Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
Autonomy support and diastolic blood pressure: Long term effects and conflict navigation in romantic relationships
Netta Weinstein1, Nicole Legate2, Madoka Kumashiro3
1Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Abstract:
Perceiving autonomy support-or encouragement to be oneself-from a romantic partner or other close relationship partners has been shown to yield a variety of psychological health benefits, but it is less clear how perceiving autonomy support from partners is linked to physical health. In two studies we examine the associations between receiving autonomy support in romantic relationships and diastolic blood pressure, an important indicator of cardiovascular health. Results of a longitudinal study found support for a model in which autonomy supportive romantic relationships are linked with lower diastolic blood pressure. Whereas Study 1 showed general longitudinal effects, Study 2 revealed the importance of receiving autonomy support from partners during times of conflict. Implications of the findings will be discussed in the context of self-determination theory.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Relationship Formation
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...

