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

作者：Dich Nadya^*; Doan Stacey N; Kivimaeki Mika; Kumari Meena; Rod Naja Hulvej

来源：Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2014, 49: 54-61.

DOI：10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.07.001

• Stress
• Negative emotions
• Life events
• Allostatic load

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 overtime. These results provide evidence fora more nuanced understanding of the role of negative emotions in long-term physical health.

• 出版日期2014-11