1
|
Lee KM, Wang C, Du H, Hunger J, Tomiyama AJ. Weight stigma as a stressor: A preliminary multi-wave, longitudinal study testing the biobehavioral pathways of the cyclic obesity/weight-based stigma (COBWEBS) model. Appetite 2024; 201:107573. [PMID: 38908408 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Higher weight individuals often face significant weight stigma. According to the Cyclic Obesity/Weight-Based Stigma (COBWEBS) model, weight stigma operates as a stressor that increases the stress hormone cortisol and promotes comfort eating, thus resulting in weight gain. Such weight gain is harmful as it exposes individuals to further stigmatization. Thus far, no study has yet tested the mechanistic pathways of the COBWEBS model and prospective longitudinal studies are severely lacking. To fill this gap, the current study tested the biobehavioral pathways of the COBWEBS model using a 4-wave yearlong longitudinal study comprising 348 higher weight individuals. Using a structural equation modeling framework, we tested three cross lagged panel models for the putative mediator, comfort eating. The models examined either synchronous and/or lagged effects across weight stigma, perceived stress, comfort eating, weight, and future weight stigma. The best fitting model revealed significant associations between baseline weight stigma, perceived stress, and comfort eating within the same month. However, comfort eating did not significantly predict weight four months later. Weight status and baseline weight stigma both predicted future weight stigma as expected. Additionally, a separate path model with hair cortisol found that weight stigma predicted perceived stress four months later, but stress did not predict aggregate cortisol levels from months 10 and 11. Hair cortisol also did not predict later weight. This preliminary work lays the foundation for identifying modifiable targets of weight stigma, thereby offering potential avenues to reduce weight stigma's harm on higher weight individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Lee
- University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Psychology Building, Los Angeles, CA, 900951563, USA.
| | - Christy Wang
- University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Psychology Building, Los Angeles, CA, 900951563, USA
| | - Han Du
- University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Psychology Building, Los Angeles, CA, 900951563, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hunger
- Miami University, 90 North Patterson Avenue, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - A Janet Tomiyama
- University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Psychology Building, Los Angeles, CA, 900951563, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vaccarino V, Bremner JD. Stress and cardiovascular disease: an update. Nat Rev Cardiol 2024; 21:603-616. [PMID: 38698183 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-024-01024-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Psychological stress is generally accepted to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but results have varied in terms of how stress is measured and the strength of the association. Additionally, the mechanisms and potential causal links have remained speculative despite decades of research. The physiological responses to stress are well characterized, but their contribution to the development and progression of CVD has received little attention in empirical studies. Evidence suggests that physiological responses to stress have a fundamental role in the risk of CVD and that haemodynamic, vascular and immune perturbations triggered by stress are especially implicated. Stress response physiology is regulated by the corticolimbic regions of the brain, which have outputs to the autonomic nervous system. Variation in these regulatory pathways might explain interindividual differences in vulnerability to stress. Dynamic perturbations in autonomic, immune and vascular functions are probably also implicated as CVD risk mechanisms of chronic, recurring and cumulative stressful exposures, but more data are needed from prospective studies and from assessments in real-life situations. Psychological assessment remains insufficiently recognized in clinical care and prevention. Although stress-reduction interventions might mitigate perceived stress levels and potentially reduce cardiovascular risk, more data from randomized trials are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viola Vaccarino
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - J Douglas Bremner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Walther LM, Auer A, Sauter C, Wirtz PH. Stress in the collective: Psychophysiological reactivity to an orchestra concert as a collective naturalistic, real-life stressor of psychosocial nature. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 167:107109. [PMID: 38943721 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES The investigation of collective stress experiences, including collective stressors and the psychophysiological reactivity of a collective to these stressors, has been widely neglected so far. Here, we examined public non-professional orchestra concerts as collective naturalistic, real-life stressors of psychosocial nature and the resulting psychophysiological reactivity in a collective of non-professional orchestra musicians. METHODS The members of two non-professional music orchestras (N = 54) were accompanied during a public concert (stress condition) and a rehearsal (control condition). We repeatedly assessed heart rate, salivary cortisol, and excitement levels before, during, and after the concert/rehearsal in addition to the anticipatory cognitive stress appraisal. RESULTS We observed greater physiological reactivity to the concert compared to the rehearsal (p's ≤.017), with higher increases in heart rate levels in anticipation of and in reaction to the concert and in cortisol levels in reaction to the concert compared to the rehearsal. Moreover, orchestra members reported greater psychological reactivity to the concert than to the rehearsal (p's ≤.024) in terms of higher cognitive stress appraisal in anticipation and increased excitement levels before and during the concert compared to the rehearsal. DISCUSSION Our findings indicate that orchestra concerts by non-professional musicians constitute collective naturalistic, real-life stressors of psychosocial nature, resulting in significant psychophysiological stress responses with reactivity kinetics differing between the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the psychological response. Potential implications and modulating factors need to be elucidated in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Walther
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany; Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Alisa Auer
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany; Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Christine Sauter
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Petra H Wirtz
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany; Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yoneda T, Pauly T, Ram N, Kolodziejczak-Krupp K, Ashe MC, Madden K, Drewelies J, Gerstorf D, Hoppmann CA. "What's yours is mine": Partners' everyday emotional experiences and cortisol in older adult couples. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 167:107118. [PMID: 38954980 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The existing literature consistently finds that emotional experiences and cortisol secretion are linked at the within-person level. Further, relationship partners tend to covary in emotional experience, and in cortisol secretion. However, we are only beginning to understand whether and how an individuals' emotions are linked to their relationship partners' cortisol secretion. In this project, we harmonized data from three intensive measurement studies originating from Canada and Germany to investigate the daily dynamics of emotions and cortisol within 321 older adult couples (age range=56-87 years). Three-level multilevel models accounted for the nested structure of the data (repeated assessments within individuals within couples). Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were used to examine the effect of own emotional experiences (actor effects) and partner emotional experiences (partner effects) on momentary and daily cortisol secretion. Adjusting for age, sex, education, comorbidities, assay version, diurnal cortisol rhythm, time spent together, medication, and time-varying behaviors that may increase cortisol secretion, results suggest that higher relationship partner's positive emotions are linked with lower momentary cortisol and total daily cortisol. Further, this association was stronger for older participants and those who reported higher relationship satisfaction. We did not find within-couple links between negative emotions and cortisol. Overall, our results suggest that one's relationship partner's positive emotional experience may be a protective factor for their physiological responding, and that these more fleeting and day-to-day fluctuations may accumulate over time, contributing to overall relationship satisfaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomiko Yoneda
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, USA.
| | - Theresa Pauly
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nilam Ram
- Departments of Psychology and Communication, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | | | - Maureen C Ashe
- Department of Family Practice, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kenneth Madden
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Johanna Drewelies
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychology, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Denis Gerstorf
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Heilmann K, Müller TH, Walter M, Engert V. Empathic stress is decreased by prior stressor experience and increased in a position of power. Horm Behav 2024; 165:105617. [PMID: 39190970 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
The observation of a stressed individual can trigger a stress response in a passive observer. Little is known about the mechanisms of this so-termed empathic stress, including the observer's empathic involvement with the stressful situation. In 108 opposite-sex stranger dyads, we expected to increase the observer's empathic involvement with a stressed target performing a standardized laboratory stressor (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST; Kirschbaum et al., 1993) by exposing observers themselves to the TSST one week earlier. Conversely, we intended to decrease empathic involvement by granting observers a powerful position over the targets (by asking them to evaluate the targets' TSST performance and allegedly decide on their financial compensation). A control group without any manipulation was also included. In the preregistered data analysis, two types of empathic stress were investigated: vicarious stress, which evolves irrespective of the target's stress response, and stress resonance, which is proportional to the target's stress response. Irrespective of manipulation, observers exhibited vicarious stress in subjective and high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), and synchronized with the targets' stress reactivity in cortisol release. Prior TSST experience unexpectedly decreased observers' self-reported empathy and vicarious cortisol stress reactivity. The power manipulation, conversely, led to stronger observer vicarious stress in overall heart rate and HF-HRV reactivity. Based on Wondra and Ellsworth's (2015) appraisal theory, we propose that, due to their prior stressor exposure, observers habituated to said stressor, and consequently changed their evaluation of the target's stressful situation. In contrast, observers in the powerful position may have felt responsible for the targets, triggering a stronger vicarious stressful experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Heilmann
- Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Stoystr. 3, 07740 Jena, Germany; Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Philosophenweg 3, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Theresa Helene Müller
- Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Stoystr. 3, 07740 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Philosophenweg 3, 07743 Jena, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), parter site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg; Center for Intervention and Research in adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Veronika Engert
- Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Stoystr. 3, 07740 Jena, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), parter site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg; Center for Intervention and Research in adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Armstrong TA, Boisvert DL, Wells J, Lewis RH, Cooke EM, Woeckener M, Kavish N, Harper JM. Testosterone, cortisol, and psychopathy: Further evidence with the Levenson self-report psychopathy scale and the inventory of callous unemotional traits. Soc Neurosci 2024:1-13. [PMID: 39172261 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2024.2390849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The current study explored associations between testosterone, cortisol, and both the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRPS) and the Inventory of Callous Unemotional (ICU) traits. Data were gathered from a relatively large sample of university students (n = 522) and analyses considered direct and interactive associations between hormones and psychopathic traits, as well as interactions between these associations and the time of day at which samples were gathered and the sex of participants. Baseline cortisol had a negative association with LSRPS primary psychopathy scores. In addition, baseline cortisol interacted with the time of day in association with LSRPS total scores. Simple slopes analyses indicated cortisol had a negative association with LSRPS total scores in the morning but not the afternoon. Interactions among hormone measures were not statistically significant. There was also no evidence for the moderation of associations between hormones and psychopathic traits by sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Armstrong
