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Uchino BN, Jordan KD, Smith TW. Positive and negative online social experiences and self-rated health: Associations and examination of potential pathways. Health Psychol 2024; 43:125-131. [PMID: 38032612 DOI: 10.1037/hea0001338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Technology is changing the way individuals socially connect. However, not much is known about how online forms of social exchanges might link to outcomes that predict longevity. This preregistered study examined the association between online social support and social negativity with self-rated health (SRH) and potential pathways responsible for such links. METHOD In this preregistered analysis, a sample of 1,356 U.S. residents was recruited based on the U.S. Census track. Participants were at least 18-year-old social media users and completed the study online. Well-validated measures of online social support, online social negativity, general offline perceived support, internet addiction, social anxiety, and SRH were obtained. RESULTS Main results indicate that both online social support and social negativity were related to better SRH. However, the association between social negativity and better SRH was due to its statistical overlap with online social support. The association between online social support and SRH was primarily mediated by offline social support. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the importance of considering how positive and negative online social interactions are related to health outcomes. It also highlights potential pathways that might be targeted for interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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White SC, Ruiz JM, Allison M, Uchino BN, Smith TW, Taylor DJ, Jones DR, Russell MA, Ansell EB, Smyth JM. Cardiovascular risk, social vigilance, and stress profiles of male law enforcement officers versus civilians. Health Psychol Open 2024; 11:20551029241244723. [PMID: 38586533 PMCID: PMC10996355 DOI: 10.1177/20551029241244723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profiles of male law enforcement officers (LEOs) and civilians. CVD risk profiles were based on data collected using traditional objective (e.g., resting BP, cholesterol), novel objective (e.g., ambulatory BP) and self-report measures (e.g., EMA social vigilance). A subset of male LEOs (n = 30, M age = 41.47, SD = 8.03) and male civilians (n = 120, M age = 40.73, SD = 13.52) from a larger study were included in analyses. Results indicated LEOs had significantly higher body mass index [BMI], 31.17 kg/m2 versus 28.87 kg/m2, and exhibited significantly higher trait and state social vigilance across multiple measures, whereas perceived stress was higher among civilians. Findings highlight the need for future research examining CVD risk associated with occupational health disparities, including attributes of individuals entering certain professions as well as experiential and environmental demands of the work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon C White
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - John M Ruiz
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, USA
| | - Matthew Allison
- Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, University of California San Diego, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dusti R Jones
- Center for Health Outcomes and Population Equity (HOPE), University of Utah, USA
| | - Michael A Russell
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Emily B Ansell
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Joshua M Smyth
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, USA
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Allen JP, Costello MA, Hellwig AF, Pettit C, Stern JA, Uchino BN. Adolescent caregiving success as a predictor of social functioning from ages 13 to 33. Child Dev 2023; 94:1610-1624. [PMID: 37195819 PMCID: PMC10654262 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent success providing satisfying support in response to a close friend's call in a caregiving task was examined as a potentially fundamental developmental competence likely to predict future social functioning, adult caregiving security, and physical health. Adolescents (86 males, 98 females; 58% White, 29% African American, 8% mixed race/ethnicity, 5% other) were followed from ages 13 to 33 (1998-2021) using multiple methods and reporters. Early caregiving success was found to predict greater self- and partner-reported caregiving security, lower negativity in adult relationships, and higher adult vagal tone. Results are interpreted as advancing our understanding beyond simply recognizing that adolescent friendships have long-term import, to now identifying specific capacities within friendships that are linked to longer-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Corey Pettit
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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4
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Lin J, Namaky N, Costello M, Uchino BN, Allen JP, Coan JA. Social Regulation of the Neural Threat Response Predicts Subsequent Markers of Physical Health. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:763-771. [PMID: 37531617 PMCID: PMC10837312 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social support has been linked to a vast range of beneficial health outcomes. However, the physiological mechanisms of social support are not well characterized. Drawing on functional magnetic resonance imaging and health-related outcome data, this study aimed to understand how neural measures of "yielding"-the reduction of brain activity during social support-moderate the link between social support and health. METHODS We used a data set where 78 participants around the age of 24 years were exposed to the threat of shock when holding the hand of a partner. At ages 28 to 30 years, participants returned for a health visit where inflammatory activity and heart rate variability were recorded. RESULTS Findings showed a significant interaction between dorsal anterior cingulate cortex-related yielding and perceived social support on C-reactive protein levels ( β = -0.95, SE = 0.42, z = -2.24, p = .025, 95% confidence interval = -1.77 to -0.12). We also found a significant interaction between hypothalamus-related yielding and perceived social support on baseline heart rate variability ( β = 0.51, SE = 0.23, z = 2.19, p = .028, 95% confidence interval = 0.05 to 0.97). CONCLUSIONS Greater perceived social support was associated with lower C-reactive protein levels and greater baseline heart rate variability among individuals who were more likely to yield to social support in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and hypothalamus years earlier. The current study highlights the construct of yielding in the link between social support and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrun Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia
| | - Nauder Namaky
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and RR&D Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology, Providence VA Medical Center
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5
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Montoya M, Uchino BN. Social support and telomere length: a meta-analysis. J Behav Med 2023; 46:556-565. [PMID: 36617609 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-022-00389-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that lower social support is associated with higher all-cause mortality (Holt-Lunstad et al. in PLoS ONE Medicine 7:e1000316, 2010). While social support has been associated with system-specific biological measures (e.g., cardiovascular), there is the need to elucidate more general biological mechanisms linking social support to health risk across a number of diseases. In this meta-analytic review, the link between social support and telomere length (Cawthon et al. in Lancet 361:393-395, 2003) was conducted based on the updated PRISMA guidelines (Page et al., 2021). Across 17 studies, higher social support was not significantly related to longer telomere length (Zr = 0.010, 95% CI [- 0.028, 0.047], p > 0.05). The confidence interval indicated that the bulk of plausible values were small to null associations. Little evidence for bias was found as shown by funnel plots and Kendall's Tau. Moderator analyses focusing on the measure of support, health of sample, age, type of assay specimen, and gender were not significant. In conclusion, this review showed no significant relationship between social support and telomere length and highlights important future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah Montoya
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
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Deits-Lebehn C, Smith TW, Williams PG, Uchino BN. Heart rate variability during social interaction: Effects of valence and emotion regulation. Int J Psychophysiol 2023:S0167-8760(23)00453-1. [PMID: 37315587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Conceptual models of psychosocial influences on short-term changes (i.e., reactivity) in vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) emphasize self-regulatory effort and social threat versus comfort. However, these two general perspectives have been tested separately in nearly all cases, limiting conclusions about the relative importance or possible interactive effects of effortful self-regulation and social stress. The present study compared effects of effort to regulate emotional expression and social stress versus safety on vmHRV reactivity during an interpersonal interaction, in a 2 (self-regulate emotion vs. express emotion freely) × 3 (positive vs. neutral vs. negative interaction valence) × 2 (male vs. female) between-subjects randomized factorial design. A sample of 180 undergraduates (90 women; 69 % White) discussed a current events topic (i.e., human-caused climate change) with a prerecorded partner, presented as a live interaction over a computer. Self-reports of affective responses, self-regulation effort, and appraisals of the partner's behavior, as well as observer ratings of participants' behavior during the interaction, supported the effectiveness of self-regulation and interaction valence manipulations, although the former manipulation may have been somewhat weaker than the latter. Primary analyses of high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) in heart beat intervals recorded at baseline and during the interaction revealed larger decreases in vmHRV during negative than neutral or positive interactions, but no effects of self-regulation instructions. Overall, results indicated more robust effects of social stress on vmHRV reactivity, relative to effects of self-regulatory effort.
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Smith TW, Carlson SE, Uchino BN, Baucom BRW. Good, bad, and beyond: Perils of partialing positive and negative couple variables within individuals. J Fam Psychol 2023; 37:31-36. [PMID: 36395028 DOI: 10.1037/fam0001044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Partialing correlated predictors to test independent effects is an essential tool in couple research. In actor-partner models, partners' parallel scores are partialed in tests of unique associations with outcomes. Correlated aspects of couple functioning are also often partialed within individuals to examine separate effects. Partialed versions of measures are typically interpreted as assessing the same construct as original unadjusted variables, but in fact their meaning can change. Extending a prior report on changes in construct validity resulting from partialing partners' parallel scores, the present analyses examined effects of partialing measures of positive and negative relationship variables within individuals, specifically perceived support from the partner and relationship conflict. In 300 middle-aged and older couples, we utilized participants' interpersonal circumplex ratings of their partner's typical behavior during marital interactions to compare interpersonal correlates of unadjusted and within-person partialed forms of the Quality of Relationships Inventory Support and Conflict scales. Compared to unadjusted scores, partialed support scores (i.e., adjusted for conflict) were substantially less closely associated with ratings of partner's warmth, and were associated with a less submissive (i.e., less agreeable, cooperative) form of warmth. Compared to unadjusted scores, partialed conflict scores (i.e., adjusted for support) were substantially less closely correlated with ratings of the partner's hostility, and were associated with a more controlling (i.e., critical, coercive) form of hostility. Results were nearly identical for wives and husbands. Partialing correlated scores within individuals can alter the construct validity of relationship measures, suggesting the need for careful reporting and interpretation in couple research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Smith TW, Carlson SE, Uchino BN, Baucom BRW. To put asunder: Are there perils of partialing in actor-partner interdependence models? J Fam Psychol 2022; 36:1462-1472. [PMID: 35708956 DOI: 10.1037/fam0001011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In research on couples, statistical adjustment (i.e., partialing) for correlations between partners' parallel scores is common and useful, as in the actor-partner interdependence model. Original and partialed scores are typically interpreted as assessing the same construct, but this may not be a valid assumption. Other approaches to nonindependence-such as common fate modeling-may better represent some couple constructs. This study of 300 couples utilized participants' interpersonal circumplex ratings of partners' typical behavior during marital interactions to evaluate the interpersonal meaning of unadjusted and partialed forms of the Marital Adjustment Test (MAT), a measure of overall relationship quality, and the Quality of Relationships Inventory-Support (QRI-S) and Conflict (QRI-C) scales, which measured perceived support from and conflict with the partner. After partialing partners' scores, MAT and QRI-S scores were substantially less closely associated with ratings of partners' warmth, their primary expected interpersonal correlates. Partner-partialed QRI-C scores were substantially less closely correlated with ratings of partners' hostility and were associated with a somewhat more controlling form of hostility. In contrast, partialing partners' trait optimism scores resulted in minimal changes in interpersonal correlates of this personality characteristic. Couple-level MAT, QRI-S, and QRI-C variables representing overlapping variance across partners while partialing unshared variance in spouses' scores (i.e., common fate scores) had highly similar interpersonal correlates when compared to unadjusted versions. Potential alterations in construct validity resulting from partialing partners' scores warrant interpretive caution, and alternative analytic frameworks (e.g., the common fate model) may better maintain the construct validity of some dyadic measures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Felt JM, Russell MA, Johnson JA, Ruiz JM, Uchino BN, Allison M, Smith TW, Taylor DJ, Ahn C, Smyth J. Within-person associations of optimistic and pessimistic expectations with momentary stress, affect, and ambulatory blood pressure. Anxiety Stress Coping 2022:1-13. [PMID: 36371799 PMCID: PMC10182181 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2142574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although dispositional optimism and pessimism have been prospectively associated with health outcomes, little is known about how these associations manifest in everyday life. This study examined how short-term optimistic and pessimistic expectations were associated with psychological and physiological stress processes. METHODS A diverse sample of adults (N = 300) completed a 2-day/1-night ecological momentary assessment and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) protocol at ∼45-minute intervals. RESULTS Moments that were more optimistic than typical for a person were followed by moments with lower likelihood of reporting a stressor, higher positive affect (PA), lower negative affect (NA), and less subjective stress (SS). Moments that were more pessimistic than typical were not associated with any affective stress outcome at the following moment. Neither optimism nor pessimism were associated with ABP, and did not moderate associations between reporting a stressor and outcomes. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that intraindividual fluctuations in optimistic and pessimistic expectations are associated with stressor appraisals.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Felt
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chul Ahn
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joshua Smyth
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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10
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Loeb EL, Gonzalez MZ, Hunt G, Uchino BN, de Grey RGK, Allen JP. Socioeconomic status in early adolescence predicts blunted stress responses in adulthood. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22294. [PMID: 35748628 PMCID: PMC9328275 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Individuals who grow up in families with lower socioeconomic status (SES) tend to experience disproportionate rates of chronic stress. The “freeze” response, characterized by blunted cardiovascular reactivity and reduced engagement with the environment, is associated with chronic stress and may be utilized when an individual is unable to escape or overcome environmental stressors. Using a diverse community sample of 184 adolescents followed from the age of 13 to 29 years, along with their friends and romantic partners, this study examined links between family SES and stress responses in adulthood. Low family SES at the age of 13 years directly predicted blunted heart rate responding and fewer attempts to answer math problems during a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Task at the age of 29 years. Indirect effects were found from low family SES to blunted respiratory sinus arrhythmia responding and the number of words spoken during a speech task. SES at the age of 29 years mediated many of these relations. Findings held after accounting for a number of potential confounds, including adolescent academic and attachment functioning and body mass index. We interpret these findings as evidence that low familial SES may predict freezing‐type responses in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Loeb
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Gabrielle Hunt
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph P Allen
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Allen JP, Loeb EL, Davis AA, Costello MA, Uchino BN. Getting under the skin: long-term links of adolescent peer relationship difficulties to adult vagal tone. J Behav Med 2022; 45:690-701. [PMID: 35739434 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-022-00334-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Understanding whether and how the absence of positive relationships may predict longer-term physical health outcomes is central to building a working conceptual model of the interplay of social and physical development across the lifespan. This study sought to examine the extent to which difficulties establishing positive social relationships from adolescence onward serve as long-term predictors of low adult vagal tone, which in turn has been linked to numerous long-term health problems. A diverse community sample of 141 individuals was followed via multiple methods and reporters from age 13 to 29. Across this span, social relationship quality was assessed via close friend and peer reports, observations of romantic interactions, and self-reported romantic relationship satisfaction. A range of potential personality and functional covariates was also considered. Vagal tone while at rest was assessed at age 29. Adult vagal tone was predicted across periods as long as 16 years by: adolescents' difficulty establishing themselves as desirable companions among peers; early adults' inability to establish strong close friendships; and lack of warmth in romantic relationships as an adult. Poor early adult friendship quality statistically mediated the link from adolescent peer difficulties to adult vagal tone. A range of potential confounding factors was examined but was not linked to vagal tone. Within the limits of the correlational design of the study, robust connections between adult vagal tone and social relationship quality from adolescence onward suggest at least a possible mechanism by which relationship difficulties may get 'under the skin' to influence future physiological functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Allen
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, PO Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA, 22904-4400, USA.
