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Girschik C, Stolpe S, Kowall B. Association between number of children and incident heart disease and stroke in parents - results from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2324. [PMID: 37996848 PMCID: PMC10668373 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17254-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In former studies, parity was associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in parents. This study aims to extend the limited existing data regarding the association between the number of children and heart disease and/or stroke in a large longitudinal study in different European countries in both men and women. METHODS For 42 075 subjects (18 080 men, 23 995 women; median age 58 years (interquartile range: 53 to 65)) from 19 European countries and Israel in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), odds ratios (OR) for the association between number of children and incident self-reported heart disease and/or stroke (HDS) were estimated using logistic regression analyses. Persons with one or two children were used as reference. The final model was adjusted for baseline age, sex, education, region, and marital status. All analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS Women with seven or more children had the highest OR for the association between the number of children and incident HDS (OR = 2.12 [95% CI: 1.51 to 2.98]), while men with six children showed the highest OR (OR = 1.62 [1.13 to 2.33]). Stratified by education, across all education levels, men and women with five or more children had the highest ORs for this association. The highest OR was observed in both women and men in the group with primary education (OR = 1.66 [1.29 to 2.15] and OR = 1.60 [1.19 to 2.14], respectively). Stratified by region, both men and women with five or more children showed the highest ORs in Southern Europe (OR = 2.07 [1.52 to 2.82] and OR = 1.75 [1.25 to 2.44], respectively). CONCLUSION In this long-term follow-up study in various countries in Europe and Israel we found a positive association between number of children and incident HDS. This association was more pronounced in lower educated subjects and showed regional variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Girschik
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Susanne Stolpe
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Bernd Kowall
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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2
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Montoya M, Uchino BN. Social support and telomere length: a meta-analysis. J Behav Med 2023; 46:556-565. [PMID: 36617609 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-022-00389-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that lower social support is associated with higher all-cause mortality (Holt-Lunstad et al. in PLoS ONE Medicine 7:e1000316, 2010). While social support has been associated with system-specific biological measures (e.g., cardiovascular), there is the need to elucidate more general biological mechanisms linking social support to health risk across a number of diseases. In this meta-analytic review, the link between social support and telomere length (Cawthon et al. in Lancet 361:393-395, 2003) was conducted based on the updated PRISMA guidelines (Page et al., 2021). Across 17 studies, higher social support was not significantly related to longer telomere length (Zr = 0.010, 95% CI [- 0.028, 0.047], p > 0.05). The confidence interval indicated that the bulk of plausible values were small to null associations. Little evidence for bias was found as shown by funnel plots and Kendall's Tau. Moderator analyses focusing on the measure of support, health of sample, age, type of assay specimen, and gender were not significant. In conclusion, this review showed no significant relationship between social support and telomere length and highlights important future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah Montoya
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
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3
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Uchino BN, Baucom BRW, Landvatter J, de Grey RGK, Tacana T, Flores M, Ruiz JM. Perceived social support and ambulatory blood pressure during daily life: a meta-analysis. J Behav Med 2022; 45:509-517. [PMID: 35034219 PMCID: PMC9283536 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-021-00273-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Perceived social support has been linked to lower rates of morbidity and mortality. However, more information is needed on the biological mechanisms potentially responsible for such links. The main aim of this paper was to conduct a meta-analytic review of the association between perceived social support and awake ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) which is linked to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The review identified 12 studies with a total of 3254 participants. The omnibus meta-analysis showed that higher perceived social support was not significantly related to lower ABP (Zr = -0.052, [ -0.11, 0.01]). In addition, there was evidence of significant bias across several indicators. Future research will be needed to explore the boundary conditions linking social support to ABP and its implications for theoretical models and intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Brian R W Baucom
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Joshua Landvatter
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Robert G Kent de Grey
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Tracey Tacana
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Melissa Flores
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - John M Ruiz
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
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4
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Lincoln KD, Lloyd DA, Nguyen AW. Social Relationships and Salivary Telomere Length Among Middle-Aged and Older African American and White Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 74:1053-1061. [PMID: 28486613 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A common mechanism underlying premature morbidity may be accelerated biological aging as reflected by salivary telomere length (STL). This study examined the extent to which social relationships, both positive and negative, can be protective or confer risk relative to biological aging. METHOD Data from the Health and Retirement Study and multiple regression were used to examine cross-sectional associations between STL, self-reported social support, and negative interaction (e.g., conflict, criticism) with family in a nationally representative sample of African American and non-Hispanic White middle-aged and older adults (N = 4,080). RESULTS Social support from family was associated with shorter STL. Negative interaction with family had no main effect on STL but interactions characterized by high social support and more frequent negative interactions were associated with longer STL. Negative interaction with family was negatively associated with STL for African Americans and Whites but the magnitude of the effect was greater for African Americans. DISCUSSION Study findings highlight the role of social relationships in physiological deterioration among middle-aged and older adults and identify a potential mechanism whereby race is linked to accelerated biological aging. Findings highlight the importance of considering positive and negative aspects of social relationships to understand the consequences of social connections for cellular aging in diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen D Lincoln
- University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles
| | - Donald A Lloyd
- University of Southern California, Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles
| | - Ann W Nguyen
- Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Cleveland, Ohio
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5
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Birmingham WC, Wadsworth LL, Hung M, Li W, Herr RM. Ambivalence in the Early Years of Marriage: Impact on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Relationship Processes. Ann Behav Med 2019; 53:1069-1080. [PMID: 31009529 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marriage is associated with lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but quality matters. Marriages characterized by ambivalent behaviors (containing both highly positive and highly negative behaviors concurrently) may not confer the same cardiovascular benefits as characterized by purely positive behavior. Ambivalence is assumed to take time to develop but couples in the early years of marriage may already exhibit ambivalent behaviors and thus be at increased risk for future cardiovascular events. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of spouse and own ambivalent behavior, the impact on interpersonal (i.e., responsiveness, disclosure, affective interactions) processes, and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in individuals in the early years of marriage. METHODS In 84 young married couples, objective and subjective ambivalence, interpersonal functioning, and ABP over a 24-hr period were assessed. RESULTS As predicted, ambivalence developed early in marriage. Regarding interpersonal processes, spousal and own objective ambivalent behavior was associated with lower spousal responsiveness (p < .01), disclosure (p < .05), and more negative (p < .03) and less positive interactions (p < .001). Physiologically, ambivalent spousal behavior was associated with higher systolic blood pressure (p = .02) and higher diastolic blood pressure (p = .04). Measures of subjective ambivalence were congruent. CONCLUSIONS Early marriages already contain ambivalent behavior; in such cases, individuals may not receive the cardiovascular protection of a supportive marriage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lori L Wadsworth
