One bad date has the ability to damage physical and emotional well-being, a new study from eHarmony has revealed.
The study from the popular online dating site explores the effect one bad date can have on the body and mind of members of the British public.
It found that bad dating experiences can trigger a number of ill outcomes, including elevated stress levels and feelings of depression.
Other poor physical side effects were identified by those surveyed. Six percent of the 2,000 participants had experienced a rise in spots or eczema after an unsuccessful date, whilst one in ten noted an increase in appetite – particularly craving high-calorie foods.
One in three of the people surveyed admitted feeling depressed after a bad date, with 23 percent experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety.
eHarmony psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos said: “Dating is an emotional roller-coaster and can really take its toll on your body and mind — biologically, psychologically and even socially.
“Before a date you can feel nervous and anxious, which can turn into elation and passion if it goes well, or stress and possibly help foster feelings of depression if you’ve been matched with the wrong person.
“In the case of bad dates, this stress leads to the production of sex hormone testosterone in both men and women, which stimulates the sebaceous gland to secret more sebum and ultimately results in the formation of spots, while also increasing cortisol levels which studies have found has a direct correlation with increased appetite.”
The study, conducted by ICM Unlimited in August 2015 also found that for one in seven participants, the process was too stressful, and they now actively avoid meeting new people.
Another common side effect of a bad dates is emotional withdrawal – 13 percent of those studied admitted to “closing off” from family and friends as a result.
The popular dating site says that this is an avoidance strategy, used to relieve singles of pressure or questions from relatives and friends.
Yet whilst most bad dates tend to manifest into ill outcomes, the study also revealed that for many Brits, the “halo effect” is common after a good date.
Two thirds of the people surveyed said that happiness levels rose after a successful date. The researchers attributed this to a rush of endorphins and serotonin.
Almost half of the participants reported that a good date gives them a “glow” effect, making them feel more confident and optimistic about future dates.
eHarmony.co.uk expert Jemima Wade said: “We’ve all been on those dates, the ones you wish you could call time on from the minute you arrive. As this study shows, it can really wear you down.
“Luckily, at eHarmony, we’ve found the remedy with our scientific Compatibility Matching System which provides better matches, to give you good feelings that last!”
Visit eHarmony.co.uk here.