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Health, Longevity & Biohacking

Contempt Predicts Physical Illness: Sulfuric Acid for the Immune System

The Mel Robbins Podcast · The #1 Relationship Researchers in the World: 50 Years of Marriage & Love Advice in One Conversation · June 18, 2026
Contempt Predicts Physical Illness: Sulfuric Acid for the Immune System
The Mel Robbins Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast
The #1 Relationship Researchers in the World: 50 Years of Marriage & Love Advice in One Conversation
"The number of times a listener hears contempt in a conflict for 15 minutes predicts how many infectious illnesses they're gonna have in the next 4 years. Because it is sulfuric acid for the immune system."
Dr. Julie Gottman revealed that contempt expressed during conflict is not only the strongest predictor of divorce but directly damages physical health. Their research showed the frequency of contemptuous statements during a 15-minute argument predicts the number of infectious illnesses a person will experience over the following 4 years.
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The Mel Robbins Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast

The #1 Relationship Researchers in the World: 50 Years of Marriage & Love Advice in One Conversation

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