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Danielle L Boisvert
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Jessica Wells
- Department of Criminal Justice, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Richard H Lewis
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Eric M Cooke
- Criminal Justice Program, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Matthias Woeckener
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, NE, USA
| | - Nicholas Kavish
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - James M Harper
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sarkar N, Zainal NH, Newman MG. Self-esteem mediates child abuse predicting adulthood anxiety, depression, and substance use symptoms 18 years later. J Affect Disord 2024; 365:542-552. [PMID: 39178955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
According to biopsychosocial models, experiencing parental child abuse increases susceptibility to adulthood psychopathology. However, there is a paucity of studies examining potential mechanisms of the parental child abuse and adulthood psychopathology relationship. The purpose of the current study was to determine if Time 2 (T2) trait self-esteem mediated levels of Time 1 (T1) retrospectively recalled parental child abuse predicting (T3) past-year major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms. The 18-year Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) study included participants (N = 3294; T1 average age of 45.62 years) assessed at three different time points, each spaced about nine years apart. We performed structural equation mediation modeling analyses to determine how maternal and paternal child abuse at T1 would independently predict T3 MDD, GAD, PD, AUD, and SUD symptoms. We also examined whether T2 self-esteem mediated these relations while controlling for adulthood T1 psychopathology symptoms, demographics, socioeconomic status, somatic symptoms, and parental psychopathology. Consistent with our hypotheses, higher T1 maternal and paternal abuse predicted increased T3 GAD, PD, AUD, and SUD symptoms via diminished T2 self-esteem as the mediator (% proportion mediated = 33.0-100). However, childhood paternal, but not maternal, abuse predicted adulthood MDD symptoms via reduced self-esteem. Findings remained after adjusting for covariates. Our research highlights the importance of understanding retrospectively recalled parental child abuse-adulthood psychopathology relations, their potential mechanisms, and self-esteem as a malleable treatment target for adults with heightened child abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nur Hani Zainal
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Health Care Policy, United States of America; National University of Singapore, Department of Psychology, Singapore.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mauersberger H, Springer A, Fotopoulou A, Blaison C, Hess U. Pet dogs succeed where human companions fail: The presence of pet dogs reduces pain. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 249:104418. [PMID: 39153318 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Social support from family and friends, albeit associated with beneficial health effects, does not always help to cope with pain. This may be because humans elicit mixed expectations of social support and evaluative judgment. The present studies aimed to test whether pet dogs are a more beneficial source of support in a painful situation than human companions because they are not evaluative. For this, 74 (Study 1) and 50 (Study 2) women completed a cold-pressor task in the presence of either their own (S1) or an unfamiliar (S2) dog, a friend (S1), or an unknown human companion (S2), or alone. In both studies, participants reported less pain and exhibited less pain behavior in the presence of dogs compared to human companions. Reactions to pain were moderated by attitudes towards dogs in S2. This suggests that pet dogs may help individuals to cope with painful situations, especially if the individual in pain generally feels affectionate towards dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Springer
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aikaterini Fotopoulou
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ursula Hess
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Helminen EC, Behari K, Scheer JR. A compassion microintervention targeting stress reactivity among sexual minority women and transgender/nonbinary people: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 145:107660. [PMID: 39121992 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual minority women (SMW) and transgender and/or nonbinary (TNB) people report more adverse health outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, substance use) relative to heterosexual, cisgender people, often due to the additional stress burden from experiencing stigma. Physiological and emotional stress reactivity are mechanisms through which high cumulative stress contributes to adverse health outcomes. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) described in this study protocol examines whether a single-session compassion microintervention may attenuate physiological and emotional stress reactivity to the minority stress Trier Social Stress Test (MS-TSST) among SMW/TNB people. This study will also examine whether the compassion microintervention reduces depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and substance use from baseline to one-month follow-up, and assess microintervention acceptability. METHODS This protocol describes a two-arm parallel RCT. Participants are recruited online and at in-person events (e.g., Pride events). Participants complete baseline measures online (e.g., demographics, anxiety symptoms) and then complete an in-person lab visit that includes the compassion microintervention (or no training control). Immediately after the intervention period, participants complete the MS-TSST. Measures of physiological (i.e., blood pressure, cortisol) and emotional (i.e., negative affect, state anxiety) reactivity are collected throughout the lab visit. Participants also complete a one-month follow-up survey. Participants randomized to the microintervention are invited to complete a semi-structured virtual interview about their experiences to assess acceptability. CONCLUSION Findings from this study could provide initial evidence that compassion microinterventions show promise in addressing stigma-related stress reactivity among SMW/TNB people. CLINICALTRIALS govregistration:NCT05949060.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Helminen
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode, Island.
| | - Kriti Behari
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Marley Education Center, 352 Irving Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States of America
| | - Jillian R Scheer
- Department of Psychology, College of Health Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 142 Flagg Road, Kingston, Rhode, Island
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pauly T, Lüscher J, Wilhelm LO, Amrein MA, Boateng G, Kowatsch T, Fleisch E, Bodenmann G, Scholz U. Using Wearables to Study Biopsychosocial Dynamics in Couples Who Cope With a Chronic Health Condition: Ambulatory Assessment Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e49576. [PMID: 39102683 PMCID: PMC11333870 DOI: 10.2196/49576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technology has become an integral part of our everyday life, and its use to manage and study health is no exception. Romantic partners play a critical role in managing chronic health conditions as they tend to be a primary source of support. OBJECTIVE This study tests the feasibility of using commercial wearables to monitor couples' unique way of communicating and supporting each other and documents the physiological correlates of interpersonal dynamics (ie, heart rate linkage). METHODS We analyzed 617 audio recordings of 5-minute duration (384 with concurrent heart rate data) and 527 brief self-reports collected from 11 couples in which 1 partner had type II diabetes during the course of their typical daily lives. Audio data were coded by trained raters for social support. The extent to which heart rate fluctuations were linked among couples was quantified using cross-correlations. Random-intercept multilevel models explored whether cross-correlations might differ by social contexts and exchanges. RESULTS Sixty percent of audio recordings captured speech between partners and partners reported personal contact with each other in 75% of self-reports. Based on the coding, social support was found in 6% of recordings, whereas at least 1 partner self-reported social support about half the time (53%). Couples, on average, showed small to moderate interconnections in their heart rate fluctuations (r=0.04-0.22). Couples also varied in the extent to which there was lagged linkage, that is, meaning that changes in one partner's heart rate tended to precede changes in the other partner's heart rate. Exploratory analyses showed that heart rate linkage was stronger (1) in rater-coded partner conversations (vs moments of no rater-coded partner conversations: rdiff=0.13; P=.03), (2) when partners self-reported interpersonal contact (vs moments of no self-reported interpersonal contact: rdiff=0.20; P<.001), and (3) when partners self-reported social support exchanges (vs moments of no self-reported social support exchange: rdiff=0.15; P=.004). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides initial evidence for the utility of using wearables to collect biopsychosocial data in couples managing a chronic health condition in daily life. Specifically, heart rate linkage might play a role in fostering chronic disease management as a couple. Insights from collecting such data could inform future technology interventions to promote healthy lifestyle engagement and adaptive chronic disease management. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/13685.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Pauly
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Janina Lüscher
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Lea Olivia Wilhelm
- Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - George Boateng
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, University of St. Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Elgar Fleisch
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Technology Management, University of St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Guy Bodenmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urte Scholz
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Area Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Schleicher D, Jarvers I, Kocur M, Kandsperger S, Brunner R, Ecker A. Does it need an app? - Differences between app-guided breathing and natural relaxation in adolescents after acute stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 169:107148. [PMID: 39116517 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
A key component of stress management and biofeedback training is the use of relaxation exercises, such as slow/deep breathing (6 breaths/minute) in heart coherence exercises (HCEs). Breathing exercises are also increasingly being integrated into smartphones as part of health apps, though their effectiveness in adolescents after acute stress has rarely been validated scientifically. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of an app-guided HCE (n = 36) after an acute stress situation (Trier Social Stress Test) compared with natural relaxation (n = 37), among healthy adolescents (aged 11-17 years). Endocrine, autonomic, and psychological stress parameters (cortisol, alpha-amylase, heart rate, heart rate variability, mood) were examined in 73 adolescents (46 female, 27 male; Mage = 13.86, SDage = 1.87). Significant group differences were found in heart rate variability, with higher values in the low frequency band and low-to-high frequency ratio for the HCE condition, possibly indicating improved physiological functions through the stimulation of vagal tone and baroreflex. The use of a general breathing technique (natural and app-guided) also resulted in stronger relaxation reactions in cortisol when controlling for the previous stronger stress reactivity. On the other hand, app-guided slow breathing without a long training may be experienced as more uncomfortable during relaxation. The integration of breathing exercises in health apps for adolescents appears to be useful, offering a helpful and low-threshold coping/relaxation strategy during acute stress situations. Further studies should examine the benefits of app-guided breathing exercises in both psychiatric samples and the general population across a wide age range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schleicher
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 84, Regensburg 93053, Germany.
| | - Irina Jarvers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 84, Regensburg 93053, Germany.
| | - Martin Kocur
- Department of Media Informatics, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, Regensburg 93053, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Kandsperger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 84, Regensburg 93053, Germany.
| | - Romuald Brunner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 84, Regensburg 93053, Germany.
