Hearing something positive is beneficial for the body and mind and can promote health, according to researchers.
A new study reveals that sharing good news can have a positive impact on one's well-being and is instrumental in ensuring that one is happy and in good health.
The study is part of a research project dubbed Study for Employment Retention of Veterans, which is aimed at improving workplace culture as part of the overall well-being of service members and veterans.
The research was presented at the 2017 Society for Personality and Social Psychology Annual Convention and primarily focuses on military couples living in Oregon.
Findings Of The Study
The lives of service members are far more challenging than those of ordinary citizens. They are required to deal with many unique challenges both at work and home. Their work schedule includes fighting outside the country, assisting during natural disasters, and more. Therefore, they are more likely to suffer from maladies like sleep disorders and loneliness.
The new research confirms that a supportive and responsive partner mitigates problems like sleep deficiency and loneliness. The study also asserts that emotional support, communication, and good sleep are all vital to propagate better overall health and a successful professional life.
"This study adds to a larger body of literature that supports how important it is to share with your partner when good things happen, as well as to respond positively to the sharing of good news," says Sarah Arpin, a social psychologist from Gonzaga University.
Arpin also noted that very few researches have examined and analyzed the daily relationship process among military couples who are more likely to suffer from post-deployment relationship difficulties.
On the subject of relationship research, sharing any good news is denoted as capitalization. In case of close relationships, it is an extremely vital support process as explained by the researchers.
Arpin revealed that when anyone shares something positive, the one who receives the information also feels happiness. This intensifies a good feeling in both the parties.
"However, when someone 'rains on your parade,' that can have negative consequences," remarks Arpin.
So, it's not just about sharing good news, but also about how the receiver takes it. Those hearing the news have to respond in a positive manner, so that both parties can feel good about their circumstances.
The Research Work
The researchers conducted their study on 162 post-9/11 military couples. It also observed the sleep patterns, intimacy, loneliness, and sharing of good news between these couples.
To participate in the study, the couples were required to have lived for a minimum of six months together. Almost 20 percent of the couples were not married. The duration of the time couples stayed with each other varied, while the typical length of association was 12 years.
Photo: Wyatt Fisher | Flickr
