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Marital Stress and Physiology

Meaning

Marital stress and physiology describes the measurable impact of chronic relationship conflict or dissatisfaction on an individual’s neuroendocrine and immune systems. Persistent distress within a primary partnership acts as a sustained psychosocial stressor, driving a measurable increase in allostatic load. Clinically, this manifests as elevated baseline cortisol levels, impaired wound healing, and chronic low-grade inflammation, demonstrating a direct link between relational well-being and systemic physiological function. The quality of intimate relationships is a powerful determinant of hormonal health and longevity.