| | - Angelika Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 84, Regensburg 93053, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jankovic-Rankovic J, Panter-Brick C. Physiological and genomic signatures of war and displacement: A comprehensive literature review and future directions. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107084. [PMID: 38788460 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
There are now 108.4 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, many of whom endure adversities that result in trauma, toxic stress, and potentially, altered epigenetic development. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current literature on the biological signatures of war and forced migration among refugee populations. To consolidate evidence and identify key concerns and avenues for future research, we reviewed 36 publications and one article under review, published since 2000, most of which focused on refugees relocated in Europe and the Middle East. This body of work - including cross-sectional, observational, and experimental studies - reveals heterogenous findings regarding human biological responses to war-related adversities and their associations with health outcomes. We conclude with four main observations, regarding why genomic and physiological biomarkers are valuable, what study designs advance understanding of causality and health-promoting interventions, how to prepare for ethical challenges, and why theoretical frameworks and research procedures need more detailed consideration in scientific publications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Panter-Brick
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Remmers MCC, Reijs RP, Hoebe CJPA. Defining and distinguishing early life stress, trauma, adversity, toxic and chronic stress and allostatic load: a descriptive review. Scand J Public Health 2024:14034948241260105. [PMID: 39087715 DOI: 10.1177/14034948241260105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Various concepts are used to study the impact of stress on childhood development. These concepts are often used inconsistently or interchangeably. Our main objectives were to determine how selected stress concepts (chronic stress, toxic stress, allostatic load, early life stress, childhood adversity, childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences; ACEs) are defined, operationalized and described, and to provide a theoretical context to aid the choice for a preferred concept in public health research. METHODS For this descriptive review, we systematically searched for literature published before 4 August 2021, on PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo. Two independent reviewers included studies. Exclusion criteria were: no systematic review, not peer reviewed, not published in English, selected stress concepts were no predetermined variable or a substantial topic in the discussion, full text was unobtainable or study described non-human or non-childhood populations. Data extraction forms were used. Descriptives were gathered, publication fields were identified through Journal Citation Reports categories, and verbatim descriptions were ordered in text and Venn diagrams. RESULTS Of 264 screened studies, 124 were included. ACEs, childhood adversity and childhood trauma were used most. ACEs were the main concept used most frequently (47.6%). A total of 11 of 14 public and environmental health journals used ACEs. All concepts refer to prolonged, repeated, interpersonal stress from 0 to 18 years, that can alter physiological systems. Four concepts were stressor oriented, two concepts focused on stress response and effect and one on the state of challenged homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS ACEs seem most fitting for public health setting, due to their operationalizability, large set of core experiences and widespread use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maarten C C Remmers
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Youth Health Care, Public Health Service Limburg-North, Venlo, Netherlands
| | - Rianne P Reijs
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Youth Health Care, Living Lab Public Health Mosa, Public Health Service South Limburg, Heerlen, Netherlands
| | - Christian J P A Hoebe
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health Mosa, Public Health Service South Limburg, Heerlen, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tang X, Hu W, Zhao X, Liu Y, Ren Y, Tang Z, Yang J. The role of personal, relational, and collective self-esteem in predicting acute salivary cortisol response and perceived stress. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:1386-1402. [PMID: 38362823 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12534] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Personal self-esteem (PSE) has been well recognized as a buffer against stress; however, the effects of other types of self-esteem, such as relational self-esteem (RSE) and collective self-esteem (CSE), on stress have not been adequately explored. This study investigated the roles of PSE, RSE, and CSE in reducing stress response. The Rosenberg, Relational, and Collective Self-Esteem Scales were adopted to assess PSE, RSE, and CSE, respectively. Participants underwent an acute social stress paradigm, and their acute stress response was assessed using subjective stress reports and salivary cortisol levels. Chronic stress level was estimated using the Perceived Stress Scale and hair cortisol concentration. The results showed that PSE was negatively correlated with salivary cortisol response during acute social stress; however, no significant associations were found between any type of self-esteem and subjective stress reports. For chronic stress, all types of self-esteem were negatively associated with perceived stress level, but not with hair cortisol concentration. Further hierarchical regression analyses suggested that only PSE negatively predicted acute salivary cortisol response and perceived stress level. Overall, the findings suggest the essential role of PSE in predicting acute salivary cortisol responses and perceived stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinli Tang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiyu Hu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhao
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yadong Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yipeng Ren
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zihan Tang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Finseth TT, Smith B, Van Steenis AL, Glahn DC, Johnson M, Ruttle P, Shirtcliff BA, Shirtcliff EA. When virtual reality becomes psychoneuroendocrine reality: A stress(or) review. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107061. [PMID: 38701607 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
This review article was awarded the Dirk Hellhammer award from ISPNE in 2023. It explores the dynamic relationship between stressors and stress from a historical view as well as a vision towards the future of stress research via virtual reality (VR). We introduce the concept of a "syncytium," a permeable boundary that blurs the distinction between stress and stressor, in order to understand why the field of stress biology continues to inadequately measure stress alone as a proxy for the force of external stressors. Using Virtual Reality (VR) as an illustrative example to explicate the black box of stressors, we examine the distinction between 'immersion' and 'presence' as analogous terms for stressor and stress, respectively. We argue that the conventional psychological approaches to stress measurement and appraisal theory unfortunately fall short in quantifying the force of the stressor, leading to reverse causality fallacies. Further, the concept of affordances is introduced as an ecological or holistic tool to measure and design a stressor's force, bridging the gap between the external environment and an individual's physiological response to stress. Affordances also serve to ameliorate shortcomings in stress appraisal by integrating ecological interdependencies. By combining VR and psychobiological measures, this paper aims to unravel the complexity of the stressor-stress syncytium, highlighting the necessity of assessing both the internal and external facets to gain a holistic understanding of stress physiology and shift away from reverse causality reasoning. We find that the utility of VR extends beyond presence to include affordance-based measures of immersion, which can effectively model stressor force. Future research should prioritize the development of tools that can measure both immersion and presence, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of how external stressors interact with individual psychological states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brandon Smith
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, University of Oregon, USA
| | | | - David C Glahn
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Megan Johnson
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, University of Oregon, USA
| | - Paula Ruttle
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, University of Oregon, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Spinella TC, Burdeyny V, Oprea A, Perrot TS, Barrett SP. The Impact of Cannabidiol Expectancy on Cortisol Responsivity in the Context of Acute Stress: Associations with Biological Sex. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:1006-1014. [PMID: 37552817 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, has gained interest for its purported stress- and anxiety-reducing effects. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. Our group previously found that CBD expectancy alone resulted in lower state anxiety (vs. CBD-free expectancy) among those who strongly believed it was helpful for such purposes, in addition to influencing physiological measures (i.e., heart rate variability). Aims: Using data collected as part of this previously published larger study, we aimed to explore the extent to which CBD expectancy alone impacts cortisol in the context of a laboratory stressor. Methods: A sample of 43 healthy adults (23 female) participated in one orientation and two experimental laboratory sessions. They received the same oil (CBD-free) during both experimental sessions but were told they received CBD oil in counterbalanced order in one of their sessions. Participants then engaged in a laboratory stressor (the Maastricht Acute Stress Test; MAST) and salivary cortisol samples were collected throughout [T1: baseline; T2: 90-min postabsorption (PA); T3: poststress (0-PS); T4: 10-min poststress (10-PS); T5: 30-min poststress (30-PS)]. Linear marginal models were used for analyses. Results: Findings indicated that a physiological stress response was elicited in the context of the MAST, which is consistent with what has been reported previously. Interestingly, while cortisol levels were significantly lower in the CBD expectancy condition (vs. CBD-free) immediately following the MAST (0-PS) and 10-min later (10-PS), this effect seems to be largely driven by males, evidenced by a three-way interaction. Cortisol levels did not reliably vary across expectancy conditions at any other time point. Conclusion: Overall, these results suggest that CBD expectancy appears to blunt cortisol in anticipation of a stressor, particularly in males. Findings suggest that it is important to consider the impact of drug-related expectations when assessing CBD-related effects on stress-related processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toni C Spinella
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Val Burdeyny
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Alexandra Oprea
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tara S Perrot
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Brain Repair Center, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sean P Barrett
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Marheinecke R, Winter AC, Strauss B, Engert V. Specific challenges of researching stress in the context of quiet political repression. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 19:100248. [PMID: 39055390 PMCID: PMC11269800 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Political repression beneath the threshold of criminal prosecution is a phenomenon of past and present, predominantly authoritarian, regimes. This so-called quiet repression includes measures such as the limitation of freedom of speech, surveillance of (perceived) political opponents, or the spreading of rumors to socially isolate targets. Such experiences of chronic stress show significant psychological and physiological health consequences in affected individuals. However, societal awareness of quiet repression measures remains limited, hindering victims' access to support and complicating healthcare interventions. In the current paper, we present the design of a study conducted with individuals who endured quiet repression measures in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), a socialist state closely aligned with the former Soviet Union. We discuss the challenges encountered over the course of the study, and present the solutions found. Although every study population has their unique challenges and needs, we wish to inform future sensitive research within the realm of quiet political repression. Given the limited understanding of the phenomenon, there is a pressing need for further investigation aiming to improve acceptance and care for past and future victims.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Marheinecke
- Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Winter
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Justus-Liebig University, Gießen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Strauss
- Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Veronika Engert
- Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wesarg-Menzel C, Gallistl M, Niconchuk M, Engert V. Reflections on the study of empathy in a sample of refugees and migrants from Arabic-speaking countries with diverse experiences of war-related trauma. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 19:100253. [PMID: 39170081 PMCID: PMC11338152 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Empathic abilities are proposed to affect the trajectory from trauma exposure to psychopathology. Yet, studies addressing the role of empathy in refugees with diverse experiences of war-related trauma are lacking. This may relate to missing recommendations on aspects to consider in the planning and execution of such a study. In the present methodological paper, we hence share our experiences in designing and implementing a study on the interrelations of war-related trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and empathy in individuals from Arabic-speaking countries who had entered Germany as refugees or migrants. In specific, we reflect on decisions related to the choice of experimental groups and measures of empathy, and describe unanticipated problems encountered during recruitment, screening and testing. Overall, we recommend applying a multi-method approach (i.e., a combination of questionnaire, behavioral and biological measures) to gain a comprehensive picture of the different facets of empathy. Further, we stress the importance to consider that not only refugees, but also migrants may have experienced war-related trauma. Beyond that, we advise to consult individuals of the study population of interest for the translation of instruments, realization of effective recruitment strategies, and to ensure that the testing procedures are sensitive to participants' past experiences and current needs. We hope that sharing these insights will benefit researchers interested in conducting basic and intervention research aimed at improving the mental health of individuals exposed to war-related trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Wesarg-Menzel
- Social Stress and Family Health Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Mathilde Gallistl
- Social Stress and Family Health Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Veronika Engert
