title: Effects of chewing gum on stress and health: a replication and investigation of dose-response.
abstract: Research suggests that chewing gum may be associated with reduced stress, depression and a reduced likelihood of having high cholesterol and blood pressure. The present study aimed to replicate these findings and extend them by examining dose-response. A web-based survey was completed by a sample of 388 workers from public sector organisations (68.5% female; mean age: 42 years, range 17-64 years). The results showed that chewing gum was associated in a linear dose-response manner with lower levels of perceived stress (both at work and life in general), anxiety and depression. Occasional gum chewers also reported a reduced risk of high cholesterol and blood pressure. Intervention studies are now required to extend these findings, and the mechanisms underlying the effects reported here need further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, 63 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AS, UK. smithap@cardiff.ac.uk
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002638:Chewing Gum / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002638:Chewing Gum