A Happy Spouse is Good for Your Health

 Happy Couple Photo by Pedro Ribeiro Simões

 (This is an opinion on the article Having a happy spouse could be good for your health on Sciencedaily.com on September 26, 2016.)

Recently, social media stated that “a happy wife equals a happy husband.” 

 A recent study published by the American Psychological Association might give us a glimpse of this theory with emphasis on happiness and health.

“This finding significantly broadens assumptions about the relationship between happiness and health, suggesting a unique social link,” said William Chopik, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology at Michigan State University and principal investigator of the study. “Simply having a happy partner may enhance health as much as striving to be happy oneself.”

Furthermore:

“Simply knowing that one’s partner is satisfied with his or her individual circumstances may temper a person’s need to seek self-destructive outlets, such as drinking or drugs, and may more generally offer contentment in ways that afford health benefits down the road,” Chopik said.

3 potential factors were also pointed out, “why having a happy partner might enhance a person’s health, irrespective of one’s own happiness:”

• Happy partners likely provide stronger social support, such as caretaking, as compared to unhappy partners who are more likely to be focused on their own stressors.
• Happy partners may get unhappy people involved with activities and environments that promote good health, such as maintaining regular sleep cycles, eating nutritious food and exercising.
• Being with a happy partner should make a person’s life easier even if not explicitly happier.

 Participants answered questions on individual health as well as their spouse’s health, rating happiness and satisfaction in life. The study pointed out that couples age 50 to 94 results didn’t mark a difference between husbands and wives (shocking!).

The theory of having a happy wife equals to a happier husband is actually applicable vice versa (yes, it is folks).

In reality it’s all about 4 things:

• a decision to be happy
• to contribute in helping your spouse be happy
• to be understanding and supportive 
• to be unselfish and loving

The key (I believe) is for couples to stop wrestling (figuratively and literally) between themselves who needs to be happier.

If each would just give and love more, then couples would have a happy and healthy (long-lasting) life of togetherness. 

- See More at: http://awinaway.com/2016/10/20/happy-spouse-good-health/