- Social Stress and Family Health Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research in Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gallistl M, Linz R, Puhlmann LMC, Singer T, Engert V. Evidence for differential associations of distinct trait mindfulness facets with acute and chronic stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107051. [PMID: 38678734 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Stress and stress-associated disease are considered the health epidemic of the 21st century. Interestingly, despite experiencing similar amounts of stress than those falling ill, some individuals are protected against the "wear and tear of daily life". Based on the notion that mindfulness training strengthens stress resilience, we explored whether facets of trait mindfulness, prior to training intervention, are linked to acute psychosocial stress reactivity and chronic stress load. To assess different mindfulness facets, over 130 participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). For acute stress induction, a standardized psychosocial stress test was conducted. Subjective stress, sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, and levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis end hormone cortisol were assessed repeatedly. Additionally, levels of hair cortisol and cortisone as indices of the long-term physiological stress load were collected. We found differential associations of different facets of mindfulness with subjective stress, cortisol, and hair cortisone levels. Specifically, the trait mindfulness facets FMI "Acceptance" and the ability to put one's inner experience into words (FFMQ "Describing") were associated with lower acute subjective and cortisol stress reactivity. Contrarily, monitoring-related trait mindfulness facets (FFMQ "Acting with Awareness" and "Observing") were associated with higher acute cortisol and marginally higher long-term cortisone release. Our results suggest granularity of the mindfulness construct. In accordance with the "Monitor and Acceptance Theory", especially acceptance-related traits buffered against stress, while monitoring-related traits seemed to be maladaptive in the context of stress. The current results give valuable guidance for the conceptualization of mindfulness-based interventions geared towards stress reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Gallistl
- Independent Research Group "Social Stress and Family Health", Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Roman Linz
- Independent Research Group "Social Stress and Family Health", Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lara M C Puhlmann
- Independent Research Group "Social Stress and Family Health", Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Tania Singer
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Max Planck Society, Berlin, Germany
| | - Veronika Engert
- Independent Research Group "Social Stress and Family Health", Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang Y, Chen Y, Lu C, Kwan ATH, McIntyre RS, Yang F, Cao B. The psychological factors mediating/moderating the association between body-image disturbance and depression: A systematic review. Psych J 2024; 13:527-540. [PMID: 38725387 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Available evidence demonstrates that individuals with body-image disturbance (BID) are prone to suffer from depression. This systematic review provides, to our knowledge, the first synthesis of the psychological mechanism of the association between BID and depression. We conducted a thorough search of online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, for articles published up until February 2024. The final analysis comprised a total of 23 studies that focused on the mediating or moderating effects of psychological factors between depression and BID. This review identifies self-esteem and social support as both mediators and moderators of the relationship between BID and depression, while perceived stress acted only as a mediator. High self-esteem and strong social support as well as low levels of perceived stress may help individuals experience lower levels of BID, thereby contributing to a decreased likelihood of depression. Interventions aimed at increasing self-esteem, developing strong support, and decreasing perceived stress may hold promise to reduce the risk of depression in those with BID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuqi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chenxuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Angela T H Kwan
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fahui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Buccellato KH, Peterson AL. The role of cortisol in development and treatment of PTSD among service members: A narrative review. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 169:107152. [PMID: 39094515 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a pervasive issue within military populations, with approximately 29 % of post-9/11 service members experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime. One potentially important factor in PTSD development and treatment response is dysregulation of the stress response system stemming from exposure to multiple traumas and sustained operational stress associated with military training and deployment. In particular, the end-product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, cortisol, is of particular interest to researchers examining physiological stress response in the context of mental health. Research exploring cortisol has been ongoing for decades, both to further understand its pathways and mechanisms, and to develop potential novel PTSD treatments. This paper provides a narrative review of some of the published literature examining cortisol's role in PTSD as a potential factor in development, maintenance, and treatment augmentation, with emphasis on military populations. The results of this review highlight the importance of exploring alterations to the stress response system, and cortisol in particular, for the evaluation and treatment of PTSD in the military, the need for more comprehensive work towards understanding development of these alterations through military training and service, and its impact on long-term PTSD outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiara H Buccellato
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Alan L Peterson
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, 7400 Merton Minter, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Eisner L, Fischer S, Juster RP, Hässler T. The impact of marriage equality campaigns on stress: Did a Swiss public vote get under the skin? Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400582121. [PMID: 39042695 PMCID: PMC11295070 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400582121] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals encounter persistent structural inequalities and discrimination that can lead to detrimental psychological and physiological health outcomes. Amid evolving legal landscapes, little attention has been directed toward understanding the physiological health effects of societal shifts on these communities. This study aims to explore the impact of a national marriage equality vote and associated debates on psychological and biological stress among LGBTIQ+ individuals and cisgender, heterosexual, endosex individuals (termed cis-heterosexual) in Switzerland. We gathered longitudinal survey and biological data collected in hair samples among LGBTIQ+ and cis-heterosexual individuals before, during, and after the 2021 national vote (survey data: NT1T2 = 954; NT2T3 = 880; biological data: NT1T2 = 393; NT2T3 = 354). Preregistered analyses reveal a notable increase in biological stress levels (i.e., cortisol and cortisone levels), but not perceived stress, among both LGBTIQ+ as well as cis-heterosexual individuals who were close to them during the campaign. Results further point out the negative impacts of the campaign against marriage equality (i.e., no-campaign) on LGBTIQ+ individuals' biological stress levels as well as on those of their allies. These effects were, however, moderated by exposure to the campaign for marriage equality (i.e., yes-campaign), indicating the powerful buffering effects of the yes-campaign on the impact of discrimination on individuals' health. However, these positive effects appear to come at a cost, potentially impacting the well-being of individuals engaged in advocating for the yes-campaign. This research underscores the lasting impact of political campaigns on individuals' health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léïla Eisner
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich8050, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08540
| | - Susanne Fischer
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich8050, Switzerland
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Department of Psychiatry & Addiction, University of Montreal, Montréal, QuébecH3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Tabea Hässler
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich8050, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gabbay V, Ely BA, Vileisis JN, Petrovic Z, Cicvaric A, Asnis GM, Kim-Schulze S, Radulovic J. Immune and neural response to acute social stress in adolescent humans and rodents. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:306. [PMID: 39054336 PMCID: PMC11272929 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03008-5] [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] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies in adults have linked stress-related activation of the immune system to the manifestation of psychiatric conditions. Using a translational design, this study aimed to examine the impact of social stress on immune activity in adolescents and on neuronal activity in a preclinical mouse model. Participants were 31 adolescents (ages 12-19), including 25 with mood and anxiety symptoms. Whole-blood samples were collected before and after the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a stress-inducing public speaking task, then cultured for 6 hours in the presence and absence of the inflammatory endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Effects of TSST and LPS on 41 immune biomarkers were examined using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Separately, juvenile (8-week-old) male mice were non-stressed or exposed to reminder social defeat then intraperitoneally injected with saline or LPS (n = 6/group). Brains were perfused and collected for immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy at 0, 1, 6, and 24 hours post-injection. The activity was determined by the density of cFos-positive neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus, paraventricular thalamus, and basolateral amygdala, regions known to show sustained activation to immunological challenge. Analyses in the adolescent study indicated a strong effect of LPS but no effects of TSST or TSST×LPS interaction on immune biomarkers. Similarly, reminder social defeat did not induce sustained neuronal activity changes comparable to LPS immunological challenge in juvenile mice. Our convergent findings across species suggest that the acute immune response to stress documented in adults is not present in youth. Thus, aging and chronicity effects may play an important role in the inflammatory response to acute psychosocial stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Gabbay
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Clinical Research, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA.
| | - Benjamin A Ely
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Julia N Vileisis
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Zorica Petrovic
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ana Cicvaric
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Gregory M Asnis
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Seunghee Kim-Schulze
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jelena Radulovic
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu Y, Byrne KA, Aly H, Ghaiumy Anaraky R, Knijnenburg B. Can Stress Put Digital Privacy at Risk? Evidence from a Controlled Experiment Examining the Impact of Acute Stress on Privacy Decisions on a Simulated Social Network Site. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2024. [PMID: 39029514 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2023.0687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Internet and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can foster efficient communication and knowledge acquisition, but there are also tradeoffs in terms of risks to one's privacy. Previous research, including work with the privacy calculus framework, indicates that factors such as perceived risks and benefits of using ICTs, ICT trust, and general privacy concerns can influence individuals' digital privacy-related decisions. One pervasive psychological factor that may potentially alter such privacy-related behaviors is acute stress. Acute stress can promote risk-seeking behaviors and a tendency to prefer immediate rewards over delayed, greater value rewards. However, the effect of acute stress in the applied context of privacy decision making is relatively unknown. Participants (N = 143) in this study were randomly assigned to either an acute stress task (socially evaluated cold pressor task) or an active control task (lukewarm water alone). Results revealed that acute stress condition increased information disclosure, as indexed by accepting more online cookies, sharing one's location more frequently, and revealing greater willingness to self-disclose personal information. In addition, the impact of individuals' levels of perceived risk and benefits, trust, and privacy concern on privacy decision making was examined. However, none of these constructs consistently influenced privacy decisions over and above the effect of stress. Overall, our findings suggest that acute stress has robust, independent influence on privacy decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Liu
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kaileigh A Byrne
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Heba Aly
- School of Computing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Reza Ghaiumy Anaraky
- Department of Technology Management and Innovation, New York University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Bart Knijnenburg
- School of Computing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Foti G, Merlo L, Finstad GL, Giorgi G. COVID-19 Symptoms and Mental Health Outcomes among Italian Healthcare Workers: A Latent Class Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1403. [PMID: 39057546 PMCID: PMC11275353 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12141403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to long-lasting consequences for workers leading to what has been termed a "psychological pandemic". Some categories, such as healthcare workers (HCWs), are considered high risk due to factors such as increased exposure and stressful working conditions. In this study, we investigate whether levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms and COVID-19-related fear (IES-6 and PSI-4) are associated with illness severity in a sample of 318 infected HCWs in Italy. To investigate the presence of different profiles of COVID-19 severity, Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was performed based on 11 symptoms. Differences in the IES-6 and PSI-4 scores across the latent classes were compared using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test with Dunn's multiple comparison post hoc testing. Our analyses show that the LCA identified three classes of symptoms, reflecting no/low, mild and severe symptoms. The classes include vomiting, confusion, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, dyspnea, headache, ageusia, fever, anosmia, osteo muscle articular pain and asthenia. We found that HCWs who experienced more intense symptoms reported significantly higher IES-6 and PSI-4 scores. Moreover, we found gender-related differences in IES-6 and PSI-4 scores as females exhibited higher levels than males. Indeed, these findings are useful for developing health prevention and emergency management programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Foti
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (G.L.F.); (G.G.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Budini F, Mocnik R, Tilp M, Crognale D. Time constraint and error corrections contribute to the increase of hand postural tremor during mental calculation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33459. [PMID: 39055845 PMCID: PMC11269825 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hand postural physiological tremor increases during arithmetic computation. The present work aims at investigating whether this could be attributed to a raise in stress for having to provide a correct answer within a constrained period of time, or to voice vibration for having to speak to report the answer. Methods In 16 participants tremor was recorded by using a 3-axial accelerometer during 5 min of a hand postural task performed simultaneously while: 1) subtracting 13 from a 3-digit number within 4 s and with mistakes correction (intervention: math stress task), 2) same as for the "intervention task" but without time limit and mistakes correction (intervention: math nonstress task), 3) adding 1 to a 3-digit number (intervention: voice vibration task), and 4) only postural task while keeping quiet (control task). Electromyographic (EMG) activity from the extensor carpi radialis was measured during the hand postural task. Results Compared to control, tremor increased during both math interventions (+30.9 % p = 0.002, math stress; +15.0 % p = 0.01, math nonstress), but not during the voice vibration task (+12.2 % p = 0.239). During the math stress trial tremor was greater compared to both the voice vibration trial (+21.0 % p = 0.021), and the math nonstress trial (+13.5 % p = 0.01). EMG activity was not affected. Conclusion The results suggest that during arithmetic computation the "stress component" contributes only partially to the observed increase in hand postural tremor, and that this increase cannot be attributed to voice vibrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Budini
