Researchers at Ohio State University showed that marital arguments can have a significant effect on the physical health of each spouse.

The study looked at 42 couples, all of which had been married for at least 12 years, during two clinical visits conducted two months apart. At the beginning of each visit, the researchers used a small suction device to inflict blisters on the arms of each participant. During the first visit, the spouses were lead in positive discussions. For the second visit, however, the couples were encouraged to talk about things on which they disagreed. The sessions were videotaped to determine the degree of hostility between each couple, and the wounds were monitored for blood flow and fluid accumulation.

The study revealed that a 30-minute marital disagreement can add a day or more to the healing process of a wound.