- Romney Institute of Public Management, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
| | - Man Hung
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Operations, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Operations, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Raphael M Herr
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Sarrionandia A, Mikolajczak M. A meta-analysis of the possible behavioural and biological variables linking trait emotional intelligence to health. Health Psychol Rev 2019; 14:220-244. [PMID: 31284846 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2019.1641423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Trait Emotional Intelligence (trait EI) is a constellation of correlated emotion-related traits that capture an individual's typical way of processing emotion-related information and reacting in emotional situations. Numerous studies have shown that trait EI is a significant predictor of both subjective and objective health. This correlational meta-analysis (k = 106, N = 45,262) aims to explore the behavioural and biological variables that could account for these effects. It also aims to provide a roadmap for future research by identifying what should be studied (pinpointing dead-end roads and promising paths) and how (methodological improvements needed to draw stronger conclusions). The results revealed large associations of trait EI with social support, sleep quality, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in challenging situations as well as medium associations with dietary habits, physical activity, and substance use. Other candidate pathways have given rise to much less research. Based on both theoretical predictions and preliminary findings, the paper categorises these pathways as promising or not promising. Future research would benefit from using more diverse samples, measuring behavioural variables more objectively, controlling for personality, and systematically examining to what extent changes in EI (e.g., following training) lead to changes in behaviours and/or biological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainize Sarrionandia
- Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Moïra Mikolajczak
- Psychology Department, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Leicht-Deobald U, Bruch H, Bönke L, Stevense A, Fan Y, Bajbouj M, Grimm S. Work-related social support modulates effects of early life stress on limbic reactivity during stress. Brain Imaging Behav 2019; 12:1405-1418. [PMID: 29247293 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-017-9810-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) affects stress- reactivity via limbic brain regions implicated such as hippocampus and amygdala. Social support is a major protective factor against ELS effects, while subjects with ELS experience reportedly perceive less of it in their daily life. The workplace, where most adults spend a substantial amount of time in their daily lives, might serve as a major resource for social support. Since previous data demonstrated that social support attenuates stress reactivity, we here used a psychosocial stress task to test the hypothesis that work-related social support modulates the effects of ELS. Results show decreased amygdala reactivity during stress in ELS subjects who report high levels of work- related social support, thereby indicating a signature for reduced stress reactivity. However, this effect was only observable on the neural, but not on the behavioral level, since social support had no buffering effect regarding the subjective experience of stress in daily life as well as regarding feelings of uncontrollability induced by the stress task. Accordingly, our data suggest that subjects with ELS experiences might benefit from interventions targeted at lowering their subjective stress levels by helping them to better perceive the availability of social support in their daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Leicht-Deobald
- Institute for Buisness Ethics, University of St. Gallen, Dufourstrasse 40a, CH, 9000, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Heike Bruch
- Institute for Leadership and HR Management, University of St. Gallen, Dufourstrasse 40a, CH, 9000, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Luisa Bönke
- Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany
| | - Amie Stevense
- Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany
| | - Malek Bajbouj
- Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Grimm
- Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany. .,Clinic for Affective Disorders and General Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Medical School Berlin, Calandrellistraße 1-9, 12247, Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Jones EJ, Chen E, Levine CS, Lam PH, Liu VY, Schreier HMC. Aspects of the parent-child relationship and parent metabolic outcomes. J Behav Med 2018; 42:204-216. [PMID: 30264257 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-018-9975-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Much is known about the effect of parent-child relationships on child health; less is known about how parent-child relationships influence parent health. To assess the association between aspects of the parent-child relationship and parent metabolic outcomes, and whether these associations are moderated by parent gender. Five metabolic outcomes (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, total cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin) were assessed among 261 parents (45.83 ± 5.50 years) of an adolescent child (14.57 ± 1.072 years). Parents completed questionnaires assessing their child's hassles and the quality of their days with their child. Parents' perceptions of their child's hassles were associated with parent heart rate (B = 2.954, SE = 1.267, p = 0.021) and cholesterol (B = 0.028, SE = 0.011, p = 0.010), such that greater perceived child hassles were associated with higher heart rate and cholesterol levels, on average. These associations were not moderated by parent gender (all ps > 0.30). Parent report of their day with their child was not associated with parent metabolic outcomes (all ps > 0.20). Parent gender moderated the association between parent report of their day with their child and parent systolic blood pressure (B = 13.861, SE = 6.200, p = 0.026), such that less positive reports were associated with higher blood pressure readings among fathers, but not mothers. This study suggests that parent metabolic health may in part be influenced by aspects of the parent-child relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Jones
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Edith Chen
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Cynthia S Levine
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Phoebe H Lam
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Vivian Y Liu
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Hannah M C Schreier
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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9
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Social support and its association with depression, gender and socioeconomic indicators in individuals with spinal cord injury in Iran. Spinal Cord 2017; 55:1039-1044. [PMID: 28695903 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2017.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Descriptive cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between perceived social support and depression and to evaluate the role of family, friends and other caregivers in the perception of social support in Iranian individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. METHODS Social support was evaluated using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support questionnaire, which gauges perceptions of support from family, friends and 'important persons'. The presence and severity of depression were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II-PERSIAN)-a 21-item multiple-choice questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 140 individuals with SCI were enrolled in the study. The average age of the participants was 29.4±7.9 years; the mean duration of injury was 46.3±46.5 months and most patients were male (72%). Social support and all subscales of social support were numerically greater in males; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The subcategory of friends' support in men was 17.9±7.9 compared to 14.6±8.0 in women (P=0.04). The self-reported social support score (r=-0.387, P<0.001) and subscales of social support, including family (r=-0.174, P=0.045), friends (r=-0.356, P<0.001) and important persons (r=-0.373, P<0.001), were all negatively correlated with depression. CONCLUSION Higher self-reported perception of social support appears to be associated with lower levels of depression in individuals with SCI. SCI care providers should consider the relationship between social support and depression in their continuing care.