| | - Emily L Loeb
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, PO Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA, 22904-4400, USA
| | - Alida A Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, PO Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA, 22904-4400, USA
| | - Meghan A Costello
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, PO Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA, 22904-4400, USA
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Uchino BN, Baucom BRW, Landvatter J, de Grey RGK, Tacana T, Flores M, Ruiz JM. Perceived social support and ambulatory blood pressure during daily life: a meta-analysis. J Behav Med 2022; 45:509-517. [PMID: 35034219 PMCID: PMC9283536 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-021-00273-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Perceived social support has been linked to lower rates of morbidity and mortality. However, more information is needed on the biological mechanisms potentially responsible for such links. The main aim of this paper was to conduct a meta-analytic review of the association between perceived social support and awake ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) which is linked to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The review identified 12 studies with a total of 3254 participants. The omnibus meta-analysis showed that higher perceived social support was not significantly related to lower ABP (Zr = -0.052, [ -0.11, 0.01]). In addition, there was evidence of significant bias across several indicators. Future research will be needed to explore the boundary conditions linking social support to ABP and its implications for theoretical models and intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Brian R W Baucom
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Joshua Landvatter
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Robert G Kent de Grey
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Tracey Tacana
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Melissa Flores
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - John M Ruiz
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
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Landvatter JD, Uchino BN, Smith TW, Bosch JA. Partner's Perceived Social Support Influences Their Spouse's Inflammation: An Actor-Partner Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19020799. [PMID: 35055620 PMCID: PMC8776087 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Social support has been linked to lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, most studies have examined perceived support as an intrapersonal construct. A dyadic approach to social support highlights how interdependence between individuals within relationships, including partner perceptions and interactions, can influence one's health. This study's overall purpose was to test actor-partner models linking perceived social support to inflammation. Ninety-four cisgender married couples completed perceived support measures and had their blood drawn for CRP and IL-6 to produce an overall inflammatory index. The primary results indicate that only a partner's level of perceived support was related to lower inflammation in their spouse. Our sample size, although moderate for inflammatory studies, was probably not large enough to detect actor influences. These data highlight the importance of taking a dyadic perspective on modeling perceived support and its potential mechanism.
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Scott EE, McDonnell AS, LoTemplio SB, Uchino BN, Strayer DL. Toward a unified model of stress recovery and cognitive restoration in nature. Parks Stewardship Forum 2021. [DOI: 10.5070/p537151710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Scott EE, LoTemplio SB, McDonnell AS, McNay GD, Greenberg K, McKinney T, Uchino BN, Strayer DL. The autonomic nervous system in its natural environment: Immersion in nature is associated with changes in heart rate and heart rate variability. Psychophysiology 2020; 58:e13698. [PMID: 33048361 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Stress Recovery Theory (SRT) suggests that time spent in nature reduces stress. While many studies have examined changes in stress physiology after exposure to nature imagery, nature virtual reality, or nature walks, this study is the first to examine changes in heart rate (HR) and vagally mediated HR variability, as assessed by Respiratory Sinus Arrythmia (RSA), after a longer duration of nature exposure. Consistent with SRT, we hypothesized that immersion in nature would promote stress recovery, as indexed by an increase in RSA and a decrease in HR. We also predicted that exposure to nature would improve self-reported mood. We used a within-subjects design (N = 67) to assess changes in peripheral physiology before, during, and after a 5-day nature trip. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in RSA and a significant increase in HR during the trip compared to before or after the trip, suggesting that immersion in nature is associated with a shift toward parasympathetic withdrawal and possible sympathetic activation. These results were contrary to our hypotheses and may suggest increased attentional intake or presence of emotions associated with an increase in sympathetic activation. We also found an improvement in self-reported measures of mood during the trip compared to before or after the trip, confirming our hypotheses and replicating previous research. Implications of this study are discussed in the context of SRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Scott
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sara B LoTemplio
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Amy S McDonnell
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Glen D McNay
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kevin Greenberg
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ty McKinney
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David L Strayer
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Abstract
There is strong evidence linking relationships and emotions to physical health outcomes. What is critically missing is a more comprehensive understanding of how these important psychosocial factors influence disease over the lifespan. In this narrative review, existing lifespan models of social support and emotion regulation are reviewed and integrated into a general conceptual framework in the health domain. This integrated model takes into account bidirectional links between relationships and emotions, as well as health behaviors, biological pathways, and health. Evidence is consistent with the utility of an integrative model attempting to understand its links to health-relevant pathways and outcomes in older adults. Future work that examines multiple pathways using prospective designs will be necessary for this work to reach its full potential, including intervention and policy opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, United States.
