Thoughts of Love Buffer Blood Pressure Against Stress

New research provides more evidence that committed relationships good for health

The power of love can combat stress, even if a loved one isn't there, researchers have found. Radu Florin/Unsplash

When facing a stressful situation, thinking about your romantic partner may help keep your blood pressure under control just as effectively as actually having them in the room with you.

For a new study, researchers asked 102 participants to complete a stressful task—submerging one foot into 3 inches of cold water ranging from 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Researchers measured the participants’ blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability before, during, and after the task.

Researchers randomly assigned the participants, all of whom were in committed romantic relationships, to one of three conditions when completing the task. They either had their significant other sitting quietly in the room with them during the task; or they had to think about their romantic partner as a source of support during the task; or they had to think about their day during the task.