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Birmingham WC, Uchino BN, Smith TW, Light KC, Butner J. It's Complicated: Marital Ambivalence on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Daily Interpersonal Functioning. Ann Behav Med 2016; 49:743-53. [PMID: 25964001 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-015-9709-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marriage decreases cardiovascular morbidity although relationship quality matters. While some marriages contain highly positive aspects (supportive), marriages may also simultaneously contain both positive and negative aspects (ambivalent). Individuals whose spouses or own behavior is ambivalent may not experience the same cardiovascular-protective benefits of marriage. PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to elucidate the physiological pathways by which marital quality may influence long-term health and examine ambivalent behavior on interpersonal-functioning and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). METHODS Interpersonal functioning and ABP were examined in 94 couples. RESULTS Spousal and own ambivalent behavior was associated with lower intimacy (ps < .01) and higher systolic ABP (ps < .01). Spousal ambivalent behavior was associated with lower ratings of partner responsiveness (p < .01) and less self- and spousal-disclosure (ps < .05). Mediational analyses indicated that own behavior mediated links between spousal ambivalent behavior and ABP. CONCLUSIONS Despite the positivity in relationships, individuals whose spouses' or own behavior is ambivalent may not receive cardiovascular protection from this positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy C Birmingham
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 1054 SWKT, Provo, UT, 84602, USA,
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11
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Uchino BN. Understanding the Links Between Social Support and Physical Health: A Life-Span Perspective With Emphasis on the Separability of Perceived and Received Support. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2015; 4:236-55. [PMID: 26158961 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-6924.2009.01122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 601] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Social support has been reliably related to physical health outcomes. However, the conceptual basis of such links needs greater development. In this article, I argue for a life-span perspective on social support and health that takes into account distinct antecedent processes and mechanisms that are related to measures of support over time. Such a view highlights the need to distinguish measures of perceived and received support and its links to more specific diseases (e.g., chronic, acute) and stages of disease development (e.g., incidence). I discuss both the novel implications of these theoretical arguments for research on social support and physical health, as well as the potential intervention approaches that are apparent from this perspective.
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12
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James GD, Alfarano AS, van Berge-Landry HM. Differential circadian catecholamine and cortisol responses between healthy women with and without a parental history of hypertension. Am J Hum Biol 2014; 26:753-9. [PMID: 25043989 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies suggest that otherwise healthy individuals who have a parental history of hypertension (PH+) have an accentuated reactive rise in catecholamines and cortisol to laboratory stressors as well as elevated plasma levels when compared with those with no parental history (PH-); however, few, if any, studies have evaluated whether parental history affects the responses of these hormones to changing environmental circumstances in everyday life. The purpose of this study was to compare urinary catecholamine (epinephrine and norepinephrine) and cortisol excretion and ambulatory blood pressures (BPs) across three daily microenvironments between women with and without a parental history of hypertension. METHODS The women in the study (PH+, N = 62, age = 35.2 ± 9.1; PH-, N = 72, age = 33.8 ± 10.0) worked in clerical, technical, or professional positions at a major medical center in New York City. Urinary hormone excretion rates and ambulatory BP were measured across three daily microenvironments: work (11 am to 3 p.m.), home (approximately 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.), and during sleep (approximately 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.). History group comparisons by microenvironment were made using repeated-measures ANCOVA and ANOVA analyses. RESULTS The results show that epinephrine excretion among PH+ women was 36% higher than PH- women (P < 0.008) over the entire day and that nocturnal cortisol excretion was also greater among PH+ women (P < 0.045). PH+ women also had statistically significantly higher systolic (4 mm Hg higher; P < 0.01) and diastolic (2 mm Hg higher, P < 0.03) BP when compared with PH- women across all daily microenvironments. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that there may be genetically linked mechanisms which elevate tonic epinephrine levels and nocturnal cortisol levels that contribute to elevating circadian BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary D James
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, 13902; Decker School of Nursing, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902; Department of Bioengineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902
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Norman GJ, Hawkley L, Ball A, Berntson GG, Cacioppo JT. Perceived social isolation moderates the relationship between early childhood trauma and pulse pressure in older adults. Int J Psychophysiol 2013; 88:334-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2012.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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14
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Bowen KS, Birmingham W, Uchino BN, Carlisle M, Smith TW, Light KC. Specific dimensions of perceived support and ambulatory blood pressure: which support functions appear most beneficial and for whom? Int J Psychophysiol 2013; 88:317-24. [PMID: 22465206 PMCID: PMC3432297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2012.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Perceived support has been related to lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the specific functional components of support responsible for such links. We tested if emotional, informational, tangible, and belonging support predicted ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and interpersonal interactions (e.g., responsiveness), and if such links were moderated by gender. In this study, 94 married couples underwent 12 h of ABP monitoring during daily life which included a night at home with their spouse. They completed a short-form of the interpersonal support evaluation list that provides information on total (global) support, as well as specific dimensions of support. Results revealed that global support scores did not predict ABP during daily life. However, separating out distinct support components revealed that emotional support was a significant predictor of lower ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure, primarily for women. Finally, emotional support predicted greater partner responsiveness and self-disclosure, along with less perceived partner negativity although these results were not moderated by gender. These data are discussed in terms of the importance of considering specific support components and the contextual processes that might influence such links.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly S Bowen
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, USA.
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15
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Abstract
This paper examines the association between family structure and child health in India using the third round of the National Family Health Survey, conducted during 2005-06. Two important child health indicators - underweight and full immunization - are used as dependent variables. Descriptive and multivariate statistics are deployed to establish the relationship between family structure and child health. The results of the descriptive statistics show that children who belong to a non-nuclear family have better nutritional status and higher immunization coverage than those in nuclear families. Children living with siblings have worse health status than those living without siblings for both the outcomes. Multivariate analysis shows that family structure has a small effect on the two child health outcomes, which is no longer significant after adjusting for socioeconomic measures and region. However, number of siblings is significantly and negatively associated with the nutritional status of children and full immunization coverage, even after other socio-demographic and geographic factors are controlled for. Along with family structure, parent's educational attainment, age of the mother and household economic status are significant determinants of underweight and full immunization.
