1
|
Rosie Shrout M, Wilson S, Renna M, Madison A, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. "We've Got This": Middle-Aged and Older Couples' Satisfying Relationships and We-Talk Promote Better Physiological, Relational, and Emotional Responses to Conflict. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:154-164. [PMID: 36527719 PMCID: PMC9923879 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Conflict poses multiple relational and health risks. Dyadic stress theories suggest satisfaction and communication alter cardiovascular and autonomic function, key pathways from troubled relationships to poor health. However, "we-talk," a positive communication pattern, can strengthen relationships and promote health. We examined how each spouse's satisfaction and we-talk were related to conflict's physiological, relational, and emotional toll. METHODS Married couples ( n = 107 couples, 214 individuals, ages 40-87 years) who were mostly White, highly educated, and higher-income Americans in different-gender relationships engaged in 20-minute conflict discussions while wearing monitors to assess heart rate variability (HRV). Spouses rated their closeness immediately after conflict and their conflict rumination 2 hours later. Conflict transcriptions measured we-talk, or the proportion of first-person plural pronouns (we, us, our). RESULTS Satisfied spouses or those in mutually satisfying relationships had higher HRV during conflict ( b = 0.0001, p = .049), felt closer immediately after conflict ( b = 0.07, p < .001), and ruminated less about the conflict 2 hours later ( b = -0.26, p = .026). Spouses' HRV was highest ( b = 0.0002, p = .002) and rumination was lowest ( b = -0.49, p = .019) when they or their partners were satisfied and used we-talk more often. Women's HRV ( b = 0.0001, p = .035) and rumination ( b = -0.01, p = .02) benefited when both spouses were satisfied, as did closeness when women were satisfied ( b = 0.10, p < .001). Men's closeness benefited when they ( b = 0.04, p = .003) or their wives ( b = 0.04, p = .002) were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS The combination of mutually satisfying relationships and we-talk was associated with better relational and health outcomes after conflict. These findings are important for middle-aged and older couples whose relationships are central to their health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Rosie Shrout
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Stephanie Wilson
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Megan Renna
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Annelise Madison
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ditzen B, Aguilar-Raab C, Winter F, Hernández C, Schneider E, Bodenmann G, Heinrichs M, Ehlert U, Läuchli S. Effects of intranasal oxytocin and positive couple interaction on immune factors in skin wounds. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:90-97. [PMID: 36058418 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate social relationships improve individual health and longevity, an effect which is supposed to be mediated through stress-sensitive endocrine and immune mechanisms in response to positive interaction behavior. On a neuroendocrine level, oxytocin (OT) buffers stress responses, modulates social attachment behavior and has been associated with cytokine expression. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to investigate instructed positive couple interaction, observed behavior, and OT in their effect on immune function. METHODS In a 4-group design, 80 healthy couples (N = 160 individuals) received four standard dermal suction blister wounds and were randomized to instructed positive interaction/control and intranasal OT/placebo. Unstimulated cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were assessed from wound liquid at 40 min, 105 min and 24 hrs after wounding. RESULTS Overall, group assignment did not affect friendly or dominant behavior during the interaction sequence. IL-1β and IL-6 levels, however, were moderated by group assignment with lowest levels in women in the positive interaction and OT condition in IL-1 and highest levels in IL-6. TNF-α responses to wounding were not affected from group assignment, however observed friendliness in women was associated with lower TNF-α levels. DISCUSSION These findings support the immune-regulating role of friendly behavior in romantic couples. Above this, the data provide the first empirical evidence that an intervention that simultaneously targets neuroendocrine mediators and behavior could affect immune function in a sex specific manner and with potential long-term health relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beate Ditzen
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Corina Aguilar-Raab
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Friederike Winter
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Cristóbal Hernández
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany; Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Ekaterina Schneider
