Can Our Communication Style Impact Our Health?

We know it feels good to communicate well with others. Because who likes to argue? However, new research shows that the way we interact with each other can affect our health at the level of our thoughts and behaviors, as well as on a biological level.

A recent study examined the relationship between parent-adolescent communication style and adolescent health outcomes. In this study, my colleagues and I videotaped parents and their adolescent child at risk for obesity in adulthood during a five-minute conversation about managing food or food conflicts. These interactions were coded based on how parents and adolescents interacted and communicated with each other.

Communication styles are related to thoughts and behaviors.

The results of this study show that adolescents who show more initiative in solving problems, that is, who can solve the problem by talking or agreeing without accusing, are less likely to use violence. Eating behavior and preoccupation with food, body shape or weight.

Likewise, adolescents who show language assertiveness, that is, when they are able to listen to their parents' views and use logical thinking and self-confidence to defend their views and interests, tend to be less concerned about their weight.

Additionally, parents are less likely to develop an eating disorder in their growing children if they practice general positive communication skills such as clear and direct communication, taking responsibility, supporting their child even through disputes and active listening. .

These results suggest that parent-adolescent communication skills are related to how the child behaves (in the case of eating disorders) or how the child thinks and feels (in this study, body image). ).

They are also linked to biological predictors of health.

However, parents and children who demonstrated sociability or mutual understanding, sought teamwork and tried to find solutions, and were assertive during discussions were associated with lower adolescent insulin levels. This finding occurred even though the study took into account the youth's age, biological sex, and body mass index (BMI), typical predictors of insulin resistance, but the association was not causal. Any of these links created.

Because this study is preliminary, we cannot conclude that the way parents and children talk to each other causes insulin resistance. However, it suggests that the way we communicate with the people close to us can influence us more than our feelings and decisions. Our body chemistry can be affected by our interactions with others.

So what can this mean for you?

Although the way we communicate affects our physical health is new, the results of the study show that the way we communicate with the important people in our lives can affect the way we communicate, the way we think and feel about ourselves. . What we choose and what can affect us on a biological level. If you have difficulty communicating or are experiencing more conflict with your partner or children, it may be helpful to seek support to learn how to communicate better.

Who knows, it might even improve your health. At worst, it will help you form deeper relationships with the people who matter most to you.

Communication that damages our heart and health Kristen Kwankara | TEDxMNSU