title: Positive affect, social connectedness, and healthy biomarkers in Japan and the U.S.
abstract: Previous studies have shown that positive affect (PA) and social connectedness predict better health in the United States (U.S.). However, the relevance of such findings for other cultural contexts has been largely ignored. The present study investigated the interplay of PA, social connectedness, and health using large probability samples of Japanese and U.S. adults. Health was measured objectively with biomarkers that represent well-functioning physiological systems: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate). Lower levels of both biomarkers (i.e., less healthy biomarker profile) were found among those in Japan who reported high PA in combination with low social connectedness. In the U.S., the general pattern was that those with greater PA showed healthier HDL levels regardless of social connectedness. The findings highlight cultural variations in the health implications of how PA and social connectedness come together. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin.
authors.forename: Jiah
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8528-4035
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin.
authors.forename: Yuri
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Miyamoto
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin.
authors.forename: Carol D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Ryff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology*; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007564:Japan; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate