The Power of Love: Emotion Helps Stabilize Neurotic Tendencies

Never underestimate the power of love.

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Jena and the University of Kassel in Germany shows that this emotion can actually boost personal development in many young adults--particularly those with neurotic tendencies. 

"Neurotic people are rather anxious, insecure and easily annoyed. They have a tendency towards depression, often show low self-esteem and tend to be generally dissatisfied with their lives," said lead study author Dr. Christine Finn, via a press release. "However, we were able to show that they become more stable in a love relationship and that their personality stabilizes."

The study involved 245 couples between the ages of 18 and 30 who were followed for a nine month period and interviewed every three months. Researchers evaluated their neuroticism as well as their relationship satisfaction by asking them to assess ficticious everyday life situations regarding intimate relationships.

As people with neurotic tendencies may react more strongly to negative stimuli, including ambiguous situations, this helped researchers determine how romantic relationships benefited their lives. Findings showed that over time, this pattern slowly began to diminish, with this emotion  ypically influencing both genders in the same way.

"Of course everyone reacts differently and a long, happy relationship has a stronger effect than a short one," said lead researcher Prof. Dr. Franz J. Neyer, via the release. "But generally we can say: young adults entering a relationship can only win!"

"It is difficult to reform a whole personality but our study confirms: Negative thinking can be unlearned!" Finn concluded.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of Personality.