According to new research close friendship may contribute positively in helping people to combat with anxiety and stress.

Experts are of the opinion that close relationships and supportive friends can have strong, calming and viable influence and eventually have significant impact on your hormonal balance in times of stress.

Dr Karen Majors and education psychologists at Barking and Dagenham Community Educational Psychology Services, mentioned, “A child’s close friends can be problematic and lead them astray, but they can also be incredibly positive and supportive.

“Friendships serve really important purposes socially, emotionally and cognitively as well as being a playmate and companion.”

103 Kids Studied:

To access and analyze the positive impacts of close friendship on stress, the researchers conducted study on 103 kids between the age group of 10-12 years. All the kids had a best pal.

The subjects were told to maintain a journal five times daily on four school days.

The spotlight of the study was to gauge the sentiments felt by the participants on a rating scale, rating 1 for ‘very positive’ to rating 7 for ‘very negative’, about 20 minutes before making an entry in their diary.

Furthermore they were interrogated about self-esteem in aloofness or in their parent’s company, their classmate, best friend, strangers, their teachers or any other individual.

Spit swabs were collected to study cortisol levels, a steroidal hormone that is triggered by our adrenal glands in times of stress to cope with emergency situations.

Findings of The Study:

During the study the kids were found to be happiest with their friends, particularly with their best friend. It was noticed that when the kids were with their best friend they produced least cortisol hormone in stressful conditions.

On the contrary when there were no friends to support and alleviate them, there was a surge in cortisol levels and marked decrease in self worth was noticed.

The study confirmed the fact that friends are the strongest pillars and cushions of support in times of stress. They are undoubtedly the most controlling weapon against mental predicament.

The experts are of the opinion,” nurturing a positive relationship not only increases a sense of belonging, but it also enhances self-esteem and boosts mental well-being.”

Ryan Adams, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center said, “One of the interesting things about these findings is that it’s not just any friend. It’s the best friend.”

Today's Joke

Why hairs are white

 

KID: - Why some of your hair are

white dad?

 

DAD: – Every time a son make his dad

unhappy,

One of his father’s hair turns white…..

 

… … KID: - Now  I understand why

Grandpa’s hairs are all white..