In today's fast-paced world, stress is an unavoidable part of life that can negatively impact mental health. Romantic partners provide unique forms of support that have been shown to aid individuals in coping with stress and promoting emotional regulation. Through providing companionship, reassurance, and validation, these supports help individuals feel supported and less alone.
Studies suggest that receiving physical touch and verbal affection from romantic partners can reduce levels of cortisol - the hormone associated with stress. These effects extend beyond immediate feelings, as research has also linked greater self-esteem and better overall well-being to frequent displays of love and appreciation within relationships. This connection between types of romantic support and emotional regulation may be due to their ability to facilitate moral reasoning, which involves evaluating situations through a lens of fairness and justice.
While various types of romantic support exist, it is unclear how they contribute to different aspects of emotional regulation during periods of stress.
Does one type of support promote more effective coping strategies than others? Does the form of support influence its effectiveness? To answer these questions, let's examine two examples of romantic support: active listening and touch.
Active listening is defined as paying full attention to a partner's needs and concerns without interrupting or judging. It encourages open communication and empathy, both essential components for managing stress. Active listeners validate their partner's experiences by acknowledging them and showing understanding rather than trying to solve problems immediately. By actively listening, couples create an environment where partners feel heard and seen, fostering trust and safety.
Physical touch, such as holding hands, hugging, or cuddling, provides comfort and security. It releases oxytocin, the "love" hormone, which promotes feelings of relaxation and closeness. Touch can also signal safety and trust, reducing anxiety and fear responses.
This article explores how different types of romantic support - namely, active listening and touch - contribute to emotional regulation and moral reasoning during times of stress. While each form of support has unique effects on mental health, combining multiple supports may be even more beneficial. Therefore, practicing active listening, receiving affectionate touch, and engaging in frequent displays of love within relationships can aid individuals in better managing stress and maintaining well-being.
How do types of romantic support contribute to emotional regulation and moral reasoning during periods of stress?
Research suggests that individuals who experience high levels of stress tend to exhibit lower levels of positive affect and increased negative affect due to an imbalance between their sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (Craske & Gerardi, 2018). During times of intense stress, individuals may experience physiological changes such as elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, and increased sweating which can interfere with cognitive functioning (Schwartz et al.