On the importance of relationship quality: The impact of ambivalence in friendships on cardiovascular functioning

• DOI: 10.1007/bf02879910
• Publication Date: 2008-04-03T18:40:21Z
• Authors: Julianne Holt-Lun...; Bert N. Uchino; Timothy W. Smith; Angela Hicks
• Keywords: Ambivalence; Reactivity; Health psychology; Vagal Tone; Social Stress; Social relationship

Background: Social relationships are reliably related to rates of morbidity and mortality. One pathway by which social may influence health is via the impact relationship quality on cardiovascular reactivity during interactions. Purpose Method: This study examined effects a friendship when speaking about positive or negative life events with an ambivalent supportive friend. To examine this, 107 healthy male female adults (and their same-sex friend) were recruited. Results: Results revealed that participants exhibited greatest levels systolic blood pressure discussing event friend compared We also found higher resting heart rate lower respiratory sinus arrhythmia among those who brought in friends than friends. Conclusion: Individuals not be able fully relax presence benefit from support stress. research help clarify health-related consequences differing types relationships.