Trending Now - Toxic Relationships Linked to Accelerated Aging, Study Finds

WHO:

Researchers from various U.S.-based universities conducted the study.

Dr. Daniel Amen, psychiatrist and owner of Amen Clinics in California, is mentioned regarding the importance of sleep for brain function and longevity.

Byungkyu Lee, co-author of the study from NYU’s Department of Sociology, provided insights on the findings.

WHAT:

A study published in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences* (PNAS) found that negative social ties, referred to as "hasslers," contribute to faster biological aging.

The study involved 2,345 participants from Indiana, aged 18 to 103.

Nearly 30% of participants reported having a "hassler" in their social network.

Each additional hassler was associated with an average increase in the aging process of 1.5%, equating to about nine months of older biological age.

The study indicated that women were more likely to report having hasslers than men.

Participants with poor health and adverse childhood experiences were more likely to report having hasslers.

WHERE:

The study was conducted in the state of Indiana, USA.

WHEN:

The study was published in 2026.

WHY:

Negative relationships act as chronic stressors that can accelerate biological aging and contribute to higher inflammation, chronic conditions, and worse mental health.

The presence of hasslers is linked to cumulative stress effects similar to traditional stressors like financial problems or workplace stress.

HOW:

Researchers collected saliva samples from participants to test DNA for markers of biological aging.

The study utilized biological clocks to measure age-related changes to DNA.

(UPDATED March 14, 2026 11:04 UTC)

A new study published in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences* reveals that negative social ties, known as "hasslers," can accelerate biological aging, with each additional hassler linked to an increase in the aging process of about one and a half percent, or roughly nine months of biological age. Conducted in Indiana with over 2,300 participants aged 18 to 103, the research found that nearly 30% reported having a hassler in their social network, and women were more likely to identify these negative influences than men. Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist involved in the study, emphasized the critical role of sleep and healthy relationships in maintaining brain function and longevity, highlighting the chronic stress caused by negative relationships as a significant factor in health deterioration.