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pombeiro I, Moura J, Pereira MG, Carvalho E. Stress-Reducing Psychological Interventions as Adjuvant Therapies for Diabetic Chronic Wounds. Curr Diabetes Rev 2022; 18:e060821195361. [PMID: 34365927 DOI: 10.2174/1573399817666210806112813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of lower limb amputation. Interventions to reduce psychological stress may have the potential to improve self-care and greatly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with DFU. This review is focused on the consequences of psychological stress in wound healing and reflects on the effects of currently used psychological stress-reducing interventions in patients with DFU, proposing new applications for currently used stress-reduction interventions. RESULTS Stress is a natural and fundamental survival mechanism that becomes harmful when chronic. DFU is associated with high levels of anxiety and chronic psychological stress. Chronic stressinduced cortisol and adrenaline release impair wound healing, independently of the stressor. Psychological stress-reducing interventions, such as relaxation with guided imagery, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, mindfulness-based strategies, and hypnosis, can lead to a reduction in perceived stress and improve wound healing by reducing wound inflammation and pain while improving glycemic control. All stress reduction interventions also lead to pain relief and improved patient's quality of life. CONCLUSION Psychological stress-reducing interventions are promising adjuvant therapies for DFU. Their clinical application can improve self-care by tackling patient's expectations, anxieties, and fears. They can also help patients manage stress and pain while reducing wound inflammation and improving wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Pombeiro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Moura
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M Graça Pereira
- School of Psychology, Department of Applied Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Carvalho
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Segel-Karpas D, Arbel R. Optimism, pessimism and support in older couples: A longitudinal study. J Pers 2021; 90:645-657. [PMID: 34773263 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Optimism is linked to varied advantageous outcomes, ranging from improved health to better relationships, while pessimism is linked to reduced well-being. Relatively little is known about how optimism and pessimism may work together to shape the perception of support within marital relationships, and whether perceived support can affect couple-members' optimism and pessimism. METHOD We used three waves of a nationally representative sample of older couples (N = 1681 couples), spanning a period of eight years. Partners reported perceived support, optimism, and pessimism in each wave. We used a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) to test within- and between-person effects. RESULTS At the within-person level, husbands', but not wife's, future expectations were associated with partners' perceived marital support; increases in husbands' pessimism on a given wave were related to decreases in husbands' perceived marital support at the next wave, and vice versa (i.e., actor effect). Within the same wave, increases in husbands' pessimism were associated with wives' decreased perceived marital support. At the between-person level, both partners' optimism and pessimism were associated with marital support. DISCUSSION Findings suggest that changes in husbands' levels of pessimism propel marital support experiences of both partners. At the methodological level, results highlight the importance of examining interpersonal processes at both the within- and between-levels of analyses, as they may yield divergent patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Reout Arbel
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Polenick CA, Birditt KS, Turkelson A, Perbix EA, Salwi SM, Zarit SH. Daily Social Interactions and HPA Axis Activity Among Midlife and Older Adults. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:897-906. [PMID: 33367791 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Older people experience fewer negative interactions and report less stress in response to interpersonal tensions. Less is known, however, about the implications of daily social interactions for biological stress responses. We evaluated links between daily positive and negative interactions and 2 key biomeasures of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). We also considered the moderating effects of age. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants included a random sample of 93 individuals aged 40-95 who completed 14 days of daily diary interviews and provided saliva samples during 4 of those days. RESULTS Three-level piecewise models showed that individuals had higher sustained DHEA-S levels on days after reporting more positive interactions. Young-old adults (60-79) had lower overall DHEA-S on days when they had more negative interactions than oldest-old adults (80 and older). Oldest-old adults showed a flatter decline in DHEA-S on days after they reported more negative interactions compared to midlife adults (40-59). Daily social interactions were not significantly associated with cortisol. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Strategies to increase positive interactions may help to build physiological resilience to stress, particularly among midlife and young-old adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Aging and Biopsychosocial Innovations Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Angela Turkelson
- Aging and Biopsychosocial Innovations Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Emily A Perbix
