Research has increasingly suggested that social relationships can significantly affect not only our mental well-being but also our biological aging processes. A recent study has unveiled a noteworthy association between the presence of negative social interactions, referred to as “hasslers,” and accelerated epigenetic aging. This article delves into the implications of these findings, offering a detailed exploration of the link between toxic relationships and aging.

Understanding Hasslers and Their Impact

Within the scope of social dynamics, relationships with “hasslers”—individuals who create difficulties or stress—are correlated with adverse health outcomes and accelerated aging. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the nuanced role that these relationships play in human development and health.

To illustrate the impact of these negative interactions, consider the following findings:

  • People aged 18 to 103 were studied using social network analysis.
  • Approximately 8% of an individual's social network can be classified as hasslers.
  • The presence of hasslers is linked to a 1.5% increase in the pace of biological aging.

The Study's Methodology

The researchers assessed 2,345 participants and their “ego networks,” mapping each individual's social connections. Key demographics affected by the presence of hasslers included:

  • Women and unemployed individuals
  • Daily smokers
  • People reporting adverse childhood experiences
  • Individuals feeling depended upon by others

In contrast, those who viewed themselves as valuable to others or reported better health had fewer hasslers in their networks.

Epigenetic Aging and Social Stress

After establishing the presence of hasslers, researchers turned to epigenetic clocks to explore the connection's implications. Using the DunedinPACE and GrimAge clocks as tools, the study examined how biological age is affected by social stressors. Results indicated that:

Epigenetic Clock Age Acceleration per Hassler Biological Age Difference after 10 Years
DunedinPACE 1.5% faster aging 1.8 months
GrimAge 9.5 months older N/A

Relationship Types and Their Variability

The study also classified the prevalence of hasslers in different relationship contexts, uncovering significant variability. Notably:

  • 9% of partners were classified as hasslers.
  • 5.5% of kin-based relationships had hasslers (grandparents and grandchildren).
  • Friends and healthcare providers showed lower rates of hassler classifications, approximately 3-5%.
“This study provides evidence that negative social relationships operate as potent, chronic stressors capable of shaping epigenetic and physiological risk profiles across adulthood.”

The Broader Implications of Hasslers

The presence of hasslers is not merely a factor in biological aging but extends to other health domains as well, including:

Health Domain Impact of Hasslers
Mental Health Higher severity of depression and anxiety
Physical Health Correlations with poorer general health and higher BMI

Future Directions and Conclusions

While the findings of this study present a significant association between negative social interactions and accelerated aging, the authors note that causality cannot be immediately inferred from their observations. Further research is needed to clarify the interplay between hasslers and other negative behaviors, such as hostility and gaslighting.

The study contributes to the growing body of evidence suggesting that the quality of our social relationships profoundly influences both health and longevity.

References

[1] Lee, B., Ciciurkaite, G., Peng, S., Mitchell, C., & Perry, B. L. (2026). Hasslers in Social Networks and Their Impact on Biological Aging. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 123(8), e2515331123.

[2] Holt-Lunstad, J. (2024). Social Relationships and Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review. World psychiatry, 23(3), 312–332.

[3] Ong, A. D., Mann, F. D., & Kubzansky, L. D. (2025). The Rosenburg Parenting Stress Index. Brain, behavior, & immunity, 48, 101096.

[4] Wang, W., Dearman, A., Bao, Y., & Kumari, M. (2023). Marital Conflict and Biological Aging. SSM – population health, 24, 101551.

[5] Miller, G. E., Chen, E., & Parker, K. J. (2011). Psychological Stress and Disease: From Mechanisms to a Healthy Life. Psychological bulletin, 137(6), 959–997.

[6] McEwen, B. S., & Stellar, E. (1993). Stress and the Individual: Mechanisms and Effects. Archives of internal medicine, 153(18), 2093–2101.

[7] Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., Wilson, S. J., & Madison, A. (2019). Marital Relationships and Health. Psychosomatic medicine, 81(8), 704–710.

[8] Kim, J. K., Arpawong, T. E., Klopack, E. T., & Crimmins, E. M. (2024). Impact of Social Relationships on Aging. Journal of population ageing, 17(2), 297–313.

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About the Author

Anna Drangowska-Way is a science communicator with a background in genetics and a focus on impactful health research. After completing her studies at the University of Virginia, she has dedicated her career to translating complex scientific topics into accessible content for broader audiences.