Lower-income couples show more heart rate sync
Lower-income couples' heart rates sync more during conversations, study finds.
Why it matters
- Shows socioeconomic status impacts physiological responses in relationships.
By the numbers
- 48 couples studied.
- Lower-income couples had higher heart rate synchronization.
- Effect more tied to education than income.
The big picture
- Less privileged couples may rely more on emotional connections.
- Socioeconomic conditions shape physiological responses.
What they're saying
- Emotional connections may compensate for fewer resources in lower-income couples.
- Questions raised about gender and queer couples.
Caveats
- Small sample size.
- Focused on heterosexual married couples in the U.S.
What’s next
- Larger, diverse studies needed.
- Long-term effects on health and relationship satisfaction to be explored.