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Text Messages Boost Mood and Reduce Stress

Staff Report / FLXlocal.org

**Supportive Texts from Romantic Partners Help Alleviate Stress, Cornell Study Finds**

Receiving simple, supportive text messages from a romantic partner can help people manage daily stress, according to new research from Cornell University. The study, conducted by researchers in Cornell's Department of Psychology, reveals that even brief, affectionate messages have a significant positive effect on mood during challenging situations.

The lead researcher, Vivian Zayas, a professor in Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Person and Context (PAC) Lab, highlighted the value of knowing that a partner is emotionally present even when physically apart. Zayas stated, "The extent to which just the idea of your partner can confer benefits is hugely important. Most of our time is not spent with our partners. But just knowing the person is there can produce benefits and have ripple effects in our lives."

Undergraduate participants in the study reported feeling less stressed and more positive about their upcoming exams after receiving brief supportive texts from their partners. This was in comparison to those who received no message or less personal messages sent by researchers.

Betül Urganci, a co-author of the study and an assistant professor of psychology at Koç University in Turkey, explained, "Just receiving a supportive text message from their partner, regardless of the extent of it, impacted their mood."

The research also suggests that similar benefits might apply if the text came from another trusted individual, such as a close friend or family member. "It's almost like, 'I’m thinking of you,'" Zayas noted, emphasizing that short and simple messages can help people feel supported.

This study sheds light on how small actions, like a kind text, can improve well-being and reduce stress in daily life.

Source: Cornell University

Source Type: College

Source Location: Ithaca

Feb 6, 2025 at 2:30 PM

College