Scientists from universities in Canada, the U.S., and Germany studied 321 participants (mostly couples) aged 56 to 89 for one week, collecting emotional reports and saliva samples up to 7 times daily. When both partners felt happier, more relaxed, or more interested than usual, their cortisol stress hormone levels dropped measurably in both people. The biological effect lasted beyond the immediate moment, with shared positive emotions at one check-in predicting lower stress hormones hours later. The study provides biological evidence that shared positive moments between partners reduce stress hormone levels in daily life, adding health benefits beyond individual happiness alone. (Story URL)
PHONE TOPIC: What is your happiest memory with your partner?