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16
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Uchino BN, Cawthon RM, Smith TW, Light KC, McKenzie J, Carlisle M, Gunn H, Birmingham W, Bowen K. Social relationships and health: is feeling positive, negative, or both (ambivalent) about your social ties related to telomeres? Health Psychol 2012; 31:789-96. [PMID: 22229928 PMCID: PMC3378918 DOI: 10.1037/a0026836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The quality of one's personal relationships has been linked to morbidity and mortality across different diseases. As a result, it is important to examine more integrative mechanisms that might link relationships across diverse physical health outcomes. In this study, we examine associations between relationships and telomeres that predict general disease risk. These questions are pursued in the context of a more comprehensive model of relationships that highlights the importance of jointly considering positive and negative aspects of social ties. METHOD One hundred thirty-six individuals from a community sample (ages 48 to 77 years) completed the social relationships index, which allows a determination of relationships that differ in their positive and negative substrates (i.e., ambivalent, supportive, aversive, indifferent). Telomere length was determined from peripheral blood mononuclear cells via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Participants who had a higher number of ambivalent ties in their social networks evidenced shorter telomeres. These results were independent of other relationship types (e.g., supportive) and standard control variables (e.g., age, health behaviors, and medication use). Gender moderated the links between ambivalent ties and telomere length, with these associations seen primarily in women. Follow-up analyses revealed that the links between ambivalent ties and telomeres were primarily due to friendships, parents, and social acquaintances. CONCLUSION Consistent with epidemiological findings, these data highlight a novel and integrative biological mechanism by which social ties may affect health across diseases and further suggest the importance of incorporating positivity and negativity in the study of specific relationships and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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McNamee BG, James GD. The impact of child-rearing status on perceptual and behavioural predictors of ambulatory blood pressure variation among working women. Ann Hum Biol 2012; 39:490-8. [DOI: 10.3109/03014460.2012.717637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether parenthood predicts host resistance to the common cold among healthy volunteers experimentally exposed to a common cold virus. METHODS Participants were 795 healthy volunteers (age range = 18-55 years) enrolled in one of three viral-challenge studies conducted from 1993 to 2004. After reporting parenthood status, participants were quarantined, administered nasal drops containing one of four common cold viruses, and monitored for the development of a clinical cold (infection in the presence of objective signs of illness) on the day before and for 5 to 6 days after exposure. All analyses included controls for immunity to the experimental virus (prechallenge specific antibody titers), viral strain, season, age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, body mass, study, employment status, and education. RESULTS Parents were less likely to develop colds than nonparents were (odds ratio [OR] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31-0.73). This was true for both parents with one to two children (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.33-0.83) and three or more children (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.22-0.70). Parenthood was associated with a decreased risk of colds for both those with at least one child living at home (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.24-0.87) and those whose children all lived away from home (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.12-0.60). The relationship between parenthood and colds was not observed in parents aged 18 to 24 years but was pronounced among older parents. CONCLUSIONS Parenthood was associated with greater host resistance to common cold viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodlescia S. Sneed
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, Phone: (305) 785-9536, Fax: (412) 268-2798
| | - Sheldon Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University
| | - Ronald B. Turner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Health Science Center
| | - William J. Doyle
- Department of Otolaryngology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
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Müller R, Peter C, Cieza A, Geyh S. The role of social support and social skills in people with spinal cord injury—a systematic review of the literature. Spinal Cord 2011; 50:94-106. [DOI: 10.1038/sc.2011.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Storey AE, Noseworthy DE, Delahunty KM, Halfyard SJ, McKay DW. The effects of social context on the hormonal and behavioral responsiveness of human fathers. Horm Behav 2011; 60:353-61. [PMID: 21767539 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We tested first-time fathers with their 22-month old toddlers to determine whether social context variables such as pre-test absence from the child and presence of the mother affected physiological measures associated with paternal responsiveness. Heart rate and blood pressure readings as well as blood samples to determine prolactin, testosterone and cortisol levels were taken before and after the 30-min father-toddler interactions. Fathers were tested on a day when they were away from their child for several hours before testing ('without-child' day) and on another day where they remained with their child throughout the day ('with-child' day). Most measures decreased over the 30-min test period but relative decreases were context-dependent. Men maintained higher prolactin levels when they were away from their children longer before testing on the 'without-child' day. Cortisol levels decreased during both tests and they decreased more on the 'with-child' day for men who had spent more time alone with their toddler before the test. Heart-rate and diastolic (but not systolic) blood pressure decreased more on the 'with-child' day than on the 'without-child' day. Fathers' testosterone levels decreased when their partners were less involved in the interactions. Compared to men with high responsiveness ratings on both days, men whose responsiveness increased after being away from their child on the 'without-child' day maintained higher systolic blood pressure and had a greater decrease in testosterone levels. We conclude that context may be more important in determining fathers' physiological responses to child contact than has previously been appreciated, particularly for some individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Storey
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
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Schwerdtfeger AR, Schlagert H. The Conjoined Effect of Naturalistic Perceived Available Support and Enacted Support on Cardiovascular Reactivity During a Laboratory Stressor. Ann Behav Med 2011; 42:64-78. [DOI: 10.1007/s12160-011-9272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that a greater perceived responsibility for household tasks and a greater number of hours spent doing these tasks would be associated with elevated ambulatory systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The connection between job characteristics and cardiovascular outcomes has been widely studied. However, less is known about links between household work characteristics and cardiovascular health. METHODS A total of 113 employed unmedicated hypertensive men and women underwent 1 day of ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring. Participants provided information on 1) the number of hours spent doing; and 2) their degree of responsibility for seven household tasks (child care; pet care; caring for ill/elderly; household chores; house/car repair; yard work; finances). Associations between task hours and responsibility ratings in relation to SBP and DBP were estimated, using generalized estimating equations, with covariates age, race, gender, body mass index, location, and posture. Interactions with gender and socioeconomic position were assessed. RESULTS A greater perceived responsibility for household tasks, but not the hours spent doing these tasks, was associated with higher ambulatory SBP (b (95% confidence interval [CI]), 0.93 (0.29-1.56), p = .004) and DBP (b (95% CI), 0.30 (0.10-0.51), p = .003). Significant interactions with income indicated that associations between household responsibilities and ABP were most pronounced among low income participants (SBP: b (95% CI), 1.40 (0.58-2.21), p < .001; DBP: b (95% CI), 0.48 (0.18-0.78), p < .01). The task associated most strongly with BP was household chores. No interactions with gender were observed. CONCLUSIONS Greater perceived responsibility for household tasks was associated with elevated ABP, particularly for lower income participants. Household obligations may have important implications for cardiovascular health, meriting further empirical attention.
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Kemppainen J, Bomar PJ, Kikuchi K, Kanematsu Y, Ambo H, Noguchi K. Health promotion behaviors of residents with hypertension in Iwate, Japan and North Carolina, USA. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2010; 8:20-32. [PMID: 21615695 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7924.2010.00156.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to compare the health promotion practises of rural residents in northern Japan (n = 212) to those in south-eastern North Carolina, USA (n = 105), using the Health Promotion Lifestyle II (HPLP) scale. METHODS A comparative and descriptive design examined the relationships between health-related behaviors and demographic and physiological variables, and compared cross-cultural patterns. RESULTS The Japanese participants scored significantly higher on the total HPLP II score, as well as on the subscales of health responsibility, nutrition, interpersonal support, and stress management. No significant differences were found in the HPLP II subscales for spiritual growth or physical activity between the groups. The subscale scores for both the participants from Japan and the participants from North Carolina were lowest for physical activity. For the participants from North Carolina, the HPLP II subscale scores were highest for spirituality and interpersonal relationships. The predictive factors of variation in the scores of the HPLP II for the participants from North Carolina included being married and not working. No significant demographic predictor was found for the HPLP II scores of the Japanese participants. CONCLUSIONS The study's findings add to an increased understanding of the cultural variations in the health-promoting behaviors of persons with hypertension. Providing health promotion strategies for hypertension remains an urgent issue for nurses and other health-care providers in both Japan and North Carolina, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Kemppainen
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA.
