Throughout decades of studying relationship health, psychology Professor James Córdova has learned that couples often wait five or six years to seek help addressing difficulties in their partnership. This delay runs contrary to the attention most people give other aspects of preventative care such as annual physical exams and regular dental cleanings.

Córdova wants more people to learn that relationship quality has an intrinsic impact on physical health. Distressing feelings cause a physiological response as stress hormones are released into one’s bloodstream.

“One of the most significant sources of stress in our lives is a relationship that isn’t going well,” he says. “People who are in really distressed relationships are aging faster and they’re sick more often.”

Even limited preventative care can make a lasting difference. To that end, Córdova created the Relationship Checkup, previously called the Marriage Checkup, 25 years ago. It’s a proactive model applied during couples counseling that identifies partners’ strengths and leverages them to reduce stress within the relationship.

“We know from 25 years of research that the effect is sustainable,” he says. “A checkup once a year is sufficient to improve the quality of relationship health, both in the short term and for the long term.”

Challenge. Change. is produced by Andrew Hart and Melissa Hanson for Clark University. Listen and subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Find other episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.