Experts give advice to prevent stress and bad mood of one spouse from interfering in the other’s life
Emotional contagion is a phenomenon studied in psychology that describes the tendency to absorb and reproduce the emotional state of those close to us. In relationships, this effect can be particularly noticeable, since when you spend a lot of time with your partner, emotions such as joy, anxiety or bad mood end up being shared involuntarily. This means that, without realizing it, we can “mimic” the other person’s mood, which can affect the harmony of the relationship.
Preserving a healthy relationship requires careful attention to emotional contagion. Controlling this exchange of emotions is essential to avoid unnecessary stress. “This unconscious mimicry, known as the ‘chameleon effect’ or ‘unconscious imitation’, occurs more frequently in empathic people and in intimate relationships, such as romantic ones,” explains Monica Machado, postgraduate psychologist and founder of Clínica Ame.C in Psychoanalysis and Mental Health at the Teaching and Research Institute of the Albert Einstein Hospital, and guest From podcasts Ame.Cast.
How emotional contagion affects romantic relationships
A study led by Lisa Neff of the University of Texas and Benjamin Karney of the University of California followed more than 150 couples for three years to determine how one spouse’s stress affects the other. Research has revealed that adaptive relationship functioning can be limited by external stress, especially when the couple uses negative conflict resolution practices, such as rejecting or criticizing your partner.
“When we are in a long-term relationship, the bond with the other person can be so intense that we almost feel their emotions as if they were our own,” says Claudia Petry, a sex therapist and educator; member of SBRASH (Brazilian Society for Studies on Human Sexuality); and specialist in Sexual Education at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC/SC).
So find out below how to protect your relationship from emotional contagion:
1. Take control of your emotions
One person’s bad mood can rub off on another, even when the couple doesn’t interact directly. But according to therapist Claudia Petry, you need to be aware that your emotional states should not depend on another person. Otherwise they will no longer be under your control. “It is very easy to allow someone else’s anger to influence our emotions, but it is necessary to give space of reflection and rationalization”, he says.
It makes it clear that when you identify this pattern, you need to try to disrupt and replace it. “Instead of thinking ‘this bad mood has rubbed off on me,’ think, ‘it’s understandable that I feel vulnerable, but it’s not about me and I’ll maintain emotional balance.’ Pay attention to your automatic thoughts, your internal dialogue. This it is the interpretation that will determine how you feel.”
2. Support others, but with common sense
According to psychologist Monica Machado, when there is a problem in our couple (which goes beyond a simple bad mood), it is normal to look for ideas to resolve a situation that has become disturbing, even for you.
“However, wanting to take charge of a problem you cannot solve will only lead to further fatigue, as you should be the point of emotional balance right now. Therefore, simply leave space for the other person to express yourself freely, without fear of being judged or interrupted”, advises the psychologist.
3. Respect your boundaries
In difficult times, we tend to be short-tempered. Therefore, according to Claudia Petry, think three times before expressing an opinion to someone else, especially if it is in response to something you didn’t like or agree with. “If the bad mood is so strong that you can’t even maintain your own emotional balanceLeave the scene, take a break, and resume the conversation when you feel calm again.”
The professional recognizes that this is a difficult task, especially when it comes to his company and its long-term partnership. “However, this is precisely one of the secrets of a healthy relationship: never exceed your limits so as not to disrespect yourself and your relationship”, he concludes.
By Flavia Ghiurghi
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
