Researchers have found evidence that dealing with difficult people, or 'hasslers', may accelerate biological ageing. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that each additional hassler in a person's social network corresponds to roughly nine months older biological age.
Nearly 30% of individuals surveyed reported having at least one such person in their network, often in peripheral roles such as colleagues or flatmates. The researchers noted that these negative relationships are common and can act as chronic stressors, speeding up biological ageing and increasing vulnerability to disease.
The study found that the strongest links to accelerated ageing came from family members described as hasslers. However, surprisingly, spouse hasslers showed no significant association, possibly due to the complex mix of support and obligation in intimate relationships.
While the study does not prove causation, it highlights the impact of social relationships on health. Positive relationships are known to protect against age-related decline, and negative ones may have the opposite effect. Limiting exposure to stress, including from difficult people, is advised.
