WSU research referenced on Medical News Today website
According to a study in The Journal of Pain, chronic pain suffered by one spouse can affect marital communication and influence the partner\'s ability to cope with a chronic pain condition. Researchers from Wayne State University and the Norwegian Center for Addiction Research tested how the sequences and base rates of couples\' affective interactions related to pain and emotional adjustment in both partners. According to their theory, invalidating behavior followed by undermining behavior by either partner would be linked to more severe pain, less marital satisfaction and depression.