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Abstract
Tom Pickering had a profound influence on the study of biobehavioral factors in the development, diagnosis, and misdiagnosis of hypertension. His contributions influenced several avenues of research, including ecological momentary assessments of the sources and causes of diurnal blood pressure variation, the evaluation and impact of job strain on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, and the role of blood pressure reactivity and recovery to acute stress in hypertension development. This overview approaches these topics by examining the seminal role of the work by Tom et al. in the current understanding of how biobehavioral factors contribute to hypertension.
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Holt-Lunstad J, Birmingham W, Howard AM, Thoman D. Married With Children: The Influence of Parental Status and Gender on Ambulatory Blood Pressure. Ann Behav Med 2010; 38:170-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s12160-009-9152-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Loizzo J, Charlson M, Peterson J. A program in contemplative self-healing: stress, allostasis, and learning in the Indo-Tibetan tradition. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1172:123-47. [PMID: 19735246 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04398.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews current behavioral health interventions and introduces a self-healing program based on the Indo-Tibetan tradition. While most work on behavior change emphasizes cognition and motivation, this review highlights stress-reactivity as a rate-limiting resistance to learning. Surveying cognitive-behavioral theories, it finds these limited in modeling stress-reactivity. Reviewing current interventions that address stress by integrating relaxation, mindfulness, imagery, or movement with cognitive-behavioral education, it attributes their limited effectiveness to the limits of their model of stress and their strategy of eclectically mixing techniques. Next, the article explores the Indic model of stress-cessation and self-healing assumed by mindfulness practice, concluding that it more fully reflects current findings on stress and learning. It reviews the theory and practice of mindfulness and of two less known contemplative "vehicles" preserved in Tibet, using more advanced techniques and insights better suited to lay lifestyles and secular cultures. It suggests that the Tibetan tradition of integrating all three vehicles of contemplative insight and skill in one self-healing practice should maximize coherence and effectiveness while minimizing confounding variables caused by eclecticism. Finally, the paper introduces an intervention that integrates mindfulness with techniques of cognitive analysis, affect modulation, motivational imagery, and reinforcing breathing, tailored over centuries into a complete, threefold path of self-healing. A pilot study of this intervention in women treated for breast and other gynecologic cancers suggests that the whole spectrum of Indo-Tibetan mind/body practices can be readily mastered and effectively used by Westerners to reduce stress and enhance learning and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Loizzo
- Weill Cornell Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Columbia University Center for Buddhist Studies, New York, New York, USA.
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Schulz U, Pischke CR, Weidner G, Daubenmier J, Elliot-Eller M, Scherwitz L, Bullinger M, Ornish D. Social support group attendance is related to blood pressure, health behaviours, and quality of life in the Multicenter Lifestyle Demonstration Project. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2008; 13:423-37. [PMID: 18825581 DOI: 10.1080/13548500701660442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Changes in coronary risk factors, health behaviours, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were examined by tertiles of social support group attendance in 440 patients (21% females) with coronary artery disease. All patients participated in the Multicenter Lifestyle Demonstration Project (MLDP; eight hospital sites in the USA), an insurance-covered multi-component cardiac prevention program including dietary changes, stress management, exercise and group support for 1 year. Significant improvements in coronary risk factors, health behaviours, and HRQOL were noted at 1 year. Several of these improvements (i.e. systolic blood pressure, health behaviours, HRQOL) were related to social support group attendance, favoring those who attended more sessions. The associations between support group attendance to systolic blood pressure and to four HRQOL subscales (bodily pain, social functioning, mental health, and the mental health summary score) remained significant when controlling for changes in health behaviours, but dropped to a non-significant level for the HRQOL subscales 'physical functioning', 'general health' and 'role-emotional'. These results suggest an independent relationship of social support group attendance to systolic blood pressure while improvements in quality of life may be in part due to improved health behaviours facilitated by increased social support group attendance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Schulz
- Preventive Medicine Research Institute, Sausalito, USA
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Ngomo S, Messing K, Perrault H, Comtois A. Orthostatic symptoms, blood pressure and working postures of factory and service workers over an observed workday. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2008; 39:729-736. [PMID: 18184605 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2007.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2006] [Revised: 11/11/2007] [Accepted: 11/17/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
North American workers usually stand while working, and prolonged standing is associated with discomfort and cardiovascular problems. Moving may alleviate the problems, but optimum mobility is unknown. The effects of variations in mobility were explored among (1) 34 health care workers whose symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (OI) were recorded after work; (2) 45 factory and laundry workers. Postures were observed over a workday and blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of both groups were recorded before and after work. Among health care workers, 65% manifested OI symptoms. In a multiple logistic regression, presence of >or= 1 symptom of OI was associated with static postures and being female (p=0.001). More static standing was associated with a larger drop in BP (p=0.04) in both populations. The results suggest that more static standing postures are associated with OI and musculoskeletal symptoms and with a subclinical drop in BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzy Ngomo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Quebec, CP 8888, Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, Que., Canada H3C 3P8.
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Turagabeci AR, Nakamura K, Kizuki M, Takano T. Family structure and health, how companionship acts as a buffer against ill health. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2007; 5:61. [PMID: 18036211 PMCID: PMC2234394 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-5-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2007] [Accepted: 11/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health and well-being are the result of synergistic interactions among a variety of determinants. Family structure and composition are social determinants that may also affect health behaviours and outcomes. This study was performed to examine the associations between family structure and health and to determine the protective effects of support mechanisms to improve quality of health outcome. Methods Six hundred people, selected by multistage sampling to obtain a representative population of men and women aged 20–60 living in communities in Japan, were included in this study. Data regarding subjective views of one's own health, family structure, lifestyle and social support were collected through structured face-to-face interviews on home visits. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, height and weight were measured by trained examiners. The associations between family structure and health after controlling for demographics, lifestyle and social support were examined using logistic and linear regression analyses. Results Subjects living alone were significantly more likely to be in ill health, as determined using the General Health Questionnaire, in comparison to those in extended families (OR = 3.14). Subjects living alone or as couples were significantly more likely to suffer from severe hypertension in comparison to those living in extended families (OR = 8.25, OR = 4.90). These associations remained after controlling for the influence of lifestyle. Subjects living only with spouse or in nuclear family had higher probabilities of mental ill health in the absence than in the presence of people showing concern for their well-being. Conclusion The results of this study infers that a support mechanism consisting of companionship and the presence of family or other people concerned for one's well being acts as a buffer against deleterious influence of living in small family that will lead to improved quality of health outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia R Turagabeci
- International Health Section, Division of Public Health, Graduate School of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan.