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Austria
| | - Richard Mocnik
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Tilp
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Austria
| | - Domenico Crognale
- Institute for Sport & Health, University College of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cano-López I, Catalán-Aguilar J, Lozano-García A, Hidalgo V, Hampel KG, Tormos-Pons P, Salvador A, Villanueva V, González-Bono E. Cognitive phenotypes in patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy: Relationships with cortisol and affectivity. Clin Neuropsychol 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38965831 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2024.2375605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a neurological disorder characterized by cognitive deficits. This study examined whether patients with TLE and different cognitive phenotypes differ in cortisol levels and affectivity while controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 79 adults with TLE underwent neuropsychological evaluation in which memory, language, attention/processing speed, executive function, and affectivity were assessed. Six saliva samples were collected in the afternoon to examine the ability of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to descend according to the circadian rhythm (C1 to C6). The cortisol area under the curve concerning ground (AUCg) was computed to examine global cortisol secretion. RESULTS Three cognitive phenotypes were identified: memory impairment, generalized impairment, and no impairment. The memory-impairment phenotype showed higher cortisol levels at C4, C5, and C6 than the other groups (p = 0.03, η2 = 0.06), higher cortisol AUCg than the generalized-impairment phenotype (p = 0.004, η2 = 0.14), and a significant reduction in positive affectivity after the evaluation (p = 0.026, η2 = 0.11). Higher cortisol AUCg and reductions in positive affectivity were significant predictors of the memory-impairment phenotype (p < 0.001; Cox and Snell R2 = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS Patients with memory impairment had a slower decline in cortisol levels in the afternoon, which could be interpreted as an inability of the HPA axis to inhibit itself. Thus, chronic stress may influence hippocampus-dependent cognitive function more than other cognitive functions in patients with TLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cano-López
- Institut d'Investigació en Psicologia dels Recursos Humans, del Desenvolupament Organitzacional i de la Qualitat de Vida Laboral (IDOCAL)/Department of Psychobiology, Psychology Center, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Judit Catalán-Aguilar
- Institut d'Investigació en Psicologia dels Recursos Humans, del Desenvolupament Organitzacional i de la Qualitat de Vida Laboral (IDOCAL)/Department of Psychobiology, Psychology Center, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lozano-García
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, Social and Human Sciences Center, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Kevin G Hampel
- Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Service, Member of ERN EPICARE, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paula Tormos-Pons
- Institut d'Investigació en Psicologia dels Recursos Humans, del Desenvolupament Organitzacional i de la Qualitat de Vida Laboral (IDOCAL)/Department of Psychobiology, Psychology Center, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Institut d'Investigació en Psicologia dels Recursos Humans, del Desenvolupament Organitzacional i de la Qualitat de Vida Laboral (IDOCAL)/Department of Psychobiology, Psychology Center, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Villanueva
- Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Service, Member of ERN EPICARE, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esperanza González-Bono
- Institut d'Investigació en Psicologia dels Recursos Humans, del Desenvolupament Organitzacional i de la Qualitat de Vida Laboral (IDOCAL)/Department of Psychobiology, Psychology Center, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang N, Zhao L, Shi J, Gao W. Impact of visual and textural characteristics of street walls on stress recovery. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15115. [PMID: 38956147 PMCID: PMC11219865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64618-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid urbanization increases psychological stress among pedestrians, potentially heightening mental health disorders. This study examines the role of street walls' visual and textural characteristics in stress recovery, using Qingdao as a case study. Virtual reality is employed to simulate five distinct street walls: yellow mortar, brown stone, red brick, green plant, and white mortar. The stress recovery effectiveness of these walls was evaluated through psychological and physiological indicators from 48 young college students. Results indicated that street walls with warm tones, particularly brown stone, significantly aid stress recovery. Psychologically, Restorative Components Scale was highest for brown stone at 1.13. Physiologically, it was linked with notable reductions in diastolic and pulse pressure (decreases of 2.95 mmHg and 2.27 mmHg, respectively), and enhanced parasympathetic activity, as evidenced by the fastest decrease in low frequency/high frequency ratio (LF/HF), and increases in pNN50 and RR (0.14-2.01% and 1.57-11.81 ms, respectively). For urban design, the incorporation of warm-toned materials and natural elements like stone is recommended for their superior restorative benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Innovation Institute for Sustainable Maritime Architecture Research and Technology, Qingdao, 266033, China
- Faculty of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, Kitakyushu, 8080133, Japan
| | - Lin Zhao
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, China.
| | - Jin Shi
- Innovation Institute for Sustainable Maritime Architecture Research and Technology, Qingdao, 266033, China
- Faculty of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, Kitakyushu, 8080133, Japan
| | - Weijun Gao
- Innovation Institute for Sustainable Maritime Architecture Research and Technology, Qingdao, 266033, China
- Faculty of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, Kitakyushu, 8080133, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
La Torre D, Dalile B, Vanuytsel T, Van Oudenhove L, Verbeke K. The Leuven Prolonged Acute Stress Test (L-PAST): A novel paradigm to induce a subjective and glucocorticoid stress response for at least ninety minutes. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 165:107047. [PMID: 38636354 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Laboratory stress tests typically administer stress acutely, ranging from 3 to 15 minutes. However, everyday stressors usually last longer than ten minutes (e.g., examination stressors, work stressors, and social stressors. Moreover, in some studies, it may be relevant to induce stress for a longer period to affect certain psychological or physiological parameters. To this end, we developed a novel stress test that intends to induce psychosocial stress for 90 minutes. The Leuven Prolonged Acute Stress Test (L-PAST) combines physical (hand immersion in cold water), cognitive (mental arithmetic), and psychosocial (social evaluation and feelings of failure) stress elements of two well-known laboratory stress tests, the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST) and the Montreal Imaging Stress Test (MIST). Fifty healthy women were subjected to both the L-PAST and a sham (control) test in a randomized and counterbalanced manner. The stress response was determined by salivary cortisol measurements and assessment of subjective stress ratings at regular time points during the time preceding the stress period (5 min), the stress period (90 min), and the recovery period (35 min). Cognitive reactivity to failure and subjective pain levels were also assessed at various time points. The childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ) and the perceived stress scale (PSS) were administered prior to the testing phase. As expected, linear mixed models revealed that the stress response was significantly higher during the L-PAST as indicated by a significant time point by condition interaction effect for both the cortisol response (F(10,450)=12.21, p < 0.0001, ηp2=0.11) and the subjective stress response (F(13,637)=13.98, p < 0.0001, ηp2 = 0.12). Moreover, there was a significant time point by condition interaction effect for cognitive reactivity to failure (F(13,637) = 7.97, p < 0.0001, ηp2 = 0.07) and subjective pain (F(13,637) = 38.52, p < 0.0001, ηp2 = 0.27), indicating that the levels were higher during the L-PAST at most stress induction time points. Lastly, higher CTQ scores were associated with higher subjective pain levels during the L-PAST (F(1,44)=6.05, p = 0.02). Collectively, our results confirm the efficacy of the L-PAST in inducing a prolonged subjective as well as cortisol stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danique La Torre
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Boushra Dalile
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanuytsel
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leuven University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lukas Van Oudenhove
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kristin Verbeke
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kalisch R, Russo SJ, Müller MB. Neurobiology and systems biology of stress resilience. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:1205-1263. [PMID: 38483288 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2023] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Stress resilience is the phenomenon that some people maintain their mental health despite exposure to adversity or show only temporary impairments followed by quick recovery. Resilience research attempts to unravel the factors and mechanisms that make resilience possible and to harness its insights for the development of preventative interventions in individuals at risk for acquiring stress-related dysfunctions. Biological resilience research has been lagging behind the psychological and social sciences but has seen a massive surge in recent years. At the same time, progress in this field has been hampered by methodological challenges related to finding suitable operationalizations and study designs, replicating findings, and modeling resilience in animals. We embed a review of behavioral, neuroimaging, neurobiological, and systems biological findings in adults in a critical methods discussion. We find preliminary evidence that hippocampus-based pattern separation and prefrontal-based cognitive control functions protect against the development of pathological fears in the aftermath of singular, event-type stressors [as found in fear-related disorders, including simpler forms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)] by facilitating the perception of safety. Reward system-based pursuit and savoring of positive reinforcers appear to protect against the development of more generalized dysfunctions of the anxious-depressive spectrum resulting from more severe or longer-lasting stressors (as in depression, generalized or comorbid anxiety, or severe PTSD). Links between preserved functioning of these neural systems under stress and neuroplasticity, immunoregulation, gut microbiome composition, and integrity of the gut barrier and the blood-brain barrier are beginning to emerge. On this basis, avenues for biological interventions are pointed out.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raffael Kalisch
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
- Neuroimaging Center (NIC), Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Scott J Russo
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
- Brain and Body Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - Marianne B Müller
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hogenelst K, Özsezen S, Kleemann R, Verschuren L, Stuldreher I, Bottenheft C, van Erp J, Brouwer AM. Seven robust and easy to obtain biomarkers to measure acute stress. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100789. [PMID: 38799794 PMCID: PMC11126813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
With the purpose of identifying a sensitive, robust, and easy-to-measure set of biomarkers to assess stress reactivity, we here study a large set of relatively easy to obtain markers reflecting subjective, autonomic nervous system (ANS), endocrine, and inflammatory responses to acute social stress (n = 101). A subset of the participants was exposed to another social stressor the next day (n = 48) while being measured in the same way. Acute social stress was induced following standardized procedures. The markers investigated were self-reported positive and negative affect, heart rate, electrodermal activity, salivary cortisol, and ten inflammatory markers both in capillary plasma and salivary samples, including IL-22 which has not been studied in response to acute stress in humans before. Robust effects (significant effect in the same direction for both days) were found for self-reported negative affect, heart rate, electrodermal activity, plasma IL-5, plasma IL-22, salivary IL-8 and salivary IL-10. Of these seven markers, the participants' IL-22 responses on the first day were positively correlated to those on the second day. We found no correlations between salivary and capillary plasma stress responses for any of the ten cytokines and somewhat unexpectedly, cytokine responses in saliva seemed more pronounced and more in line with previous literature than cytokines in capillary plasma. In sum, seven robust and easy to obtain biomarkers to measure acute stress response were identified and should be used in future stress research to detect and examine stress reactivity. This includes IL-22 in plasma as a promising novel marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koen Hogenelst
- Department of Human Performance, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| | - Serdar Özsezen
- Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Kleemann
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lars Verschuren
- Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ivo Stuldreher
- Department of Human Performance, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| | - Charelle Bottenheft
- Department of Human Performance, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
| | - Jan van Erp
- Department of Human Machine Teaming, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
- Twente University, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie Brouwer
- Department of Human Performance, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, the Netherlands
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Radboud University/Donders Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Venkatesh S, Doan SN. Feeding under fire: Relations between parental stress hormones and controlling feeding behaviors. Appetite 2024; 198:107365. [PMID: 38640970 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Under stress, parents tend to use more controlling feeding behaviors toward their children (Berge et al., 2017; Doan et al., 2022; Loth et al., 2016). However, the majority of prior work focuses on subjective reports of stress, and there is a dearth of research examining parental physiological stress and its impact on feeding behaviors. In the current study, we examined how parental physiological stress reactivity would influence their feeding behaviors under mild stress in a lab-based setting. Parents (n = 83, 50 % females) and their children (59% female, Mage = 42 months, SD = 4.48) participated. Stress was induced using the Trier Social Stress Test in the laboratory (Kirshbaum et al., 1993). Salivary samples were collected at 4 time points during the visit to index stress reactivity and later assayed for cortisol and DHEA. Parent-child interactions during the anticipatory period of the stress test were observationally coded for parent use of controlling feeding behaviors. To examine whether parent stress physiology predicts their feeding behaviors, we ran a Poisson regression using income, parent ethnicity, parent sex (mom/dad), time of day, and DHEA/cortisol ratio as predictors of controlling feeding behavior. Latinx parents used less controlling feeding behaviors, b = -0.323, p = 0.041 than non-Latinx parents. Parents with a higher DHEA/Cortisol ratio were less likely to use controlling feeding behaviors, b = -0.231, p = 0.008. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that for both mothers and fathers, DHEA relative to cortisol has a protective role in controlling feeding practices, and lends support to the role of acute stress reactivity in predicting behavioral outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shruthi Venkatesh
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, USA.
