Chronic Stress from 'Hasslers' Linked to Faster Cellular Aging

Study finds relationships with difficult people can accelerate biological aging by 1.5%

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Researchers have found that chronic stress from dealing with 'hasslers' - people who regularly create problems or make things more difficult - can speed up cellular aging by about 1.5%. The study, conducted in Indiana, analyzed data from over 2,000 participants and found that negative social relationships, especially with family members, can have detrimental biological consequences, leading to increased inflammation, compromised immunity, and elevated cardiovascular disease risk.

Why it matters

This research highlights the significant health impacts that stressful interpersonal relationships can have, even on a cellular level. It underscores the importance of setting boundaries with difficult people in one's life and prioritizing positive social connections, which have been shown to provide protective health benefits.

The details

The study, led by researchers from New York University and Indiana University, found that people who reported having 'hasslers' in their lives - defined as individuals who regularly create problems or make things more difficult - experienced accelerated cellular aging compared to those without such relationships. This effect was even more pronounced when the hassler was a family member. The researchers analyzed participants' saliva samples to assess epigenetic markers and predict individual aging patterns, health conditions, and mortality risk.

  • The study was conducted and published in 2026.

The players

Byungkyu Lee

A sociology professor at New York University and the lead author of the study.

Brea Perry

A sociology professor at Indiana University and a co-author of the study.

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What they’re saying

“Even small effects in terms of biological aging can accumulate.”

— Brea Perry, Sociology professor at Indiana University (The Washington Post)

“Women tend to be disproportionately affected both positively and negatively by things that are happening in relationships and by their relationship with other people.”

— Brea Perry, Sociology professor at Indiana University (The Washington Post)

What’s next

Researchers plan to further investigate the specific biological mechanisms by which chronic stress from difficult relationships can accelerate cellular aging, as well as explore potential interventions to mitigate these effects.

The takeaway

This study underscores the importance of maintaining healthy, supportive social relationships and setting boundaries with individuals who consistently create stress and problems in one's life. Proactively managing these types of negative relationships can have significant long-term benefits for physical and mental health.