants had one or more problematic people in their environment. Conflictual contacts were more common among women, smokers, people with weakened health, and those who experienced childhood trauma. The presence of conflictual people in one’s environment is associated with molecular markers of aging, higher levels of depression, anxiety and body mass index. The effects observed were weak, and the study was not causal. It is possible that minimizing contact with negative people is a good strategy for extending life.

Like if the most conflictual person in your life is yourself.

Link to an article.