| | - Stacey N Doan
- Department of Psychological Science, Claremont Mckenna College and Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope National Medical Center, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Bae JH, Lee SH, Hong JH. Changes in the choice motive and emotional perception of chocolates in response to stress. Food Res Int 2024; 187:114378. [PMID: 38763650 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Although chocolates are often chosen for sensory pleasure, they are also selected to enhance mood and relieve emotional stress, or potentially chosen for its perceived health benefits if stress adversely affects physical well-being. This study aimed to investigate whether emotional stress influenced the motivations behind chocolate selection, subsequent liking, and emotional response. Participants were divided into a control group (n = 76) and a group with induced acute stress (n = 74). Stimuli were presented as dark chocolate packaging, each evoking sensory appeal, health, and emotional stress relief. Participants chose one stimulus from three options that they were most inclined to consume and evaluated the overall liking and emotional attributes of the stimuli. They also rated the overall liking and emotional attributes of three types of chocolates, each identical but paired with distinct stimuli. Their food attitudes were also assessed. Stress did not change the choice of stimuli, indicating that stress did not influence the motivation for chocolate selection. Instead, the choice of stimuli aligned with participants' food attitudes; those favoring sensory appeal and emotional stress relief prioritized pleasure in their usual food choices. Stress tended to increase liking and chocolate-associated positive emotions with sensory appeal, as opposed to others, to immediately alleviate negative emotions. The most robust motivation to consume chocolates was sensory pleasure, irrespective of stress, because of a preestablished association between sensory pleasure and mood enhancement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hyun Bae
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyun Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hee Hong
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gandarela L, de A. Sampaio TP, Marçal L, Burdmann EA, Neto FL, Bernik MA. Inflammatory markers changes following acceptance-based behavioral psychotherapy in generalized anxiety disorder patients: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100779. [PMID: 38725444 PMCID: PMC11081778 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has been associated with elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory cytokines. Despite robust evidence as an effective treatment for GAD, research on the effects of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) in the inflammatory profile of patients with clinical anxiety has presented mixed results. Objective The present study aimed to investigate the effect of an acceptance-based behavior therapy (ABBT) on inflammatory biomarkers and their association with anxiety levels in GAD patients in comparison to supportive therapy as an active control. Methods Peripheral inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) were measured in 77 GAD patients who participated in a 14-week 10-session randomized clinical trial of group ABBT (experimental, n = 37) or supportive group therapy (ST: active control group, n = 40). Results The concentrations of IL-1β decreased in the control group and the concentrations of IL-6 increased in the experimental group from baseline to post-treatment, whereas no difference was identified in IL-4, IL-10, TNF, or CRP. Although anxiety and depression levels decreased in both treatment conditions, no correlation with inflammation markers was found for most clinical and biological variables. A negative correlation between changes in IL-6 and IL-10 and anxiety symptom score changes was identified. Conclusions The present study results found that a short trial of acceptance-based behavior therapy did not change the proinflammatory profile which may be associated with GAD. Additional research is needed to evaluate the influence of other inflammation-related variables, longer periods of follow-up as well as the effect of supportive therapy on peripheral inflammatory biomarkers in GAD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Gandarela
- Experimental Pathophysiology Program, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Anxiety Disorders Program, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago P. de A. Sampaio
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Anxiety Disorders Program, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lia Marçal
- LIM 12, Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel A. Burdmann
- LIM 12, Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco Lotufo Neto
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Anxiety Disorders Program, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio A. Bernik
- Experimental Pathophysiology Program, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Anxiety Disorders Program, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tobin M, O'Sullivan N, Rogers E. "You go in heavy and you come out light": An interpretative phenomenological analysis of reflective practice experiences in an Irish infant mental health setting. Infant Ment Health J 2024; 45:411-437. [PMID: 38776175 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Reflective practice (RP) is a core component of infant mental health (IMH); however, there is limited published empirical research on IMH practitioner experiences of RP. This two-stage, qualitative, multimodal study explored Irish IMH practitioners' experiences of RP spaces. Visual and verbal data from seven individual interviews and a participatory arts-based focus group with seven participants (eight participants in total, all white Irish females) were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Five group experiential themes (Just get on with it; What should I be bringing to this space?; Who are my "hands"?; Taking a step back; and You go in heavy and you come out light) were generated by the analysis. These were used to construct a developmental and experiential model of learning in an RP space. The themes portray how a practitioner's RP experience can change over time: influenced by prior experiences and practice development stage, practitioners move from initial uncertainty, anxiety, and perceived pressure in a busy workload to developing the trust and ability to be vulnerable in an RP space. Through relationships (supervisor/facilitator or group members), a shared safe space can be created, which addresses practitioners' needs for containment, allowing for experiential learning through a process of transformational moments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Tobin
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick and Health Service Executive, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Elaine Rogers
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Giles GE, Cantelon JA, Navarro E, Brunyé TT. State and trait predictors of cognitive responses to acute stress and uncertainty. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38935408 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2024.2370708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Stress occurs when conditions burden or exceed an individual's adaptive resources. Military personnel are often tasked with maintaining peak performance under such stressful conditions. Importantly, the effects of stress are nuanced and may vary as a function of individual traits and states. Recent interdisciplinary research has sought to model and identify such relationships. In two previously reported efforts, Soldiers first completed a comprehensive battery of trait assessments across four general domains thought to be predictive of performance: cognitive, health, physical, and social-emotional, and then completed the Decision-Making under Uncertainty and Stress (DeMUS) virtual reality task that probed spatial cognition, memory, and decision-making under stress and variable uncertainty. The present analysis explores whether cognitive, health, physical, and social-emotional trait assessments, as well as physiological state measures, predict or modulate DeMUS performance outcomes under stress. Multiple regression analyses examined the effect of each trait predictor and stress responsiveness on quantitative task performance outcomes. Results revealed that one measure of state stress reactivity, salivary cortisol, predicted lower recognition memory sensitivity. Further, trait measures of healthy eating, agility, flexibility, cognitive updating, and positive emotion predicted enhanced spatial orienting and decision-making performance and confidence. Together, the results suggest that select individual states and traits may predict cognition under stress. Future research should expand to ecologically relevant military stressors during training and operations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Giles
- Cognitive Science and Applications Branch, United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, Massachusetts
- Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Julie A Cantelon
- Cognitive Science and Applications Branch, United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, Massachusetts
- Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Ester Navarro
- Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Tad T Brunyé
- Cognitive Science and Applications Branch, United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, Massachusetts
- Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Medford, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Matthaeus H, Heim C, Voelkle MC, Singer T. Reducing neuroendocrine psychosocial stress response through socio-emotional dyadic but not mindfulness online training. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1277929. [PMID: 38978617 PMCID: PMC11228163 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1277929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stress-related diseases pose significant health risks and show wide prevalence. Empirical evidence suggests that contemplative practices, such as socio-emotional dyadic mental exercises, hold promise in mitigating the adverse effects of stress and promoting psychosocial well-being. This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of two online contemplative mental training programs on the psychosocial stress response: the first involved classic mindfulness practices, while the second incorporated a socio-emotional dyadic approach known as Affect Dyad. Methods The study was conducted as part of the longitudinal CovSocial project's phase 2 in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. 140 individuals participated in the Trier Social Stress Task (TSST), where the psychosocial stress response was assessed with cortisol saliva samples and subjective stress questionnaires in a cross-sectional design after the active training groups finished their intervention period. Participants were randomly assigned to the socio-emotional training group, mindfulness-based training group, or a control group that did not receive any training. Both training programs consisted of a ten-week intervention period with a daily 12-minute app-based mental training practice and weekly 2-hour online coaching sessions led by mental training teachers. Results Results showed that the socio-emotional Dyad group but not the mindfulness-based group exhibited significantly lower cortisol levels at 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes after the stressor as well as lower total cortisol output compared to the control group during the TSST, indicating a reduced hormonal stress response to a social stressor. Subjective markers did not show differences between the three groups. Discussion These findings indicate that the daily socio-emotional dyadic practice, which emphasizes non-judgmental and empathic listening as well as the acceptance of challenging emotions in the presence of others within one's daily life context, may serve as a protective factor against the adverse effects of psychosocial stress triggered by the fear of negative social judgments. Given the high prevalence of stress-related diseases, such online mental training programs based on dyadic practices may thus represent an efficient and scalable approach for stress reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Matthaeus
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Max Planck Society, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Heim
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel C Voelkle
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tania Singer
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Max Planck Society, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Schwabe L. Memory Under Stress: From Adaptation to Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01385-4. [PMID: 38880463 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Stressful events are ubiquitous in everyday life. Exposure to these stressors initiates the temporally orchestrated release of a multitude of hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters that target brain areas that have been critically implicated in learning and memory. This review summarizes recent insights on the profound impact of stress on 4 fundamental processes of memory: memory formation, memory contextualization, memory retrieval, and memory flexibility. Stress mediators instigate dynamic alterations in these processes, thereby facilitating efficient responding under stress and the creation of a decontextualized memory representation that can effectively aid coping with novel future threats. While they are generally adaptive, the same stress-related changes may contribute to the rigid behaviors, uncontrollable intrusions, and generalized fear responding seen in anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. Drawing on recent discoveries in cognitive neuroscience and psychiatry, this review discusses how stress-induced alterations in memory processes can simultaneously foster adaptation to stressors and fuel psychopathology. The transition from adaptive to maladaptive changes in the impact of stress on memory hinges on the nuanced interplay of stressor characteristics and individual predispositions. Thus, taking individual differences in the cognitive response to stressors into account is essential for any successful treatment of stress-related mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Schwabe
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hughes ML, Neupert SD, Pearman A. Perceptions of task difficulty predict cognitive effort for older adults. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38869322 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2024.2366033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
