These gender differences may be partially due to men's and women's relative status in a relationship.[1] Research in humans and animals suggests subordinate status is linked to greater physiological reactions to social stress.[3] Indeed, subordinate spouses show greater physiological reactions to arguments with their partner.[12] Both husbands and wives show stronger physiological reactions to arguments when making demands for change from their partner.[13][14] Women's heightened physiological reactions to marital conflict may be due to their relative subordinate position in marriage.[3]