Go ahead and argue, it can be good for your health

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38698442/ns/health-behavior/

By Rachael Rettner
updated 8/13/2010 6:28:16 PM ET

SAN DIEGO — A little arguing now and then is good for you, if done for the right reasons, a new study suggests.

The results show when people experience tension with someone, whether their boss, spouse, or child, sidestepping confrontation could be bad for their health. Avoiding conflict was associated with more symptoms of physical problems the next day than was actually engaging in an argument.

Bypassing bickering was also associated with abnormal rises and falls of the stress hormone cortisol throughout the day.

"Relationships have important influences on how we feel on a daily basis, especially the problems in our relationships," said study researcher Kira Birditt, of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. "How we deal with problems affects our daily well-being," she said.

Previous research has shown married couples who avoid argumentsare more likely to die earlier than their expressive counterparts. Another study found that expressing angercontributes to a sense of control and optimism that doesn't exist in people who respond in a fearful manner.

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This study compared people who avoided expressing disagreements vs. those who argued about them.
What about people who talk them out in a respectful way?

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