There’s scientific reasoning for that “in sickness and in health” part of marriage vows. A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that sick patients are more likely to improve over time if they have empathetic partners.
The study, which was conducted at Penn State University, surveyed 152 osteoarthritis patients who were over 50 years old and partnered.
Every night for 22 days, patients rated the degree to which their significant others responded to their physical pain, while their partners rated the degree to which their ill spouses expressed discomfort.
Researchers then measured the patients’ physical abilities like gait, speed, and ability to rise from a chair at the beginning of the study, six months later and 18 months later.
The study found that patients whose partners displayed empathetic behaviors like emotional support, affection and attention showed improved physical function over time.
“They were better able to stand from a chair unassisted, maintained better balance and could walk more quickly,” lead study author Stephanie J. Wilson wrote in a statement.
In other words: love is strong medicine.