A non-linear association between self-reported negative emotional response to stress and subsequent allostatic load: Prospective results from the Whitehall II cohort study

TY - JOUR

T1 - A non-linear association between self-reported negative emotional response to stress and subsequent allostatic load

T2 - Prospective results from the Whitehall II cohort study

AU - Dich, Nadya

AU - Doan, Stacey N

AU - Kivimäki, Mika

AU - Kumari, Meena

AU - Rod, Naja Hulvej

N1 - Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PY - 2014/11

Y1 - 2014/11

N2 - Previous research suggests that high levels of negative emotions may affect health. However, it is likely that the absence of an emotional response following stressful events may also be problematic. Accordingly, we investigated whether a non-linear association exists between negative emotional response to major life events and allostatic load, a multisystem indicator of physiological dysregulation. Study sample was 6764 British civil service workers from the Whitehall II cohort. Negative emotional response was assessed by self-report at baseline. Allostatic load was calculated using cardiovascular, metabolic and immune function biomarkers at three clinical follow-up examinations. A non-linear association between negative emotional response and allostatic load was observed: being at either extreme end of the distribution of negative emotional response increased the risk of physiological dysregulation. Allostatic load also increased with age, but the association between negative emotional response and allostatic load remained stable over time. These results provide evidence for a more nuanced understanding of the role of negative emotions in long-term physical health.

AB - Previous research suggests that high levels of negative emotions may affect health. However, it is likely that the absence of an emotional response following stressful events may also be problematic. Accordingly, we investigated whether a non-linear association exists between negative emotional response to major life events and allostatic load, a multisystem indicator of physiological dysregulation. Study sample was 6764 British civil service workers from the Whitehall II cohort. Negative emotional response was assessed by self-report at baseline. Allostatic load was calculated using cardiovascular, metabolic and immune function biomarkers at three clinical follow-up examinations. A non-linear association between negative emotional response and allostatic load was observed: being at either extreme end of the distribution of negative emotional response increased the risk of physiological dysregulation. Allostatic load also increased with age, but the association between negative emotional response and allostatic load remained stable over time. These results provide evidence for a more nuanced understanding of the role of negative emotions in long-term physical health.

U2 - 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.07.001

DO - 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.07.001

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 25051528

SN - 0306-4530

VL - 49

SP - 54

EP - 61

JO - Psychoneuroendocrinology

JF - Psychoneuroendocrinology

ER -