| | - Karen S Rook
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, United States
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Reblin M, Vaughn AA, Birmingham WC, Smith TW, Uchino BN, Spahr CM. Complex assessment of relationship quality within dyads. J Community Psychol 2020; 48:2221-2237. [PMID: 32841384 PMCID: PMC7450490 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Higher quality relationships have been linked to improved outcomes; however, the measurement of relationship quality often ignores its complexity and the possibility of co-occurring positivity and negativity across different contexts. The goal of this study is to test the added benefit of including multiple dimensions, contexts, and perspectives of relationship quality from both individuals in predicting marital functioning. The Social Relationships Index assessed positive and negative dimensions of relationship quality under neutral, positive, and support-seeking contexts for 183 heterosexual married couples. Models showed that the inclusion of multiple dimensions of relationship quality across all three contexts improved prediction of marital functioning for both women and men. The use of multidimensional multicontextual relationship quality assessments is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Reblin
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Allison A Vaughn
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | | | - Timothy W Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Chandler M Spahr
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Social support and social integration have been linked to lower rates of morbidity and mortality. However, the biological mechanisms responsible for such links need greater attention. Vaccine paradigms provide an integrative window into immune system involvement in the protective influence of social support/integration. PURPOSE The main aim of this article was to conduct a meta-analytic review of the association between social support/social integration and antibody responses to vaccines. Exploratory analyses also examined effect sizes and confidence intervals as a function of several factors to inform future research. METHOD A literature search was conducted using the ancestry approach and with PsycInfo, Medline, and the Psychology and Behavioral Science Collection by crossing the exact keywords of social support or social integration with vaccine or antibodies. The review identified nine studies with a total of 672 participants. RESULTS The omnibus meta-analysis showed that social support/social integration was related to higher antibody levels following vaccination, but the average effect size was small and the lower bound of the confidence interval included zero (Zr = 0.06 [-.04, .15]). These results did not appear to differ much as a function of the operationalization of social relationships, participant age, or follow-up period, although effect sizes appeared larger for studies using a primary antigen. CONCLUSIONS These data provide some evidence that social support may be linked to antibody responses to vaccines. However, effect sizes are mostly small and zero overall effect cannot be ruled out. Future studies would benefit from larger sample sizes and greater consideration of methodological issues associated with secondary immune responses to antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Katherine Zee
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY
| | - Niall Bolger
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY
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Smith TW, Deits-Lebehn C, Caska-Wallace CM, Renshaw KD, Uchino BN. Resting high frequency heart rate variability and PTSD symptomatology in Veterans: Effects of respiration, role in elevated heart rate, and extension to spouses. Biol Psychol 2020; 154:107928. [PMID: 32621850 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2020.107928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) associated with parasympathetic activity (i.e., cardiac vagal tone) is reduced in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but possible confounding effects of respiration have not been studied sufficiently. Further, reduced parasympathetic inhibition might contribute to elevated heart rate (HR) in PTSD. Finally, reduced HRV in PTSD might extend to intimate partners, given their chronic stress exposure. In 65 couples (male Veterans, female partners), elevated PTSD symptomatology (n = 32; 28 met full DSM IV criteria, 4 fell slightly short) was documented by structured interview and self-reports. Baseline HR, high-frequency HRV (HF-HRV), cardiac pre-ejection period (PEP), and respiration rate and depth were measured via impedance cardiography. Veterans with PTSD symptoms displayed reduced lnHF-HRV, even when adjusting for respiration, but their partners did not. In mediational analyses, elevated resting HR in PTSD was accounted for by lnHF-HRV but not PEP. Results strengthen evidence regarding HF-HRV and elevated HR in PTSD.
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Smith TW, Baron CE, Deits-Lebehn C, Uchino BN, Berg CA. Is it me or you? Marital conflict behavior and blood pressure reactivity. J Fam Psychol 2020; 34:503-508. [PMID: 31829669 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular reactivity (CVR), such as increases in blood pressure, during stressful marital interactions have been identified as a possible mechanism linking marital discord with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both expressions of and exposure to negative behavior during marital conflict may influence CVR, but analytic approaches to date have not permitted firm conclusions as to whether CVR during conflict reflects an individual's own actions, actions of the spouse, or both. Additionally, evidence suggests health-relevant marital interaction varies along the affiliation dimension (i.e., warmth vs. hostility) and control dimension (i.e., dominance vs. submissiveness) of social behavior, but there is much less research on the latter. To address these issues, the present study used the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to examine associations of behavioral measures of affiliation and control with concurrent changes in blood pressure (i.e., CVR) during a marital conflict discussion in 146 middle-aged couples. Factor analyses of observer-coded behaviors during conflict discussions revealed a single factor for husbands and for wives, characterized by high hostility and dominance, and low warmth. The validity of these behavioral factors was supported by their predicted associations with spouse ratings of behavior during the conflict discussions, concurrent increases in anger, and reports of overall marital quality. Although expression of and exposure to negative conflict behaviors were correlated, only expression independently predicted increases in blood pressure. Exposure to negative partner behavior might alter other elements of physiological burden contributing to CVD risk, but the individual's own behavioral expressions are more closely associated with concurrent blood pressure reactivity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Loeb EL, Davis AA, Narr RK, Uchino BN, Kent de Grey RG, Allen JP. The developmental precursors of blunted cardiovascular responses to stress. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:247-261. [PMID: 32419144 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Blunted cardiovascular responses to stress have been associated with both mental and physical health concerns. This multi-method, longitudinal study examined the role of chronic social-developmental stress from adolescence onward as a precursor to these blunted stress responses. Using a diverse community sample of 184 adolescents followed from age 13 to 29 along with friends and romantic partners, this study found that high levels of parental psychological control at age 13 directly predicted a blunted heart rate response and indirectly predicted blunted respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity under stress. Heart rate effects were mediated via indicators of a developing passive response style, including observational measures of withdrawal during conflict with friends and romantic partners, social disengagement, and coping with stressors by using denial. RSA effects were mediated via withdrawal during conflict with romantic partners and coping by using denial. The current findings are interpreted as suggesting a mechanism by which a key social/developmental stressor in adolescence may alter relational and ultimately physiological patterns of stress responding into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Loeb
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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22
