Research from the University of California, Davis indicates that having joyful intimate partners can not only brighten our spirits but also aid in stress management as we get older. The study found that older couples exhibited reduced cortisol levels—the body’s stress hormone—when their partners experienced positive emotions. This effect was even more pronounced in individuals who reported greater relationship satisfaction.
Research from the University of California, Davis shows that having joyful intimate partners can enhance our mood and assist in stress management, particularly as we age.
By looking at the emotional states and relationship satisfaction of individuals alongside their cortisol levels, researchers discovered that older couples had lower cortisol when their partners felt more positive emotions. Interestingly, this relationship was even stronger among those who felt more satisfied in their partnerships. The findings were published in September in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
“Sharing positive emotions with your partner can serve as a social resource,” explained Tomiko Yoneda, an assistant professor of psychology and the study’s lead author.
The stress hormone and healthy aging
Cortisol plays a crucial role in how our bodies respond to stress and function daily. Cortisol levels rise sharply in the morning and gradually decrease throughout the day. During acute stress, cortisol levels surge, enabling our body to generate the necessary energy and heightened metabolism for immediate action.
Our emotional well-being throughout the day directly influences cortisol production. Research consistently shows a link between negative emotions and elevated cortisol levels, with chronic high cortisol contributing to poorer health outcomes.
Among older adults, the connection between emotions and cortisol levels may be even more pronounced. While older individuals often display stronger physiological stress responses, their bodies face challenges in reducing cortisol production. According to researchers, close relationships can help older couples manage their cortisol levels.
“Positive emotions can mitigate cortisol production,” noted Yoneda. “This relationship becomes particularly relevant when we recognize how our partners might enhance this effect.”
Linking happiness and cortisol among older couples
The research team, led by Yoneda, examined data from 321 adults aged between 56 and 87 in three comprehensive studies conducted in Canada and Germany from 2012 to 2018. They analyzed individuals’ self-reported emotional states and relationship satisfaction against their cortisol levels, which were measured through saliva samples. Participants’ emotional states and cortisol levels were assessed multiple times each day over a week.
The findings revealed that lower cortisol levels occurred when a partner experienced more positive emotions than usual. This effect was even greater than when individuals experienced their own positive feelings; it was also more prominent among older participants and those expressing greater relationship happiness.
Interestingly, the study showed no correlation between one partner’s cortisol levels and their partner’s negative emotions. Yoneda remarked that this was expected, as previous studies indicate that older adults often buffer their partners from experiencing physiological responses to negative emotions.
Fostering both happiness and health throughout life
Yoneda pointed out that these findings align with a psychological theory suggesting that positive emotions enhance our ability to respond smoothly in various situations. Such experiences can lead to a positive feedback loop that enhances this ability over time.
The research indicates that couples can mutually benefit from shared positive emotions.
“High-quality relationships offer tremendous support, especially in older adulthood,” stated Yoneda. “These dynamics may play a crucial role during this life stage.”
This research involved collaborations with Theresa Pauly from Simon Fraser University, Christiane Hoppmann from the University of British Columbia, and researchers from Humboldt Universität Berlin, Germany, and Stanford University.
