Positive affect uniquely predicts lower risk of mortality in people with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether positive affect predicts mortality among people with diabetes and among a comparison group of people with no chronic health conditions.


METHODS
Longitudinal cohort study.


METHODS
Mortality.


RESULTS
Positive affect was significantly associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality in people with diabetes (N = 715). Enjoyed life was associated with lower risk of mortality over and above the effects of negative affect or other significant predictors of mortality. In a comparison sample without chronic illness (N = 2,673), positive affect was not associated with mortality. However, when the analysis was restricted to those over the age of 65, specific positive affects, in particular hopeful and enjoyed life were significantly associated with lower risk of mortality, again independent of negative affect. Enjoyed life remained significantly predictive of lower risk of mortality in the older sample when other predictors of mortality were statistically controlled. Positive affect was particularly protective among those over the age of 65 who reported higher levels of stress.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are discussed in light of possible stress-buffering functions of positive affect.
Moskowitz
Judith Tedlie
JT
Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. moskj@ocim.ucsf.edu
Epel
Elissa S
ES
Acree
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000401:mortality* / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States