Experiencing stress may be linked to improved social benefits: Study

Experiencing stress may make people both more likely to give, and receive emotional support from another person, according to a study which may lead to better interventions to help people feel more relaxed.

The study, published in the journal Stress & Health, suggested that while stress can lead to negative health outcomes, there are potential social benefits, as well.

"Our findings suggest that just because we have a bad day, that doesn't mean it has to be completely unhealthy. If stress can actually connect us with other people, which I think is absolutely vital to the human experience, I think that's a benefit," said study co-author David Almeida from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in the US.

"Stress could potentially help people deal with negative situations by driving them to be with other people," Almedia said.

According to the researchers, while the negative effects of stress -- such as heart disease, compromised immune function and depressive symptoms -- ...