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Doyle CY, Ruiz JM, Taylor DJ, Smyth JW, Flores M, Dietch J, Ahn C, Allison M, Smith TW, Uchino BN. Associations Between Objective Sleep and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in a Community Sample. Psychosom Med 2020; 81:545-556. [PMID: 31083055 PMCID: PMC6607429 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epidemiologic data increasingly support sleep as a determinant of cardiovascular disease risk. Fewer studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying this relationship using objective sleep assessment approaches. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine associations between daily blood pressure (BP) and both objectively assessed sleep duration and efficiency. METHODS A diverse community sample of 300 men and women aged 21 to 70 years, enrolled in the North Texas Heart Study, participated in the study. Actigraphy-assessed sleep was monitored for two consecutive nights with ambulatory BP sampled randomly within 45-minute blocks on the first and second day as well as the second night. RESULTS Overall, sleep duration results paralleled those of sleep efficiency. Individuals with lower sleep efficiency had higher daytime systolic (B = -0.35, SE = 0.11, p = .0018, R = 0.26) but not diastolic BP (B = -0.043, SE = 0.068, p = .52, R = 0.17) and higher nighttime BP (systolic: B = -0.37, SE = 0.10, p < .001, R = .15; diastolic: B = -0.20, SE = 0.059, p < .001, R = .14). Moreover, lower sleep efficiency on one night was associated with higher systolic (B = -0.51, SE = 0.11, p < .001, R = 0.23) and diastolic BP (B = -0.17, SE = 0.065, p = .012, R = .16) the following day. When 'asleep' BP was taken into account instead of nighttime BP, the associations between sleep and BP disappeared. When both sleep duration and efficiency were assessed together, sleep efficiency was associated with daytime systolic BP, whereas sleep duration was associated with nighttime BP. CONCLUSIONS Lower sleep duration and efficiency are associated with higher daytime systolic BP and higher nighttime BP when assessed separately. When assessed together, sleep duration and efficiency diverge in their associations with BP at different times of day. These results warrant further investigation of these possible pathways to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chul Ahn
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
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Smith TW, Baron CE, Caska-Wallace CM, Knobloch-Fedders LM, Renshaw KD, Uchino BN. PTSD in veterans, couple behavior, and cardiovascular response during marital conflict. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 21:478-488. [PMID: 32271047 DOI: 10.1037/emo0000727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with strain in marriage and similar intimate relationships, and such difficulties could contribute to associations of PTSD with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Heightened cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) during stressful marital interactions may be an important mechanism in this regard. This study examined dysfunctional behavior during marital conflict as a mediator of the association of PTSD with heightened CVR during these interactions. In 64 couples comprising male military veterans and female partners, participants underwent a 17-min video-recorded conflict discussion, with assessment of blood pressure and cardiac sympathetic activation (i.e. preejection period). In half of the couples, veterans met interview and questionnaire criteria for PTSD. Behavior was coded for aspects of affiliation (e.g., warmth vs. hostility) and control (e.g., dominance vs. deference), as well as blends of these broader dimensions. Extending previous reports from this study, actor-partner mediational analyses indicated that PTSD contributed to larger increases in veterans' and spouses' systolic blood pressure during the interaction through effects of the individual's own expressions of low warmth. PTSD contributed to veterans' and spouses' greater cardiac sympathetic activation through effects of the individual's own expressions of hostile control (e.g., blame, criticism). Hence, expressions of low warmth and high hostile control contribute to effects of PTSD on veterans' and spouses' heightened CVR during marital conflict discussions, suggesting a mechanism linking PTSD with CVD risk and potential targets for risk-reducing behavioral interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Smith TW, Deits‐Lebehn C, Williams PG, Baucom BRW, Uchino BN. Toward a social psychophysiology of vagally mediated heart rate variability: Concepts and methods in self‐regulation, emotion, and interpersonal processes. Soc Personal Psychol Compass 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bert N. Uchino
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Utah Salt Lake City Utah
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25
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Cribbet MR, Smith TW, Uchino BN, Baucom BRW, Nealey-Moore JB. Autonomic influences on heart rate during marital conflict: Associations with high frequency heart rate variability and cardiac pre-ejection period. Biol Psychol 2020; 151:107847. [PMID: 31962138 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2020.107847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Psychosocial factors predict the development and course of cardiovascular disease, perhaps through sympathetic and parasympathetic mechanisms. At rest, heart rate (HR) is under parasympathetic control, often measured as high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV). During stress, HR is influenced jointly by parasympathetic and sympathetic processes, the latter often quantified as pre-ejection period (PEP). In studies of cardiovascular risk factors that involve social interaction (e.g. marital conflict), HF-HRV might be altered by speech artifacts, weakening its validity as a measure of parasympathetic activity. To evaluate this possibility, we tested associations of HF-HRV and PEP with HR at rest and across periods of marital conflict interaction that varied in experimentally-manipulated degrees of speech in 104 couples. At rest, only HF-HRV was independently related to HR, for both husbands and wives. During speaking, listening, and recovery periods, husbands' and wives' HF-HRV and PEP change independently predicted HR change. These findings support interpretation of HF-HRV as a parasympathetic index during stressful social interactions that may confer risk for cardiovascular disease.
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26
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Baron CE, Smith TW, Baucom BR, Uchino BN, Williams PG, Sundar KM, Czajkowski L. Relationship partner social behavior and continuous positive airway pressure adherence: The role of autonomy support. Health Psychol 2019; 39:325-334. [PMID: 31841020 DOI: 10.1037/hea0000827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious respiratory disorder, confers increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Adherence to the standard and effective treatment, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), is often poor. Personal relationships can influence adherence, but some forms of partner involvement (e.g., support, encouragement) have positive effects on CPAP adherence, whereas others (e.g., criticism, blame) are counterproductive. In the former, constructive partner efforts may enhance a patient's sense of autonomy, an important foundation for self-care. The present study examined how patients' perceptions of autonomy support from an intimate partner predict adherence to CPAP, and whether it is an independent predictor, relative to generally positive partner behavior (i.e., partner responsiveness) and partner negativity (i.e., negative social control). METHOD Ninety-two married or cohabiting OSA patients (mean age 49.7 years) completed measures of perceived partner autonomy support, responsiveness, and negative social control at Days 14 and 60 of CPAP treatment. Objective daily CPAP machine adherence data were collected for 60 days. RESULTS Perceived partner autonomy support predicted more minutes of CPAP used per night and increasing CPAP use over time. These effects were independent of the significant adverse effects of partner negative social control and the more limited beneficial effects of partner responsiveness. CONCLUSION The study findings establish perceived partner autonomy support as an interpersonal predictor of adherence that is independent of negative social control and perceived partner responsiveness, and may inform psychosocial interventions for CPAP adherence and more general couple approaches to chronic illness management. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Deits-Lebehn C, Smith TW, Grove JL, Williams PG, Uchino BN. Dispositional mindfulness, nonattachment, and experiential avoidance in the interpersonal circumplex. Personality and Individual Differences 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.109522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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28
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Holt-Lunstad J, Uchino BN. Social Ambivalence and Disease (SAD): A Theoretical Model Aimed at Understanding the Health Implications of Ambivalent Relationships. Perspect Psychol Sci 2019; 14:941-966. [PMID: 31533019 PMCID: PMC7089572 DOI: 10.1177/1745691619861392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The protective influence of social relationships on health is widely documented; however, not all relationships are positive, and negative aspects of relationships may be detrimental. Much less is known about the relationships characterized by both positivity and negativity (i.e., ambivalence). This article provides a theoretical framework for considering the influence of ambivalent relationships on physical health, including reasons why ambivalence should be considered separately from relationships characterized as primarily positive (supportive) or primarily negative (aversive). We introduce the social ambivalence and disease (SAD) model as a guide to understanding the social psychological antecedents, processes, and consequences of ambivalent relationships. We conclude by highlighting gaps in the literature and features of the SAD model that may serve as a guide to future research on potential health-relevant pathways of ambivalent relationships.
