A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) suggests that persistent exposure to stressful social relationships may influence how quickly the body ages.1 Researchers reported that individuals who frequently interact with people who create conflict, criticism, or tension show measurable signs of accelerated biological ageing.
The research analyzed social and biological data from more than 2,300 adults in the United States aged between 18 and over 100 years. The findings highlight that the quality of social interactions may play an important role in long-term health outcomes.
To investigate the relationship between social stress and ageing, participants were asked to identify individuals in their social networks who regularly caused interpersonal stress. Researchers described these individuals as “hasslers,” referring to people who frequently generate conflict, criticism, or emotional strain.
Scientists then collected saliva samples from participants to analyse DNA methylation patterns. Using epigenetic clocks, researchers estimated biological age, which reflects the condition of cells and tissues rather than chronological age.
Epigenetic clocks measure chemical modifications to DNA that change over time due to environmental and lifestyle factors. These changes can indicate how fast a person’s body is ageing at the molecular level.
The study found a consistent association between negative social relationships and ageing indicators.1
According to the analysis, each additional stressful relationship was linked to approximately a 1.5 percent faster rate of biological ageing. On average, individuals who reported such relationships appeared around nine months biologically older than people of the same chronological age without similar stressors.
Researchers also noted that about 30 percent of participants reported at least one stressful person in their social network.
Long-term interpersonal stress can repeatedly activate the body’s stress response system. This process increases levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
Persistent activation of these pathways can influence inflammation, immune function, and metabolic regulation. Over time, these biological changes may contribute to cellular wear and alterations in DNA methylation patterns that are associated with ageing.
The researchers observed that negative interactions with friends and extended family members showed stronger associations with accelerated ageing markers than conflicts with spouses.
One possible explanation is that marital relationships may include supportive aspects that reduce the biological impact of occasional conflict. However, the study did not establish direct causation.
The study also reported that individuals with poorer overall health and those who experienced challenging childhood environments were more likely to report the presence of “hasslers” in their social networks.
Additionally, women reported a higher number of such stressful social ties compared to men, a finding the researchers noted was consistent with their expectations.
Brea Perry, a sociology professor at Indiana University and co-author of the study, told The Washington Post that
Women tend to be disproportionately affected both positively and negatively by things that are happening in relationships and by their relationship with other people. So it wasn’t that surprising to us that women might have more people who cause problems in their lives, in part because they are probably more likely to perceive the problems that others are having and to feel them and to sort of take those on as stress
Brea Perry, Sociology Professor, Indiana University
Participants who reported more stressful relationships also described poorer physical health and higher levels of psychological distress. The study linked negative social ties with increased inflammation and several chronic health conditions.
While negative social relationships may have measurable biological effects, research also shows that supportive and positive relationships are associated with several health benefits, including a reduced risk of cognitive decline and improved longevity.
As soon as you recognize that someone who is a hassler has these negative biological consequences for you, set limits on the effort you’re putting into that relationship.
Brea Perry, Sociology Professor, Indiana University
The findings highlight that social environments may influence biological processes involved in ageing. Researchers emphasize that the quality of relationships may be an important factor alongside lifestyle and medical care in determining long-term health outcomes.
The study suggests that reducing persistent social stress could contribute to strategies aimed at promoting healthier ageing across populations.
References
1. Lee, B., G. Ciciurkaite, S. Peng, C. Mitchell, and B. L. Perry. 2026. “Negative Social Ties as Emerging Risk Factors for Accelerated Aging, Inflammation, and Multimorbidity.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 123 (8): e2515331123. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2515331123.
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