Civility is Good for Your Health

Andy Benjamin and Cynthia Alexander have written an article that is posted on SSRN.

http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1803904

Abstract: The specific rules by which civility operates may vary depending on cultural social norms, but they operate across cultures to facilitate the smooth functioning of society. That civility benefits the community at large is readily apparent, but does the practice of civility also advantage each individual biopsychosocially? There is growing evidence that incivility is associated with a wide range of risks to both mental and physical health. It is no secret that the legal profession has more than its share of job dissatisfaction, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and divorce. Research suggests that the incivility that seems to pervade the profession plays a role.