This study examined age differences in effort devoted to completing cognitively demanding tasks. Fifty-two younger adults ages 18-30 years (Mage = 21.19) and 57 older adults ages 61-93 years (Mage = 76.56) completed a series of memory tests. Following each test, participants rated the test's difficulty and had their blood pressure measured. Effort was indexed by systolic blood pressure response (SBP-R) with greater increases in SBP-R reflecting more effort. Multilevel modeling was used to examine age differences in the intraindividual association between trial-level subjective task difficulty and trial-level effort. Results showed that increases in task difficulty were significantly related to decreases in SBP-R for the older but not younger adults, suggesting the older adults disengaged from the tests they perceived as highly difficult. Findings support Selective Engagement Theory (Hess, 2014), which suggests the perceived cognitive costs of completing difficult tasks may reduce older adults' motivation to engage in the tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shevaun D Neupert
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ann Pearman
- Department of Psychiatry, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Elder GJ, Santhi N, Robson AR, Alfonso-Miller P, Spiegelhalder K, Ellis JG. An online behavioral self-help intervention rapidly improves acute insomnia severity and subjective mood during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic: a stratified randomized controlled trial. Sleep 2024; 47:zsae059. [PMID: 38430544 PMCID: PMC11168762 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsae059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/04/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Stressful life events, such as the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, can cause acute insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy for acute insomnia is effective but is both time and resource-intensive. This study investigated if an online behavioral self-help intervention, which has been successfully used alongside sleep restriction for acute insomnia, reduced insomnia severity and improved mood in acute insomnia. This study also assessed good sleepers to explore if a "sleep vaccination" approach was feasible. METHODS In this online stratified randomized controlled trial, 344 participants (103 good sleepers and 241 participants with DSM-5 acute insomnia) were randomized to receive the intervention/no intervention (good sleepers) or intervention/intervention after 28 days (poor sleepers). Insomnia severity was assessed using the ISI (primary outcome), and anxiety and depression using the GAD-7/PHQ-9 (secondary outcomes) at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS In people with acute insomnia, relative to baseline, there were significant reductions in ISI (dz = 1.17), GAD-7 (dz = 0.70), and PHQ-9 (dz = 0.60) scores at 1-week follow-up. ISI, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scores were significantly lower at all follow-up time points, relative to baseline. Subjective diary-derived sleep continuity was unaffected. No beneficial effects on sleep or mood were observed in good sleepers. CONCLUSIONS An online behavioral self-help intervention rapidly reduces acute insomnia severity (within 1 week), and benefits mood in people with acute insomnia. These beneficial effects are maintained up to 3 months later. Although the use of the intervention is feasible in good sleepers, their subjective sleep was unaffected. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Testing an early online intervention for the treatment of disturbed sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic; prospectively registered at ISRCTN on 8 April 2020 (identifier: ISRCTN43900695).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg J Elder
- Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Nayantara Santhi
- Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amelia R Robson
- Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Kai Spiegelhalder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jason G Ellis
- Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Jaltare KP, Manresa JB, Niwa S, Torta DM. Verbal Support From a Stranger Reduces the Development of Mechanical Hypersensitivity: Behavioral and Neurophysiological Evidence. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104599. [PMID: 38866120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Hand-holding reduces experimentally induced acute pain and buffers against the development of mechanical secondary hypersensitivity, an indirect proxy of central sensitization. Here, we tested if verbal support from a stranger, a common occurrence in clinical contexts, exerts the same effects. In this preregistered study, 44 healthy female participants were assigned to an alone or support group whereby a supportive female stranger encouraged them through the painful procedure leading to secondary mechanical hypersensitivity. Mechanical hypersensitivity was measured via self-reports and by the size of the anteroposterior and mediolateral spread of mechanical hypersensitivity. We investigated the moderating role of attachment style on self-reports and the effects of support on skin conductance level, salivary cortisol, and pinprick-evoked potentials. We also tested whether theta/beta ratio in the resting-state electroencephalogram predicted mechanical hypersensitivity. Self-reported ratings and the late part of the pinprick-evoked potentials were reduced in the support group, but the spread of mechanical hypersensitivity was not. Attachment anxiety and avoidance moderated the self-reported intensity such that individuals with higher attachment anxiety and avoidance scores reported lower intensity ratings in the support group. No significant effect of the verbal support was observed on skin conductance level and salivary cortisol. The theta/beta ratio did not predict the extent of hypersensitivity. Our data indicate that, in women, verbal support during intense pain leading to hypersensitivity is effective on some behavioral outcomes, but altogether the lack of group differences in cortisol, self-reported stress, and skin conductance does not provide strong support for the stress-buffering hypothesis. PERSPECTIVE: Verbal support by a stranger during a painful procedure leading to secondary mechanical hypersensitivity attenuated the development of some measures of mechanical hypersensitivity and associated neural responses in healthy female participants. No evidence was found for the role of stress. DATA AVAILABILITY: The authors will make all data available upon request.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ketan Prafull Jaltare
- Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - José Biurrun Manresa
- Institute for Research and Development in Bioengineering and Bioinformatics (IBB-CONICET-UNER), Oro Verde, Argentina
| | - Saya Niwa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Diana M Torta
- Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lee SJ, Jeong EJ, Choi JI, Park MS. Social intelligence and pathological gaming: a longitudinal study of the associations among negative emotions, social intelligence, aggression, and pathological gaming in adolescents. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1353969. [PMID: 38903650 PMCID: PMC11187769 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1353969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pathological gaming continues to be highlighted as one of the most critical issues concerning adolescents. Numerous studies have aimed to elucidate the relationships between adolescents' negative emotions (e.g., peer stress, anxiety, loneliness) and social factors (e.g., social skills and relationships) with pathological gaming. Despite the recognition of social intelligence as a crucial factor related to social factors in adolescents, there is a paucity of research examining pathological gaming and social intelligence through longitudinal analyses. Method This study focuses on exploring the factors that induce or inhibit pathological gaming among adolescents by analysing three-year longitudinal data from Korean adolescent gamers (N=968). Using a structural equation model, the study examines the relationships between adolescents' negative emotions (e.g., peer stress, anxiety, loneliness), social intelligence, and pathological gaming to elucidate their associations. Results The results indicate that negative emotions can potentially reduce levels of social intelligence and increase aggression. Increased aggression, in turn, appears to be associated with higher levels of pathological gaming. Social intelligence was found to impact pathological gaming potentially negatively and may exert a significantly stronger influence on aggression compared to negative emotions. Discussion The study's findings suggest that bolstering adolescents' social aptitude and addressing mental health concerns could serve as beneficial interventions in tackling issues associated with excessive media engagement among youth. These findings suggest that, within the context of adolescent pathological gaming, social intelligence could significantly affect aggression and emerge as a key variable that may lead to pathological gaming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Je Lee
- Department of Digital Culture and Contents, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui Jun Jeong
- Department of Digital Culture and Contents, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae In Choi
- Department of Digital Culture and Contents, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Su Park
- Department of Media and Communication, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Barde P, Chitturi V, Sharma G, Parmar N, Kathrotia R, Parchwani D, Sharma VK. Effects of Wearing Personal Protective Equipment on Serum Cortisol Levels and Physiological Variables in Healthcare Workers: A Randomised Controlled Trial in a Simulated Pandemic Environment. Cureus 2024; 16:e61687. [PMID: 38975497 PMCID: PMC11223943 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the widespread use of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly in high-risk environments. Full-body PPE is favoured for its comprehensive protection against the virus but poses challenges to the body's thermoregulatory system as it inhibits air exchange. This randomised trial was undertaken to investigate the effects of wearing a commonly used gown-type full-body PPE kit in a simulated environment. METHODS Initially, 65 healthy males were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: a study group wearing a full-body PPE kit (gown-type, full-body PPE kit with trousers, a gown-type shirt with a hood, a shoe cover, an N95 face mask, and an optional face shield) and a control group without PPE. They remained seated for three hours while wearing the PPE kit. Room conditions mimicked non-air-conditioned hospital scenarios, with temperature and humidity recorded and ventilation provided through open doors and windows, along with ceiling fan cooling. Activities with minimal physical exertion were allowed, and access to the toilet was kept to a minimum. Subjects underwent assessments of heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood samples for serum cortisol before donning the PPE kit and entering a simulated ICU/WARD environment and after doffing. RESULTS A total of 60 participants completed the study (30 in each group). Compared to the controls, serum cortisol levels significantly increased in the PPE groups, and HRV data indicated increased sympathetic activity in the PPE group. CONCLUSION Wearing a full-body PPE kit (gown-type upper garment with trousers) was found to have a significant impact on cortisol levels and physiological variables in a simulated environment. This suggests that in situations like the COVID-19 pandemic that warrant the use of such PPE kits, appropriate measures should be taken to provide better thermal stability for maintaining the well-being of healthcare workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pradip Barde
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Vinay Chitturi
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Naresh Parmar
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Rajesh Kathrotia
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Deepak Parchwani
- Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Vivek K Sharma
- Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
de Souza PM, Mota BEF, de Resende HDP, Fernandes O, Sanchez TA, Volchan E, Bearzoti E, Souza GGL. Impact of Loneliness on Training Gains with Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in the Elderly: A Pilot Study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2024; 49:261-269. [PMID: 38453731 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09623-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The negative impact of loneliness on the health of the elderly is particularly noticeable because of the effects of central control on the autonomic nervous system. Such an impact can be assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and can be modified using HRV biofeedback training. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different levels of social interaction reported by the elderly on HRV before and after training with HRV biofeedback and after a follow-up period. The participants of this pilot study comprised 16 elderly people of both sexes with a mean age of 71.20 ± 4.92 years. The participants were divided into two groups, the loneliness group (N = 8) and the no-loneliness group (N = 8), based on a combination of both criteria: the institutionalization condition (institutionalized or not) and the score on the loneliness scale (high or low). All participants had their HRV components recorded at baseline, after 14 training sessions with HRV biofeedback (three times a week, 15 min each for 4.5 weeks), and after 4.5 weeks of follow-up without training. After HRV biofeedback training, HRV components increased in both groups. However, the gains lasted at follow-up only in the no-loneliness group. In conclusion, loneliness can influence the maintenance of HRV after interruption of training with HRV biofeedback in the elderly. HRV biofeedback training can be an innovative and effective tool for complementary treatment of elderly individuals, but its effects on lonely elderly individuals need to be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Perciliany Martins de Souza
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Bruna Eugênia Ferreira Mota
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Orlando Fernandes
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal Fluminense University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tiago Arruda Sanchez
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology, Department of Radiology, Medical School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Bearzoti
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Guerra Leal Souza
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Stark O, Wlodarczyk J. Rank, stress, and risk: A conjecture. Soc Sci Med 2024; 350:116841. [PMID: 38713976 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