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Price SN, Doyle CY, Flores M, Taylor DJ, Dietch JR, Ahn C, Allison M, Smith TW, Smyth JW, Uchino BN, Ruiz JM. 0161 Insomnia Severity is Associated with Positive and Negative Affect: NHST and Bayesian Multilevel Approaches. Sleep 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz067.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Chul Ahn
- UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
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30
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Kent de Grey RG, Uchino BN, Pietromonaco PR, Hogan JN, Smith TW, Cronan S, Trettevik R. Strained Bedfellows: An Actor-Partner Analysis of Spousal Attachment Insecurity and Sleep Quality. Ann Behav Med 2019; 53:115-125. [PMID: 29788062 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kay037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The quality of interpersonal ties-especially closer relationships-appears to be associated with physical health outcomes. Sleep is one pathway through which relationships and health appear to be linked, but this has been inadequately investigated in the context of dyadic attachment. Purpose The present study examined links between relationship-specific attachment anxiety (which can involve preoccupation with one's partner, negative relationship cognitions, and fear of abandonment) and avoidance (e.g., low emotional investment or intimacy) and sleep quality. Methods Attachment, assessed using the Experience in Close Relationship (ECR), was used to predict Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI)-assessed sleep quality in 92 married heterosexual couples via actor-partner interdependence models. Depression was examined as a potential mediator of this association. Results Consistent with hypotheses, actors' anxious attachment predicted diminished quality of their own sleep, whereas actors' avoidant attachment was unrelated to their own sleep quality. Results further suggested that couples in which both spouses were higher in attachment anxiety experience better sleep quality (b = -0.74, SE = 0.28, p = .0082, 95% CI [-1.287, -0.196]). Conversely, couples in which both spouses were higher in attachment avoidance showed poorer sleep quality (b = 0.56, SE = 0.23, p = .0188, 95% CI [0.095, 1.016]). These effects were found to be independent of marital satisfaction and depression. Some evidence was also consistent with mediation of links between attachment and sleep quality via depression. Conclusions Results suggest adult romantic attachment and sleep are associated in complex ways, highlighting the importance of dyadic approaches to the study of relationships, sleep, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Kent de Grey
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Paula R Pietromonaco
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Jasara N Hogan
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Timothy W Smith
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sierra Cronan
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ryan Trettevik
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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31
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Uchino BN, Scott E, Kent de Grey RG, Hogan J, Trettevik R, Cronan S, Smith TW, Bosch JA. Sleep Quality and Inflammation in Married Heterosexual Couples: an Actor-Partner Analysis. Int J Behav Med 2019; 26:247-254. [DOI: 10.1007/s12529-018-09763-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Kent de Grey RG, Uchino BN, Baucom BRW, Smith TW, Holton AE, Diener EF. Enemies and friends in high-tech places: the development and validation of the Online Social Experiences Measure. Digit Health 2019; 5:2055207619878351. [PMID: 31579526 PMCID: PMC6759713 DOI: 10.1177/2055207619878351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interpersonal positivity and negativity are separable dimensions both recognized as having important effects on health. Though online social interactions and research examining them are increasingly common, no validated instrument has heretofore been developed to examine social support and social negativity specifically in online contexts. The present studies describe the development and validation of the Online Social Experiences Measure (OSEM) to allow for assessment of online social positivity and negativity simultaneously. METHODS AND RESULTS In Study I, responses to a potential item pool were collected from participants (N = 557), who were then subdivided into two groups for the purposes of cross-validation via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results suggested the emergence of two factors: online social support (OSEM+ subscale) and online social negativity (OSEM- subscale). Across Studies I and II (N = 139), the OSEM showed good convergent and discriminant validity, and both subscales had high internal consistency. Study II included an ambulatory cardiovascular assessment and found the OSEM- subscale to be predictive of elevated diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. The OSEM+ subscale was predictive of more favorable cardiovascular readings for some types of participants (e.g. those with a greater number of online-only social ties). CONCLUSIONS Overall, results suggest online social positivity and negativity may have implications for physical health, and that the OSEM may be a useful tool in understanding online social processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Kent de Grey
- Department of Psychology, Consortium for Families & Health Research, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology, Consortium for Families & Health Research, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brian RW Baucom
- Department of Psychology, Consortium for Families & Health Research, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Timothy W Smith
- Department of Psychology, Consortium for Families & Health Research, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Avery E Holton
- Department of Communication, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Edward F Diener
- Department of Psychology, Consortium for Families & Health Research, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Herr RM, Van Harreveld F, Uchino BN, Birmingham WC, Loerbroks A, Fischer JE, Bosch JA. Associations of ambivalent leadership with distress and cortisol secretion. J Behav Med 2018; 42:265-275. [PMID: 30367333 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-018-9982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ambivalent social ties, i.e., whereby a relationship is evaluated simultaneously in positive and negative terms, are a potential source of distress and can perturb health-relevant biological functions. Social interactions at the workplace, in particular with supervisors, are often described in ambivalent terms, but the psychological and psychobiological impact of such interactions has received little scientific attention. The current study examined associations between ambivalent attitudes towards one's supervisor, perceived distress (general and work-related), and diurnal dynamics of the stress hormone cortisol. 613 employees evaluated their supervisor in terms of positive and negative behaviors, which was combined into an ambivalent index. Higher ambivalence was associated with higher perceived distress and work-related stress (p < .001), and with a larger cortisol awakening response and higher day-time secretion post-awakening (p < .01). The present study is the first to identify ambivalence towards supervisors as a predictor of employee distress and stress-related endocrine dysregulation. In consequence, focusing solely on positive or negative leader behavior may insufficiently capture the true complexity of workplace interactions and attempts to compensate negative behaviors with positive are unlikely to reduce distress-but quite the opposite-by increasing ambivalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael M Herr
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Frenk Van Harreveld
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Social Psychology Program, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Adrian Loerbroks
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim E Fischer
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jos A Bosch
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Struggles managing conflict and hostility in adolescent social relationships were examined as long-term predictors of immune-mediated inflammation in adulthood that has been linked to long-term health outcomes. Circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a marker of immune system dysfunction when chronically elevated, were assessed at age 28 in a community sample of 127 individuals followed via multiple methods and reporters from ages 13 to 28. Adult serum IL-6 levels were predicted across periods as long as 15 years by adolescents' inability to defuse peer aggression and poor peer-rated conflict resolution skills, and by independently observed romantic partner hostility in late adolescence. Adult relationship difficulties also predicted higher IL-6 levels but did not mediate predictions from adolescent-era conflict struggles. Predictions were also not mediated by adult trait hostility or aggressive behavior, suggesting the unique role of struggles with conflict and hostility from others during adolescence. The implications for understanding the import of adolescent peer relationships for life span physical health outcomes are considered.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE While the implications of social support are increasingly well understood, no meta-analytic review to date has examined the intersection of the social support and sleep literatures. The aims of this meta-analysis were primarily to review the association between social support and sleep and additionally to test several proposed moderators from prior work. METHOD Using a literature search and the ancestry approach, the review identified 61 studies with a total of 105,437 participants. RESULTS Random-effects modeling showed that greater social support was significantly related to improved sleep outcomes (Zr = -.152). These results were not moderated by the operationalization of support, study design, or chronic conditions. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate a robust association between social support and favorable sleep outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah
| | - Ryan Trettevik
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah
| | - Sierra Cronan
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah
| | - Jasara N Hogan
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah
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Uchino BN, Trettevik R, Kent de Grey RG, Cronan S, Hogan J, Baucom BRW. Social support, social integration, and inflammatory cytokines: A meta-analysis. Health Psychol 2018; 37:462-471. [DOI: 10.1037/hea0000594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Doyle CY, Ruiz JM, Taylor DJ, Dietch JR, Ahn C, Allison M, Smith TW, Uchino BN, Smyth JW. 0144 Subjective, But Not Objective, Measures of Sleep Continuity Are Associated with Perceived Stress in a Community Sample. Sleep 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsy061.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C Y Doyle
- The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - J M Ruiz
- The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | | | | | - C Ahn
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - M Allison
- University California of San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - T W Smith
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - J W Smyth
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Uchino BN, de Grey RGK, Cronan S, Smith TW, Diener E, Joel S, Bosch J. Life satisfaction and inflammation in couples: an actor-partner analysis. J Behav Med 2017; 41:22-30. [PMID: 28884245 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-017-9880-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Life satisfaction has been linked to lower cardiovascular disease mortality. However, much less is known about the biological mechanisms linking life satisfaction to physical health. In addition, the dyadic context of life satisfaction has not been considered despite increasing evidence that partners influence each other in health-relevant ways. These questions were addressed with 94 married couples who completed measures of life satisfaction and had their blood drawn for determination of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Actor-partner models showed that higher actor levels of life satisfaction predicted lower levels of IL-6 and CRP (p's < .05), whereas partner levels of life satisfaction did not predict any measure of inflammation. The actor results were not mediated by marital satisfaction or health behaviors. Finally, no actor × partner interactions were significant and these links were not moderated by marital satisfaction. These data highlight inflammation as a potentially important biological mechanism linking actor reports of life satisfaction to lower cardiovascular mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Robert G Kent de Grey
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sierra Cronan
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Timothy W Smith
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ed Diener
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Samantha Joel
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jos Bosch
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Uchino BN, Way BM. Integrative pathways linking close family ties to health: A neurochemical perspective. American Psychologist 2017; 72:590-600. [DOI: 10.1037/amp0000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Dietch JR, Taylor DJ, Smyth JM, Ahn C, Smith TW, Uchino BN, Allison M, Ruiz JM. Gender and racial/ethnic differences in sleep duration in the North Texas heart study. Sleep Health 2017; 3:324-327. [PMID: 28923187 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Short sleep duration has been linked with a wide array of poor mental and physical health outcomes. Such risks, however, may be moderated by demographic factors such as gender and race/ethnicity. In a diverse community sample, the current study examined the relationship between gender, race/ethnicity and objectively measured sleep duration, controlling for select potential confounds. METHODS Participants were 300 community adults (50% female), aged 21 to 70 years, and included 60% non-Hispanic Whites, 15% non-Hispanic Blacks, 19% Hispanic/Latino, and 6% other. As part of a larger study, participants wore an actigraphy device over two nights to assess sleep duration (averaged across both nights). Gender and race/ethnicity were used as grouping variables in a two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) predicting objectively assessed total sleep time, with age, income, and employment status as covariates. RESULTS On average, males slept 34 min less than females (P=.002). After controlling for socioeconomic factors, there was a gender by race/ethnicity interaction (P=.030). Within males, Hispanics slept 45 min less than non-Hispanic Whites (P=.002) and 57 min less than non-Hispanic others (P=.008). Males also slept significantly less than females within the non-Hispanic White (difference=-22.9; P=.016) and the Hispanic (difference=-77.1; P<.001) groups. CONCLUSIONS Extending previous research, the current study provides additional evidence for differences in objective sleep duration based on gender and race/ethnicity in daily life. These data suggest that risk associated with sleep duration is patterned in important ways across gender and race/ethnicity; such information can be used to tailor prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chul Ahn
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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Ruiz JM, Taylor DJ, Uchino BN, Smith TW, Allison M, Ahn C, Johnson JJ, Smyth JM. Evaluating the longitudinal risk of social vigilance on atherosclerosis: study protocol for the North Texas Heart Study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017345. [PMID: 28808040 PMCID: PMC5791551 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychosocial factors are increasingly recognised as important determinants of cardiovascular disease risk. The North Texas Heart Study aims to understand the mechanisms responsible for this association with a focus on social vigilance (ie, scanning the environment for social threats). There is also growing interest in supplementing traditional methods (eg, survey assessment of psychosocial risk paired with cross-sectional and longitudinal health outcomes) with daily or repeated momentary assessment of psychosocial factors. However, there are relatively few longitudinal studies directly comparing these approaches with hard endpoints. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The North Texas Heart Study proposes a longitudinal measurement burst design to examine psychosocial determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis. A sample of 300 healthy community participants, stratified by age and gender, will complete survey measures, as well as 2 days of ecological momentary assessment at baseline and at a 2-year follow-up. A range of psychosocial and behavioural factors, objective biomarkers, as well as carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) will be assessed at both time points. Unadjusted and adjusted models will evaluate cross-sectional associations and determinants of change in the cIMT. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Institutional Review Board at the study coordinating institute (University of North Texas) has approved this study. Positive, negative or inconclusive primary and ancillary findings will be disseminated in scientific journals and conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Ruiz
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Daniel J Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Timothy W Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Matthew Allison
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Chul Ahn
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jillian J Johnson
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua M Smyth
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Uchino BN, Kent de Grey RG, Cronan S. The quality of social networks predicts age-related changes in cardiovascular reactivity to stress. Psychol Aging 2017; 31:321-6. [PMID: 27294714 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although existing life span models suggest that positivity in relationships should benefit the health of older adults, much less is known about how relationships that contain both positive and negative aspects (i.e., ambivalent ties) might influence age-associated cardiovascular risk. Given the increased interpersonal stress associated with ambivalent ties, the SAVI model would predict that older adults might be more negatively influenced given age-related changes in physiological flexibility. In this study, the quality of an individual's social network (i.e., supportive, ambivalent, aversive) was used to predict cardiovascular reactivity during laboratory stress across a 10-month follow-up period in 108 participants between the ages 30 to 70. Results revealed evidence that the number of ambivalent network ties predicted greater increases in diastolic blood pressure reactivity. Importantly, there was an Age × Ambivalent Ties interaction in which the number of ambivalent ties was related to greater increases in systolic blood pressure reactivity primarily in older adults. These data are discussed in terms of the health implications of social networks across the life span. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah
| | | | - Sierra Cronan
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah
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Barger SD, Uchino BN. Racial and Ethnic Variation in the Association of Social Integration with Mortality: Ten-year Prospective Population-based US Study. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43874. [PMID: 28262712 PMCID: PMC5338326 DOI: 10.1038/srep43874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantial data link social relationships with mortality but few studies have examined whether these associations are consistent across racial and ethnic groups. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the presence and form of the social relationship/mortality association in a representative sample of US Black (n = 4,201), non-Hispanic White (n = 20,217) and Hispanic (n = 5,097) groups. In models adjusted for age, sex, chronic disease, socioeconomic status and smoking social integration was inversely related to ten-year survival in all groups. However, among Whites the association was linear and graded whereas among Blacks the association was linear but was statistically significant only for the highest level of social integration (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval = 0.47-0.94). A threshold pattern was observed among Hispanics, in that lower mortality risk was found for all social integration categories above the lowest level (HRs from 0.58 to 0.52, P's < 0.01) and each of the higher social integration categories were in turn equivalent. Received social support was unrelated to mortality across all groups. Higher social integration is associated with a survival advantage for Blacks and Whites. For Hispanics, moderate and high levels of social integration were equally protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D. Barger
