Unhealthy relationships may affect mental and physical well-being

By Staff Writer

Teens who grow up in unstable households may be at a higher risk for developing mental illnesses. However, unhealthy relationships affect both parents as well.

According to research from Cardiff University, long-term committed relationships may benefit the mental and physical well-being of the entire family. The report, which is published in BMJ, shows that, on average, married people live longer. Additionally, women who are in committed relationships have better mental health than peers who are in unstable couples, while men in satisfying relationships have improved physical well-being.

The researchers suggest that men can experience improvements in their quality of life as a result of their partner's positive influence.

However, single people may have better mental health than those in unsatisfying relationships. Furthermore, adolescent relationships are often associated with an increased risk of depression.

The team also suggests that individuals who have multiple partners have a risk of earlier death, as well as those who have gone through a difficult divorce. They conclude that positive relationships can improve physical and mental health.

According to a study called Confronting Teen Stress, Meeting the Challenge in Baltimore City, schoolwork, parents, friends' problems, romantic relationships and drugs in the neighborhood caused adolescents the greatest amount of anxiety.