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Shreya M Salwi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wilson SJ, Bailey BE, Malarkey WB, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. Linking Marital Support to Aging-Related Biomarkers: Both Age and Marital Quality Matter. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:273-282. [PMID: 31428790 PMCID: PMC7813187 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbz106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Marital support is central to couples' relationships, yet support's health implications can vary widely. Guided by attribution bias and aging theories, the current study examined whether age and marital satisfaction moderate the links of perceived and received spousal support to aging-related biomarkers. METHODS Couples (N = 93, ages 22-77) rated marital satisfaction, overall perceived spousal support, and the quality of support received from their spouse in a lab-based discussion. Blood samples collected at baseline, immediately post-discussion, 3 hr post-discussion, and end-of-visit were assayed for proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, as well as insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. RESULTS Consistent with predictions, less satisfied older couples who received lower-quality spousal support during their discussion had greater increases in TNF-α than those who received higher-quality support; highly satisfied couples of all ages and less satisfied younger couples did not show these inflammatory changes. Highly satisfied older couples with greater perceived spousal support had lower TNF-α across the day and higher IGF-1. DISCUSSION Marital satisfaction and age may shape spousal support's significance for healthy aging. Rose-colored lenses worn only in the most satisfying marriages may protect couples from the possible health risks of low-quality received support and enhance potential benefits of perceived support. For better or worse, these health implications may grow with older age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brittney E Bailey
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Amherst College, Massachusetts
| | - William B Malarkey
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Janice K Kiecolt-Glaser
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, OSUMC, Columbus
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Picard M, Sandi C. The social nature of mitochondria: Implications for human health. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 120:595-610. [PMID: 32651001 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sociality has profound evolutionary roots and is observed from unicellular organisms to multicellular animals. In line with the view that social principles apply across levels of biological complexity, a growing body of data highlights the remarkable social nature of mitochondria - life-sustaining endosymbiotic organelles with their own genome that populate the cell cytoplasm. Here, we draw from organizing principles of behavior in social organisms to reveal that similar to individuals among social networks, mitochondria communicate with each other and with the cell nucleus, exhibit group formation and interdependence, synchronize their behaviors, and functionally specialize to accomplish specific functions within the organism. Mitochondria are social organelles. The extension of social principles across levels of biological complexity is a theoretical shift that emphasizes the role of communication and interdependence in cell biology, physiology, and neuroscience. With the help of emerging computational methods capable of capturing complex dynamic behavioral patterns, the implementation of social concepts in mitochondrial biology may facilitate cross-talk across disciplines towards increasingly holistic and accurate models of human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Picard
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Behavioral Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurology, H. Houston Merritt Center, Columbia Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Wilson SJ, Madison A. Marriage and Gut (Microbiome) Feelings: Tracing Novel Dyadic Pathways to Accelerated Aging. Psychosom Med 2019; 81:704-710. [PMID: 30308579 PMCID: PMC6458105 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Within a couple, partners influence each other's mental and physical health. This review focuses on how couples' relationships, the partners' individual and joint vulnerabilities, and their health behaviors influence health through changes in the gut microbiota, metabolism, and immune function. Couples' shared stressors and emotions and their intertwined lifestyles and routines serve to promote common disease risks in part through parallel changes in their gut microbiotas. Marital discord, stress, and depression have strong bidirectional links, fueling one another. Chronic marital stress and depression can elevate the risk for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease by altering resting energy expenditure, insulin production, and triglyceride responses after unhealthy meals. During stressful times, health behaviors typically suffer-and sleep disturbances, poor diets, and sedentary behavior all influence these metabolic pathways while also promoting gut dysbiosis. Dysbiosis increases intestinal permeability (gut leakiness), providing a mechanistic pathway from marital distress and depression to heightened inflammation and accelerated aging. Age-related changes in the gut microbiota's composition and gut leakiness foster immunosenescence, as well as the progression of inflamm-aging; these age-related risks may be altered by stress and depression, diet, sleep, exercise habits, and developmental shifts in emotion regulation strategies. Consideration of the strong mutual influences that partners have on each other's mood and health behaviors, as well as the biological pathways that underlie these influences, provides a new way to view marriage's health implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
| | - Stephanie J. Wilson
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
| | - Annelise Madison
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University
| |
Collapse
|