A research conducted by University of Buffalo states that those who invest more time and effort in their relationships have found to have better physical and mental health.

Head of the research Ashley Barr said that health benefits begin to increase comparatively quickly with high-quality relationship. He added, “And then we see detrimental effects of low-quality relationships, particularly those low quality relationships that last a long time.”

Research has used the Iowa Youth and Families Project which is a sample of all-white youth coming from two-parent, married families in rural Iowa. According to Barr, “About one third of the sample experienced relatively large changes in their relationship over a two-year period.”

Barr said, “Over the last few decades, the transition into adulthood has been extended. Younger people today are waiting longer to get married than those in previous generations and they’re waiting longer to finish school. During this period, they’re moving in and out of relationships.”

“We took into account satisfaction, partner hostility, questions about criticism, support, kindness, affection and commitment. We also asked about how partners behave outside of the relationship. Do they engage in deviant behaviours? Is there general anti-sociality?” He added.

According to Barr an individuals better mental and physical health is based on his presence in the high-quality relationship and how fast they get out of the low-quality relationship.

By Prajakt K.