title: A non-linear association between self-reported negative emotional response to stress and subsequent allostatic load: prospective results from the Whitehall II cohort study.
abstract: 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.
authors: University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Postboks 2099, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address: nadi@sund.ku.dk.
authors: Nadya
authors: N
authors: Dich
authors: Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 64 Cummington Mall, 02215 Boston, MA, USA.
authors: Stacey N
authors: SN
authors: Doan
authors: University College London, Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, 1-19 Torrington Place, WC1E 6BT London, UK.
authors: Mika
authors: M
authors: Kivimäki
authors: Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, CO4 3SQ Colchester, UK.
authors: Meena
authors: M
authors: Kumari
authors: University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Postboks 2099, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: Naja Hulvej
authors: NH
authors: Rod
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D052636:Allostasis / Q000502:physiology*; D015415:Biomarkers; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D057566:Self Report
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: Allostatic load; Life events; Negative emotions; Stress