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1100 South Beaver Street, Building #60, Room #338, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Bert N. Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Socioeconomic status is robustly associated with rates of death and disease. Psychophysiological stress processes are thought to account for a portion of this association. PURPOSE Although positive and supportive relationships can buffer psychophysiological stress responses, no studies have examined whether the quality of a primary adult relationship-marriage-may buffer the negative association between socioeconomic status and stress-related disease processes. METHODS The current study examines the interaction between income and marital quality (supportive vs. ambivalent) on individuals' daily ambulatory blood pressure, a valid and reliable indicator of cardiovascular risk. RESULTS Results revealed that supportive marital relationships buffered the otherwise higher ambulatory diastolic blood pressure associated with low income. CONCLUSIONS Results are consistent with the buffering hypothesis of social support and suggest that a supportive spouse may buffer stress-related autonomic processes linking low socioeconomic status to risk for cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny M Cundiff
- University of Utah, 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | | | - Bert N Uchino
- University of Utah, 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Timothy W Smith
- University of Utah, 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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Cundiff JM, Smith TW, Baron CE, Uchino BN. Hierarchy and health: Physiological effects of interpersonal experiences associated with socioeconomic position. Health Psychol 2016; 35:356-65. [PMID: 27018727 DOI: 10.1037/hea0000227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The inverse association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and cardiovascular disease may involve social psychophysiological processes. To test effects of aspects of SEP on physiological reactivity, we experimentally manipulated 3 features of social context related to social hierarchy-social rank or status relative to an interaction partner, the partner's degree of dominant behavior, and the presence of social-evaluative threat. METHOD The study design was a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 (Participant Relative Status [high vs. low] × Partner Dominance [high vs. low] × Evaluative Threat [high vs. low] × Sex [male vs. female]) factorial, and 180 undergraduates participated. Cardiovascular and salivary cortisol responses were measured while participants engaged in a controlled interaction task with a prerecorded confederate partner. RESULTS Lower participant relative status resulted in greater increases in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Interacting with a more dominant partner resulted in greater increases in SBP and heart rate (HR), and larger changes in cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activation. Higher levels of social-evaluative threat evoked larger increases in HR and SBP. In some cases, these effects were stronger in men than in women, and aspects of the low status social context had synergistic effects on some physiological outcomes. CONCLUSION Interpersonal interactions and experiences may contribute to the association between SEP and cardiovascular health through the mechanism of physiological activation. Recurring patterns of everyday social experiences and their physiological effects may be a pathway linking the broader social context to cardiovascular disease. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Uchino BN, Cribbet M, de Grey RGK, Cronan S, Trettevik R, Smith TW. Dispositional optimism and sleep quality: a test of mediating pathways. J Behav Med 2016; 40:360-365. [PMID: 27592128 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-016-9792-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Dispositional optimism has been related to beneficial influences on physical health outcomes. However, its links to global sleep quality and the psychological mediators responsible for such associations are less studied. This study thus examined if trait optimism predicted global sleep quality, and if measures of subjective well-being were statistical mediators of such links. A community sample of 175 participants (93 men, 82 women) completed measures of trait optimism, depression, and life satisfaction. Global sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results indicated that trait optimism was a strong predictor of better PSQI global sleep quality. Moreover, this association was mediated by depression and life satisfaction in both single and multiple mediator models. These results highlight the importance of optimism for the restorative process of sleep, as well as the utility of multiple mediator models in testing distinct psychological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Matthew Cribbet
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Robert G Kent de Grey
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sierra Cronan
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ryan Trettevik
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Timothy W Smith
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Abstract
Social relationships serve important functions in people's everyday lives. Epidemiological research indicates that supportive relationships may also significantly protect individuals from various causes of mortality, including cardiovascular disease. An important issue is how social support influences such long-term health outcomes. In this article, we review evidence indicating that social support may influence mortality via changes in the cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems. These data suggest that it may be worthwhile to incorporate social-support interventions in the prevention and treatment of physical health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert N. Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Darcy Uno
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Julianne Holt-Lunstad
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Birmingham WC, Uchino BN, Smith TW, Light KC, Butner J. It's Complicated: Marital Ambivalence on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Daily Interpersonal Functioning. Ann Behav Med 2016; 49:743-53. [PMID: 25964001 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-015-9709-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marriage decreases cardiovascular morbidity although relationship quality matters. While some marriages contain highly positive aspects (supportive), marriages may also simultaneously contain both positive and negative aspects (ambivalent). Individuals whose spouses or own behavior is ambivalent may not experience the same cardiovascular-protective benefits of marriage. PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to elucidate the physiological pathways by which marital quality may influence long-term health and examine ambivalent behavior on interpersonal-functioning and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). METHODS Interpersonal functioning and ABP were examined in 94 couples. RESULTS Spousal and own ambivalent behavior was associated with lower intimacy (ps < .01) and higher systolic ABP (ps < .01). Spousal ambivalent behavior was associated with lower ratings of partner responsiveness (p < .01) and less self- and spousal-disclosure (ps < .05). Mediational analyses indicated that own behavior mediated links between spousal ambivalent behavior and ABP. CONCLUSIONS Despite the positivity in relationships, individuals whose spouses' or own behavior is ambivalent may not receive cardiovascular protection from this positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy C Birmingham
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 1054 SWKT, Provo, UT, 84602, USA,
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Moore SM, Uchino BN, Baucom BRW, Behrends AA, Sanbonmatsu D. Attitude similarity and familiarity and their links to mental health: An examination of potential interpersonal mediators. J Soc Psychol 2016; 157:77-85. [PMID: 27065059 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2016.1176551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Similarity and familiarity with partner's attitudes are linked to positive relationship outcomes, while interpersonal variables have been linked to mental health. Using multilevel models (MLMs), we modeled the associations between these attitudinal variables and mental health outcomes in 74 married couples. We found that higher levels of attitude similarity in couples were linked to lower depression, while higher levels of attitude familiarity in couples were associated with greater satisfaction with life. Mediational analyses indicated marital satisfaction and interpersonal stress mediated the link between attitude similarity and depression. Marital satisfaction also mediated the link between familiarity and satisfaction with life. This study is the first linking attitude familiarity to mental health and provides evidence that familiarity and similarity have mental health effects partly due to their interpersonal consequences.
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Abstract
Although numerous studies of non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks show that social integration and social support tend to favor longevity, it is unclear whether this general pattern extends to the Mexican American population. Building on previous research, we employed seven waves of data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly to examine the association between perceived social support trajectories and the all-cause mortality risk of older Mexican Americans. Growth mixture estimates revealed three latent classes of support trajectories: high, moderate, and low. Cox regression estimates indicated that older Mexican American men in the low support trajectory tend to exhibit a higher mortality risk than their counterparts in the high support trajectory. Social support trajectories were unrelated to the mortality risk of older Mexican American women. A statistically significant interaction term confirmed that social support was more strongly associated with the mortality risk of men.
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