Daryl R Van Tongeren1, Peter C Hill2, Neal Krause3, Gail H Ironson4, Kenneth I Pargament5. 1. Department of Psychology, Hope College, Science Center, 35 E. 12th Street, Holland, MI, 49422-9000, USA. vantongeren@hope.edu. 2. Biola University, La Mirada, CA, USA. 3. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 4. University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA. 5. Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Stress is a common feature of life and has routinely been linked with negative health outcomes. However, meaning has been identified as a possible buffer against stress. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to examine whether the relationship between stress and health was mediated by meaning in life. METHODS: Drawing from Wave 1 of the Landmark Spirituality and Health Study, a nationally representative sample of adults, participants (N = 1871) reported their level of stress in the past 12 months, current meaning in life, health (measured as minor symptoms, major conditions, and overall health), and provided a blood sample for biomarker of immune system functioning (i.e., presence of Epstein-Barr virus antibodies). RESULTS: Results revealed an indirect effects model in which stress was inversely associated with meaning. Higher meaning was related to better self-reported health (across minor, major, and overall health measures), which, in turn, was associated with better immune system functioning. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that part of the negative effect of stress on health is accounted for by reduced meaning.
BACKGROUND: Stress is a common feature of life and has routinely been linked with negative health outcomes. However, meaning has been identified as a possible buffer against stress. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to examine whether the relationship between stress and health was mediated by meaning in life. METHODS: Drawing from Wave 1 of the Landmark Spirituality and Health Study, a nationally representative sample of adults, participants (N = 1871) reported their level of stress in the past 12 months, current meaning in life, health (measured as minor symptoms, major conditions, and overall health), and provided a blood sample for biomarker of immune system functioning (i.e., presence of Epstein-Barr virus antibodies). RESULTS: Results revealed an indirect effects model in which stress was inversely associated with meaning. Higher meaning was related to better self-reported health (across minor, major, and overall health measures), which, in turn, was associated with better immune system functioning. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that part of the negative effect of stress on health is accounted for by reduced meaning.
Entities:
Keywords:
Health; Immune functioning; Meaning in life; Stress
Authors: Kathleen E Bickel; Cari Levy; Edward R MacPhee; Keri Brenner; Jennifer S Temel; Joanna J Arch; Joseph A Greer Journal: J Pain Symptom Manage Date: 2020-05-21 Impact factor: 3.612
Authors: David F Carreno; Nikolett Eisenbeck; Adolfo J Cangas; José M García-Montes; Laura G Del Vas; Alejandro T María Journal: Int J Clin Health Psychol Date: 2020-02-25
Authors: José Enrique Layrón Folgado; Andrea Conchado Peiró; José H Marco; María Luisa Barrigón; Enrique Baca-García; Sandra Pérez Rodríguez Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2022-03-31 Impact factor: 4.157