A perception at the core of studies that consider the link between social rank and stress (typically measured by the so-called stress hormone cortisol) is that the link is direct. Examples of such studies are Bartolomucci (2007), Beery and Kaufer (2015), and Koolhaas et al. (2017). A recent and stark representation of this body of work is a study by Smith-Osborne et al. (2023), who state that "social hierarchies directly influence stress status" (Smith-Osborne et al. p. 1537, italics added). In the present paper, we reflect on this "direct" perspective. We conjecture that the link between social rank and stress involves an intervening variable: an indirect relationship arises when the loss of rank triggers a behavioral response in the form of risk taking aimed at regaining rank, and it is the engagement in risk-taking behavior that is the cause of an elevated level of cortisol. Smith-Osborne et al., as well as others whose papers are cited by Smith-Osborne et al. and who, like Creel (2001) and Avitsur et al. (2006), conducted comprehensive research on the association between rank (social standing) and stress, do not refer to risk taking at all. We present four strands of research that lend support to our conjecture: evidence that in response to losing rank, individuals are stressed; evidence that in response to losing rank, individuals resort to risk-taking behavior aimed at regaining their lost rank; evidence that there exists a link between engagement in risky activities or exposure to risk and elevated levels of cortisol; and an analytical perspective on incidence and intensity, namely a perspective that shows how the willingness to take risks responds to a change in rank, specifically, how a loss of rank triggers a greater willingness to take risks and how this trigger is stronger for individuals whose rank is higher.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oded Stark
- University of Bonn, Germany; University of Warsaw, Poland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Spencer C, Mill RD, Bhanji JP, Delgado MR, Cole MW, Tricomi E. Acute psychosocial stress modulates neural and behavioral substrates of cognitive control. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26716. [PMID: 38798117 PMCID: PMC11128779 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26716] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute psychosocial stress affects learning, memory, and attention, but the evidence for the influence of stress on the neural processes supporting cognitive control remains mixed. We investigated how acute psychosocial stress influences performance and neural processing during the Go/NoGo task-an established cognitive control task. The experimental group underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) acute stress induction, whereas the control group completed personality questionnaires. Then, participants completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) Go/NoGo task, with self-report, blood pressure and salivary cortisol measurements of induced stress taken intermittently throughout the experimental session. The TSST was successful in eliciting a stress response, as indicated by significant Stress > Control between-group differences in subjective stress ratings and systolic blood pressure. We did not identify significant differences in cortisol levels, however. The stress induction also impacted subsequent Go/NoGo task performance, with participants who underwent the TSST making fewer commission errors on trials requiring the most inhibitory control (NoGo Green) relative to the control group, suggesting increased vigilance. Univariate analysis of fMRI task-evoked brain activity revealed no differences between stress and control groups for any region. However, using multivariate pattern analysis, stress and control groups were reliably differentiated by activation patterns contrasting the most demanding NoGo trials (i.e., NoGo Green trials) versus baseline in the medial intraparietal area (mIPA, affiliated with the dorsal attention network) and subregions of the cerebellum (affiliated with the default mode network). These results align with prior reports linking the mIPA and the cerebellum to visuomotor coordination, a function central to cognitive control processes underlying goal-directed behavior. This suggests that stressor-induced hypervigilance may produce a facilitative effect on response inhibition which is represented neurally by the activation patterns of cognitive control regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrystal Spencer
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ravi D. Mill
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral NeuroscienceRutgers UniversityNewarkNew JerseyUSA
| | - Jamil P. Bhanji
- Department of PsychologyRutgers UniversityNewarkNew JerseyUSA
| | - Mauricio R. Delgado
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral NeuroscienceRutgers UniversityNewarkNew JerseyUSA
- Department of PsychologyRutgers UniversityNewarkNew JerseyUSA
| | - Michael W. Cole
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral NeuroscienceRutgers UniversityNewarkNew JerseyUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Terry EL, Meng L, Huo Z, Bartley EJ. Examining Reactivity and Recovery Patterns of Pain-Evoked Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase Trajectories: Relations Between Psychological Markers of Risk and Resilience. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104464. [PMID: 38246254 PMCID: PMC11128348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is one of the leading causes of disability globally and represents an enormous burden to aging adults. While numerous factors contribute to cLBP, dysregulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system functioning have been implicated in its pathogenesis. It is well documented that negative psychological states can modulate biological stress responsivity in chronic pain; however, little is known regarding the influence of positive psychological factors in this relationship. The aim of this study was to examine the association between psychological risk and resilience factors with patterns of physiological stress reactivity and recovery in 60 older adults with cLBP. Participants completed measures of hope, optimism, pain catastrophizing, and perceived stress, and underwent psychophysical pain testing assessing responses to painful pressure, heat, and cold stimuli. Salivary samples were obtained prior to pain induction and at 7 time points spanning 90 minutes after pain testing terminated. To examine reactivity and recovery profiles in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system function, samples were assayed for cortisol and alpha-amylase, respectively. Results revealed higher levels of hope and optimism were associated with increased cortisol reactivity (p's < .003) and more rapid recovery (p's = .001). Further, pain catastrophizing and perceived stress were associated with cortisol reactivity, with lower levels of these factors predicting larger increases in cortisol from baseline to peak levels (p's < .04). No significant differences in reactivity or recovery patterns emerged for alpha-amylase. Overall, findings highlight the role of psychological risk and resilience factors in modulating physiological stress reactivity. PERSPECTIVE: This article investigated whether psychosocial risk and resilience factors were associated with stress reactivity and recovery in response to laboratory-based pain testing in older adults with chronic low back pain. Results indicate that high resilience factors may be protective by modulating adrenocortical reactivity and recovery profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen L. Terry
- University of Florida, Biobehavioral Nursing Science
- University of Florida, Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE)
| | | | - Zhiguang Huo
- University of Florida, Department of Biostatistics
| | - Emily J. Bartley
- University of Florida, Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE)
- University of Florida, Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Nikolaeva M, Arefieva A, Babayan A, Aksenov V, Zhukova A, Kalinina E, Krechetova L, Sukhikh G. Stress Biomarkers Transferred Into the Female Reproductive Tract by Seminal Plasma Are Associated with ICSI Outcomes. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1732-1746. [PMID: 38393625 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01486-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether male stress is related to seminal stress biomarkers and pregnancy achievement in women exposed to their partner's seminal plasma (SP) in the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle. In this pilot prospective study, 20 couples undergoing ICSI, as well as 5 fertile sperm donors and 10 saliva donors, were investigated. Women were exposed to their partner's SP via unprotected sexual intercourse during the ICSI cycle and intravaginal application on the day of ovum pick-up (Day-OPU). Semen samples were collected from male partners by masturbation on the Day-OPU. Saliva and serum samples were collected prior to masturbation. Body fluids were frozen at - 80 °C until assayed. Biomarkers of activity of the sympathetic adrenomedullary axis (salivary alpha-amylase and adrenaline), sympathetic neural axis (noradrenaline and dopamine), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system (cortisol), and immune system (C-reactive protein and interleukin (IL)-18) were estimated to examine their association with SP composition and clinical pregnancy achievement. The clinical pregnancy rate was 45.0%. In the unsuccessful ICSI group, blunted levels of salivary and serum cortisol were found compared to the successful ICSI group and the fertile sperm donors. With regard to seminal markers, decreased cortisol level and elevated noradrenaline, noradrenaline/cortisol ratio, and lL-18 levels were strongly associated with ICSI failure (areas under the ROC curves were, 0.813, 0.848, 0.899, and 0.828, respectively). These findings confirm that stress response systems activity affects SP composition, which in turn is associated with ICSI outcomes in women exposed to their partner's SP during an ICSI cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nikolaeva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alla Arefieva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alina Babayan
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Anastasia Zhukova
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Kalinina
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liubov Krechetova
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- First Moscow State Medical University Named After I.M. Sechenov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Domes G, Linnig K, von Dawans B. Gonads under stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of acute psychosocial stress on gonadal steroids secretion in humans. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 164:107004. [PMID: 38471257 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Animal research has shown that the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is inhibited by (chronic and/or severe) stress, which can lead to impaired fertility and reproductive functioning, presumably caused by the inhibition of gonadal steroid secretion and in interactions with glucocorticoids. However, what has not been clarified is how acute psychosocial stress modulates gonadal steroid secretion in humans. Here we summarize the experimental research on the acute effects of stress on the secretion of gonadal steroids in humans. A systematic literature search revealed 21 studies (with N=881 individuals) measuring testosterone, progesterone or estradiol in response to a standardized acute laboratory stressor in healthy humans. Both our literature review and quantitative meta-analysis suggest that in humans, acute stress stimulates rather than inhibits HPG axis activity, although there is a considerable heterogeneity in the reported methods and results. Increased gonadal steroids in response to acute stress contrasts with many animal studies reporting the opposite pattern, at least regarding severe and/or chronic stressors. We discuss methodological issues and challenges for future research and hope to stimulate experimental studies within this area. A better understanding of these mechanisms is needed, and may have important implications for health and disease, as well as the modulation of various behaviors by acute stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Domes
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology, University of Trier, Germany; Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, University of Trier, Germany.
| | - Katrin Linnig
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology, University of Trier, Germany; Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, University of Trier, Germany
| | - Bernadette von Dawans
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology, University of Trier, Germany; Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, University of Trier, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Duffy KA, Sammel MD, Johnson RL, Morrison KE, Bale TL, Epperson CN. Sex Differences in Stress-Induced Cortisol Response Among Infants of Mothers Exposed to Childhood Adversity. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01350-7. [PMID: 38821195 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase risk for mental illness in women and their children, and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may play a role. The impact of ACEs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may be strongest when ACEs occur prepubertally and in people who are exposed to abuse ACEs. METHODS To test this, we measured salivary cortisol in 96 mother-infant dyads while mothers were separated from their infants, who were experiencing a laboratory stressor. Mothers completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire; ACEs that occurred prepubertally (pACEs) were measured, and mother-infant dyads were grouped based on maternal pACE history as follows: no pACEs, ≥1 pACEs with abuse, or ≥1 pACEs but no abuse. RESULTS Mothers with ≥1 pACEs exhibited decreases in cortisol (relative to preinfant stressor), which differed significantly from the cortisol increase experienced by mothers with no pACEs, regardless of abuse presence (p = .001) or absence (p = .002). These pACE groups did not differ from one another (p = .929). Significant sex differences in infant cortisol were observed in infants of mothers with ≥1 pACEs (regardless of abuse) but not in infants of mothers with no pACEs. When mothers had experienced ≥1 pACEs, males showed decreases in cortisol in response to a stressor whereas females demonstrated increases, and males and females differed significantly when their mothers had ≥1 pACEs with (p = .025) and without (p = .032) abuse. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of maternal exposure to childhood abuse, in response to a stressor, pACEs were associated with lower cortisol response in mothers and sex differences in 6-month-old infants, with males showing a lower cortisol response than females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Korrina A Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kathleen E Morrison
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Tracy L Bale
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz, Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
| |
Collapse
|