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Uchino BN. Social Support and Health: A Review of Physiological Processes Potentially Underlying Links to Disease Outcomes. J Behav Med 2006; 29:377-87. [PMID: 16758315 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-006-9056-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1214] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Social support has been reliably related to lower rates of morbidity and mortality. An important issue concerns the physiological mechanisms by which support influences such health endpoints. In this review, I examine evidence linking social support to changes in cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and immune function. Consistent with epidemiological evidence, social support appears to be related to more positive "biological profiles" across these disease-relevant systems. Recent research on immune-mediated inflammatory processes is also starting to provide data on more integrative physiological mechanisms potentially linking social support to health. The implications of these links, along with future research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, 380 S. 1530 E., Rm. 502, Salt Lake City, 84112 Utah, USA.
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Sonnentag S, Zijlstra FRH. Job characteristics and off-job activities as predictors of need for recovery, well-being, and fatigue. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 91:330-50. [PMID: 16551187 DOI: 10.1037/0021-9010.91.2.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Two empirical studies examined need for recovery (i.e., a person's desire to be temporarily relieved from demands in order to restore his or her resources) as a mediator in the relationship between poor job characteristics (high job demands, low job control) and high off-job demands, on the one hand, and fatigue and poor individual well-being, on the other hand. Multilevel data from a daily survey study in the health service sector (Study 1) showed that high job demands, low job control, and unfavorable off-job activities predicted a high need for recovery. Need for recovery in turn was negatively related to individual well-being. A large-scale survey with a representative sample of the Dutch working population (Study 2) confirmed these findings for fatigue. In both studies, need for recovery mediated the effects of job characteristics and off-job activities on fatigue and poor well-being, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Sonnentag
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
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Ritvanen T, Louhevaara V, Helin P, Väisänen S, Hänninen O. Responses of the autonomic nervous system during periods of perceived high and low work stress in younger and older female teachers. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2006; 37:311-318. [PMID: 16171770 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2005.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2004] [Accepted: 06/28/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the response of the autonomic nervous system in younger (mean age 31 yrs, n=14) and older (mean age 54 yrs, n=14) healthy female teachers during work periods of perceived high and low stress. In the younger participants, heart rate, cortisol excretion rate and psychosomatic symptoms were significantly higher during the high work stress period. The older participants experienced no decrease in their heart rate and cortisol excretion during the low stress period and they exhibited no significant decrease in blood pressure after the work in the evening during both periods. It may be concluded that the recovery from the stress in the older teachers was insufficient particularly in view of their elevated diastolic blood pressure during the low work stress period. Ergonomic and individually tailored measures in terms of work time control, specific relaxation techniques, and a part-time retirement may improve the stress management of older teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Ritvanen
- Department of Physiology, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Veikko Louhevaara
- Department of Physiology, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pertti Helin
- Department of Physiology, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sari Väisänen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 1777, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Osmo Hänninen
- Department of Physiology, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Kim GS, Cho WJ, Lee CY, Marion LN, Kim MJ. The relationship of work stress and family stress to the self-rated health of women employed in the industrial sector in Korea. Public Health Nurs 2006; 22:389-97. [PMID: 16229731 DOI: 10.1111/j.0737-1209.2005.220503.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the relationship of work stress and family stress to the health of women in Korea. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE Three hundred and thirty-one married women working in 14 manufacturing companies in Korea. METHODS Subjects responded to a questionnaire that included items on work stress, family stress, social support, and general characteristics. Perceived health status (PHS) was assessed with the Short Form-36. RESULTS There was a significant positive relationship between social support and PHS, but significant negative relationships were found between PHS and work stress as well as family stress. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis explained the health status of married working women by four categories: personal, work related, family related, and social support, and accounted for 45.4% of the variance. When family-related factors were added to the model, the power of explanation was increased by 17.9% compared with the explained variance. Family stress was a major variable not only for explaining the variance but also for correlating with health status. CONCLUSIONS Both work stress and family stress should be considered together when addressing the health of working women in the industrial sector in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwang Suk Kim
- Department of Nursing, Environments and Systems, Yonsei University College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
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Stewart JA. The Detrimental Effects of Allostasis: Allostatic Load as a Measure of Cumulative Stress. J Physiol Anthropol 2006; 25:133-45. [PMID: 16617218 DOI: 10.2114/jpa2.25.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its inception in the 1980s, through further developments during the 1990s, and continuing today, the paradigm of allostatic load (AL) has becomed an important paradigm for predicting senescence and mortality. AL is a cumulative measure of the effects of multiple stressors and the process of responding to stressors on the soma. AL measurements of individuals is being tested on various samples and species and being reported across a variety of medical and social science journals. From the ISI Web of Science, all articles published between January 2000 and June 2005 with AL in any default category were obtained and transferred to Endnote. These articles, categorized as theory/review or data-driven, human or animal, and variability in risk factors used to estimate AL, are reviewed here. Only two of 90 reports were published in anthropological journals, likely, at least partly, because research on AL has focused more on western, industrialized populations where data are more easily obtained. From 2000-2005, 12 of 42 data-driven reports focused on elderly humans. Studies of animal models also are common (0 in 2000, but 4 in 2004 covering 21 species). During the last year, multiple additional potential physiological variables have been tested as measures of AL (10 to 20 in any one article). In the past half decade, AL also has been introduced to a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, anthropology, gerontology, veterinary medicine, and medical specialties, as a viable research theme. AL appears to provide a useful method for determining cumulative somatic stress such as that seen with senescence and frailty at older ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Stewart
- Social and Behavioral Sciences, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH 43216, USA.
