Final answer:
Supportive relationships act as buffers against stress, illness, and negative effects of various life stressors, contributing to improved health outcomes including a reduced risk of mortality, cardiac events, and infections like the common cold.
Step-by-step explanation:
As large epidemiological studies have demonstrated, supportive relationships buffer us from stress, illness, and the negative effects of life's various stressors. Supportive relationships provide emotional support, dispute resolution, and mutual affection, which in turn can lead to improved health outcomes. For example, the lack of emotional support or confiding, lack of reciprocity, and experiences such as disagreements or arguments within a relationship can increase stress, which is known to take a toll on both emotional and physical health.
One longitudinal study indicated that individuals with high levels of negative interactions in their closest relationships had a 34% higher risk of experiencing serious cardiac events. In contrast, a statistical review revealed that those with strong social relationships had a 50% greater likelihood of survival. Thus, social support has been found to be associated with a reduced risk of mortality from cardiovascular disorders, better survival rates after breast cancer and infectious diseases, and even a lower chance of contracting a common cold.
Moreover, social support isn't just emotional; it encompasses advice, guidance, encouragement, and tangible assistance. It stands as a powerful buffer against stress and its related health implications. Therefore, nurturing supportive relationships can be a vital aspect of maintaining one's health and well-being.