Host Barbara Hannah Grufferman is a research junkie and a few weeks ago she came across a new study stating that if one or both partners in a relationship avoids tough conversations about tough things, it could create emotional distress, bad feelings about their relationship, chronic inflammation, and negatively affect their immune systems. 

Yes, bad communication skills between partners is not only one of the top ten causes of divorce, but it can also wreak havoc with your health. The good news here, though, is this is fixable! 

The guest today is the lead author of a study showing that when committed couples communicate with each other in negative ways – even something as innocuous-seeming as rolling your eyes -- both partners – and women in particular – suffer emotionally and their immune systems deteriorate, affecting overall health and wellbeing, and happiness. 

This topic really deserves your attention because there are steps everyone can take to try to fix the most common communication challenges . 

Dr. Rosie Shrout is an Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Science at Purdue University. She also leads the Relationships & Health Lab and her primary focus in studying how stress affects couples’ relationships and overall health. 

In this episode, Barbara and Dr. Shrout discuss: 

• communication tactics that kill relationships 

• what happens to the body when tough topics are swept under the rug 

• how eyerolling and other subtle forms of communication can impact relationships 

• best tips to get your relationship back on track 

More information about Dr. Rosie Shrout: 

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RosieShrout 

Academic Profile: 

https://hhs.purdue.edu/directory/rosie-shrout/ 

Articles: 

https://www.newswise.com/articles/negative-marital-communications-leave-literal-figurative-wounds?sc=dwhn&user=10024489 

https://theconversation.com/amp/marriage-provides-health-benefits-and-heres-why-190731 

https://theconversation.com/stress-is-contagious-in-relationships-heres-what-you-can-do-to-support-your-partner-and-boost-your-own-health-during-the-holidays-and-beyond-173071 

Connect with Barbara Hannah Grufferman: 

Website: https://www.barbarahannahgrufferman.com 

Instagram: @Barbara Hannah Grufferman 

Facebook: @BarbaraHannahGruffermanAuthor 

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