A recent study from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland suggests that a brief respite of just five seconds during a disagreement with a partner can significantly reduce hostility. The research involved 81 couples and was detailed in the journal Nature. Annah McCurry, a doctoral student leading the study, explained that they were curious if a short break could mitigate negative emotions and aggression. To their surprise, they discovered that breaks of five, ten, and fifteen seconds were equally effective in decreasing tension.

The study induced conflict through a game where couples could send unpleasant noises to each other, with the recipient having to wait a set number of seconds before retaliating. Emotion was analyzed through facial muscle movements captured by a 360-degree camera and interpreted using machine learning.

While the study indicates that a short break can help in managing everyday relationship conflicts, it's important to note that it may not apply to situations involving domestic violence or abuse. The findings resonate with long-standing advice from relationship experts, emphasizing the value of a moment's pause to prevent impulsive reactions and maintain perspective.

However, the study's applicability to diverse populations is questioned due to the majority of participants being students who did not cohabit. The demographic was also predominantly White, which might not reflect cultural variations in conflict resolution.