Regret intensity, diurnal cortisol secretion, and physical health in older individuals: evidence for directional effects and protective factors.
Two studies were conducted to examine the associations between life regrets and health-relevant variables among older adults. Study 1 explored whether intense experiences of regret would be associated with a health-relevant biological process (i.e., diurnal cortisol secretion) and acute physical problems (N = 183). In Study 2, a group of 103 older adults was followed over a period of 3 months, and changes in cold symptoms and sleep problems were examined. Study 2 incorporated an experimental manipulation, targeted at engaging participants in adaptive social- cognitive processes through writing. The results of Study 1 showed intense life regrets to be associated with a larger volume and a steeper morning rise of cortisol secretion and with higher levels of acute physical symptoms. Study 2 demonstrated that levels of regret intensity generally declined only in the experimental group, whereas certain aspects of regret intensity remained stable in the control group. In addition, the intervention evidenced a beneficial effect on the association between initial regret intensity and increased sleep problems over time.
Wrosch
Carsten
C
Department of Psychology, Centre for Research in Human Development, Concordia University, Montreal, PQ, Canada. carsten.wrosch@concordia.ca
Bauer
Isabelle
I
Miller
Gregory E
GE
Lupien
Sonia
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012463:Saliva; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology*; D014956:Writing
D006854:Hydrocortisone