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Costello EJ, Foley DL, Angold A. 10-year research update review: the epidemiology of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders: II. Developmental epidemiology. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2006; 45:8-25. [PMID: 16327577 DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000184929.41423.c0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the growth of developmental epidemiology in the past decade and to illustrate it with examples of recent studies. METHOD A review of publications on developmental epidemiology in the past 10 years and a discussion of some key examples. RESULTS The authors describe how the interaction between developmental psychopathology and psychiatric epidemiology has produced developmental epidemiology, the study of patterns of distribution of psychiatric disorders in time as well as in space. They give two examples of the kinds of questions that developmental epidemiology can help to answer: (1) Is the prevalence of autism increasing? Does the use of vaccines explain the increase? (2) Is there an epidemic of child and adolescent depression? Finally, they describe two areas of science that are beginning to inform developmental epidemiology: molecular genetics and the use of biological measures of stress. CONCLUSIONS While child and adolescent psychiatric epidemiology continues, as described in the first of these reviews, to address questions of prevalence and burden, it has also expanded into new areas of research in the past decade. In the next decade, longitudinal epidemiological data sets with their rich descriptive data on psychopathology and environmental risk over time and the potential to add biological measures will provide valuable resources for research into gene-environment correlations and interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jane Costello
- Drs. Costello and Angold are with the Center for Developmental Epidemiology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC; and Dr. Foley is with the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond..
| | - Debra L Foley
- Drs. Costello and Angold are with the Center for Developmental Epidemiology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC; and Dr. Foley is with the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| | - Adrian Angold
- Drs. Costello and Angold are with the Center for Developmental Epidemiology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC; and Dr. Foley is with the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
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Barnett RC, Steptoe A, Gareis KC. Marital-role quality and stress-related psychobiological indicators. Ann Behav Med 2005; 30:36-43. [PMID: 16097904 DOI: 10.1207/s15324796abm3001_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of one's marital relationship is gaining recognition as a potential stressor associated with negative health outcomes. PURPOSE In this study, we estimated the relationship between marital-role quality and three psychobiological stress indicators (self-reported stress, cortisol levels, and ambulatory blood pressure). METHOD Participants were 105 middle-age adults (67 men, 38 women) who had previously taken part in the Whitehall psychobiology study. Ambulatory monitoring and saliva sampling were carried out over a working day, and marital relationships were assessed with the Marital/Partner Role Quality scales. RESULTS We found that marital-role concerns (but not marital-role rewards) were related to all three psychobiological stress indicators; results did not vary by gender. Specifically, participants with more marital concerns reported greater stress throughout the day (p=.014), showed an attenuated cortisol increase following waking (p=.042) and a flatter cortisol slope over the day (p=.010), and had elevated ambulatory diastolic blood pressure over the middle of the workday (p=.004), with a similar trend in systolic pressure (p=.069). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that in addition to the carryover of work stress into domestic life that has been evident for many years, there are also influences of domestic strain on biological function over the working day and evening. Previous research suggests that a possible mechanism linking troubled marriages to health outcomes is depressed immune functioning. This study suggests a second mechanism-poorer stress-related biological response.
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Radi S, Lang T, Lauwers-Cancès V, Diène E, Chatellier G, Larabi L, De Gaudemaris R. Job constraints and arterial hypertension: different effects in men and women: the IHPAF II case control study. Occup Environ Med 2005; 62:711-7. [PMID: 16169917 PMCID: PMC1740865 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2004.012955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine, in a working population of men and women, the relation between organisational job constraints (job strain, passive and active jobs) and incident hypertension and the buffering effect of social support at work on this relation. METHODS A nested case control study was designed within the IHPAF (Incidence of Hypertension in a French Working Population) cohort study. The 20 worksite physicians participating in the study enrolled 203 cases and matched each case for age (SD 10 years) and sex with two normotensive subjects attending the follow up screening immediately after him or her. As a result, 426 men and 183 women were included in the study. RESULTS Mean age was 41.8 (SD 7.8) years in men and 43.5 (SD 7.5) years in women. Relations between job constraints and hypertension were stronger in women than in men. Odds ratios (OR) were 3.20 (95% CI 0.92 to 11.12) in women and 2.60 (95% CI 1.15 to 5.85) in men for job strain, 4.73 (95% CI 1.36 to 16.42) in women and 2.30 (95% CI 1.01 to 5.26) in men for passive jobs, and 4.51 (95% CI 1.24 to 16.43) in women and 2.39 (95% CI 1.10 to 5.18) in men for active jobs. Low social support at work was not related to hypertension and did not decrease the association with organisational risk factors. In both hypertensive men and women, obesity was related to hypertension (OR = 13.20 (95% CI 3.34 to 52.14) in women and 6.54 (95% CI 2.99 to 14.29) in men) and the prevalence of recent stressful life events was significantly lower in hypertensive women (OR = 0.32 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.89)) and men (OR = 0.37 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.67) compared with normotensives. Alcohol consumption was a significant risk factor for hypertension in women (OR = 3.47 (95% CI 1.18 to 10.25)). CONCLUSION A stronger relation between job constraints and hypertension was observed in women compared with men. These findings emphasise the need of addressing more sex-specific concepts of work related stress on the one hand, and of understanding the direct and indirect mechanisms linking psychosocial factors and hypertension in both sexes on the other hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Radi
- Département d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Unité INSERM 558, Faculté de Médecine, Toulouse, France
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Abstract
In this research synthesis, we summarize 161 measures of the effects of women's employment on well being reported between 1950 and 2000. Variations in the conceptualization and measurement of employment and health outcomes and the difficulty in distinguishing social selection from social causation limit the inferences that can be drawn from the evidence. Therefore, we distinguish two types of studies. Longitudinal studies measuring relevant covariates at the first measurement occasion and statistically controlling them in multivariate analyses providing effect-size information are classified as Type II studies. The remaining studies are classified as Type I studies. The main findings were that (1) results from methodologically sound Type II studies confirm the cross-sectional finding that paid employment has no adverse effects on women; (2) the outcome groups psychological distress, subjective health, cardiovascular risks and disease, and mortality do not converge completely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra L Klumb
- Berlin University of Technology, Ernst-Reuter-Platz 1,H 8, TU 10587, Berlin, Germany.
