Higher levels of psychosocial variables (sense of control, purpose in life, social support) predicted lower inflammation (β = -0.12; 95% CI -0.22 to -0.02; p=0.016) and fewer chronic conditions.
Cohort (n=1,244)
Do higher levels of psychosocial variables (sense of control, purpose in life, social support) reduce inflammation and improve functional health and chronic conditions in adults?
Adaptive psychosocial beliefs and supportive relationships are associated with lower chronic inflammation, better functional health, and fewer chronic conditions in adulthood.
Effect estimate: β -0.12 (95% CI -0.22 to -0.02)
p-value: p=0.016
OBJECTIVE: Three psychosocial variables were examined as predictors of chronic inflammation, functional health, and number of chronic conditions. METHODS: This cohort study used the Midlife in the United States biomarker sample. Data were collected in 2004-2009 (M2) and 2013-17 (M3). The sample included 1244 adults ages 34 to 82 (M = 54.50, SD = 11.7), with 57 % women, 79 % white, and education from 6 to 20 years (M = 14.47, SD = 2.65). Sense of control, purpose in life, and social support were included as indicators of a psychosocial latent factor. Inflammation was measured with Interleukin-6, C-reactive Protein, E-Selectin, Fibrinogen, and Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1. Covariates included age, sex, education, race, and household income. Functional health and chronic conditions were assessed M = 9.27 (SD = 0.78) years after the psychosocial variables and M = 7.06, (SD = 1.47) years after inflammation. RESULTS: Using a structural equation model and controlling for covariates, higher levels on the psychosocial variables predicted lower inflammation (β = -0.12, 95 % CI -0.22 to -0.02; p = .016), better functional health (β = 0.25, 95 % CI 0.18 to 0.32; p < .001), and fewer chronic conditions (β = -0.22, 95 % CI -0.30 to -0.15; p < .001), with inflammation a mediator (indirect effects: functional health, β = 0.03, 95 % CI 0.00 to 0.05, p = .020 and chronic conditions, β = -0.02, 95 % CI -0.03 to -0.00, p = .036). CONCLUSIONS: Adaptive psychosocial beliefs and supportive relationships are important as they can provide motivation for engaging in health-promoting behaviors and can reduce stress that can lead to chronic inflammation and poor health. The results can inform a psychosocial prescription for health.
Lachman et al. (2024) conducted a cohort in General adults (n=1,244). Psychosocial variables (sense of control, purpose in life, and social support) was evaluated on Inflammation (β -0.12, 95% CI -0.22 to -0.02, p=0.016). Higher levels of psychosocial variables (sense of control, purpose in life, social support) predicted lower inflammation (β = -0.12; 95% CI -0.22 to -0.02; p=0.016) and fewer chronic conditions.