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al'Absi M, Wittmers LE. Enhanced adrenocortical responses to stress in hypertension-prone men and women. Ann Behav Med 2003; 25:25-33. [PMID: 12581933 DOI: 10.1207/s15324796abm2501_04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension risk may be associated with increased adrenocortical activity, but the extent to which this enhanced activation differs between men and women at rest and in response to psychological stress is not known. This study examined gender differences in adrenocortical responses to an extended public-speaking stressor in persons at high (resting systolic blood pressure > median; n = 21) or low risk (negative parental history and < or = median systolic blood pressure; n = 26). Salivary cortisol levels were assessed at rest and in response to public speaking in a repeated measure design on two test sessions held on separate days. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were obtained at 3-min intervals before, during, and after the task. High-risk participants showed greater cortisol, blood pressures, and heart rate responses to the public-speaking stressor than the low-risk group (ps < .01). Men showed greater cortisol concentrations than women (p < .05), independent of hypertension risk status. Cardiovascular measures during the acute stressor predicted subsequent cortisol production, but only in the high-risk group. Results suggest that hypertension risk is associated with enhanced physiological reactivity across sympathetic and adrenocortical systems, supporting the possibility that this exaggerated reactivity may represent a marker of risk in hypertension-prone men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa al'Absi
- Department of Behavioral Sciences University of Minnesota, School of Medicine, Duluth 55812-2487, USA.
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Boulware LE, Ratner LE, Cooper LA, Sosa JA, LaVeist TA, Powe NR. Understanding disparities in donor behavior: race and gender differences in willingness to donate blood and cadaveric organs. Med Care 2002; 40:85-95. [PMID: 11802081 DOI: 10.1097/00005650-200202000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent efforts to recruit blood and organ donors have only marginally improved demographic disparities in willingness to donate. Few studies have examined which factors are most important in explaining race and gender disparities in willingness to donate. OBJECTIVES To assess race and gender differences in willingness to donate blood and cadaveric organs, and to determine the extent to which several factors (including sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes about religion and mistrust of hospitals) might explain differences in willingness to donate. RESEARCH DESIGN Cross-sectional telephone survey of Maryland households contacted via random-digit dialing. MEASURES Past blood donation, organ-donor status on driver's license, and measures of medical mistrust and religious and spiritual salience. SUBJECTS Persons age 18 to 75 living in the Baltimore, Maryland metropolitan area. RESULTS Of 385 respondents (84% of randomized households), 114 were black females, 46 were black males, 110 were white females, and 69 were white males. Before adjustment, black females were least willing to donate blood (41%), and black males were least willing to become cadaveric donors (19%) among all race-gender groups. Adjustment for respondent concerns about mistrust of hospitals and discrimination in hospitals explained most differences in willingness to donate blood, whereas adjustment for respondents' beliefs regarding the importance of spirituality and religion explained most differences in willingness to donate cadaveric organs. CONCLUSIONS Both race and gender are important identifiers of those less willing to donate. To maximize efficiency, donor recruitment efforts should focus on race-gender groups with lowest levels of willingness. Potential donor concerns regarding mistrust in hospitals and religion/spirituality may serve as important issues to address when developing programs to improve donation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ebony Boulware
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Carrillo E, Moya-Albiol L, González-Bono E, Salvador A, Ricarte J, Gómez-Amor J. Gender differences in cardiovascular and electrodermal responses to public speaking task: the role of anxiety and mood states. Int J Psychophysiol 2001; 42:253-64. [PMID: 11812392 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8760(01)00147-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gender moderates psychophysiological responses to stress. In addition to the hormonal background, different psychological states related to social stressors, such as anxiety and mood, could affect this response. The purpose of this study was to examine the existence of gender differences in the cardiovascular and electrodermal responses to a speech task and their relationship with anxiety and the mood variations experienced. For this, non-specific skin conductance responses (NSRs), heart rate (HR), and finger pulse volume (FPV) were measured at rest, and during preparation, task and recovery periods of an academic career speech in undergraduate men (n=15) and women (n=23), with assessment of changes in the state version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and in the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires. Men and women did not differ in trait anxiety, hostility/aggressiveness, or in the appraisal of the task, which were evaluated with the trait version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), the Buss and Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), and a self-report elaborated by ourselves, respectively. Women had higher FPV in all periods except during the task, and were more reactive to the stressor in state anxiety, and in the amplitude of NSRs. No gender differences for HR and for the frequency of NSRs were found. Anxiety and mood states were differently related to cardiovascular and electrodermal measurements in men and women. Further studies should consider the hormonal variations in addition to the psychological dimensions, in order to offer a more integrative perspective of the complex responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carrillo
- Area de Psicobiología, Departamento de Ciencias Morfológicas y Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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Abstract
This review focuses on the pathway leading from the marital relationship to physical health. Evidence from 64 articles published in the past decade, particularly marital interaction studies, suggests that marital functioning is consequential for health; negative dimensions of marital functioning have indirect influences on health outcomes through depression and health habits, and direct influences on cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, neurosensory, and other physiological mechanisms. Moreover, individual difference variables such as trait hostility augment the impact of marital processes on biological systems. Emerging themes in the past decade include the importance of differentiating positive and negative dimensions of marital functioning, the explanatory power of behavioral data, and gender differences in the pathways from the marital relationship to physiological functioning. Contemporary models of gender that emphasize self-processes, traits, and roles furnish alternative perspectives on the differential costs and benefits of marriage for men's and women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Kiecolt-Glaser
- Department of Psychiatry, Ohio State University College of Medicine, 1670 Upham Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
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Steptoe A, Cropley M, Griffith J, Kirschbaum C. Job strain and anger expression predict early morning elevations in salivary cortisol. Psychosom Med 2000; 62:286-92. [PMID: 10772410 DOI: 10.1097/00006842-200003000-00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to test the hypothesis that high job demands and low job control (job strain) are associated with elevated free cortisol levels early in the working day and with reduced variability across the day and to evaluate the contribution of anger expression to this pattern. METHODS One hundred five school teachers (41 men and 64 women) classified 12 months earlier as high (N = 48) or low (N = 57) in job strain according to the demand/control model sampled saliva at 2-hour intervals from 8:00 to 8:30 hours to 22:00 to 22:30 hours on a working day. Anger expression was assessed with the Speilberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, and negative affect was also measured. RESULTS Free cortisol was significantly elevated at 8:00 to 8:30 hours in the high job strain group but not at later times of the day or evening. After adjustment for age and negative affect, cortisol was an average of 21.7% higher early in the working day in the high job strain group. This effect was significantly greater in high job strain teachers, who also reported high anger-out. The cortisol decline from morning to evening was greater in the high than low job strain individuals. Independently of job strain, women had a higher cortisol concentration at 8:00 to 8:30 hours than men, whereas cortisol concentration was greater in men than women in the middle of the working day between 12:00 and 16:30 hours. CONCLUSIONS Job strain is associated with elevated free cortisol concentrations early in the working day but not with reduced cortisol variability. The interaction with outward anger expression suggests that individual characteristics modulate the impact of chronic work stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Steptoe
- Department of Psychology, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, United Kingdom
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