Social relationships and negative emotional traits are associated with central adiposity and arterial stiffness in healthy adolescents.

Abstract

Objective We examined the role of social relationships and negative emotional traits in the development of central adiposity and arterial stiffness in healthy adolescents. Design A prospective, longitudinal study examined 213 black and white adolescents (50% black, 51% female); 160 returned for a second assessment approximately 3 years later. Main Outcome Measures Psychosocial variables at both assessments were measured with the Measurement of Attachment Qualities, Social Relationships Index (study entry only), Spielberger Trait Anger and Anxiety, and the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale. Central adiposity was assessed by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) at both assessments and arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV) at the second assessment only. Results Linear regression models controlled for demographic variables and body mass index showed that adolescents with less Supportive Relationships (β = −.121, p = .05) and higher Trait Anger (β = .117, p = .05) had increased WHR over time, adjusted for initial WHR. Those with higher Attachment Anxiety (β = .211, p = .01) and Total Hostility (β = .234, p < .01) had greater PWV. Psychosocial associations for PWV were more apparent among blacks. Conclusion Psychosocial variables may be important in the development of central adiposity and arterial stiffness in adolescence.

Personality and metabolic syndrome

“…Indeed, during daily activities, angry and hostile individuals have heightened cardiovascular and neuroendocrine reactivity, such as increased blood pressure (Polk et al 2002) and cortisol excretion (Pope and Smith 1991), and, once stressed, they are not easily soothed by close others (Lepore 1995). Even as early as adolescence, trait anger and hostility are associated with greater central adiposity and arterial stiffness (Midei and Matthews 2009). Over time, these physiological factors are likely compounded, ultimately leading to greater metabolic risk by middle age.…”

Early physiological markers of cardiovascular risk in community based adolescents with a depressive disorder

“…Several studies have reported a positive association between CVD risk factors such as high BP and arterial stiffness and psychological factors such as hostility, anxiety and early life stress in adolescents (Chumaeva et al, 2010;Matthews et al, 1997;Mezzacappa et al, 1997;Midei and Matthews, 2009;Monk, 2001). However, to our knowledge, only a small number of studies have considered the association between depressive symptoms and risk factors for CVD in adolescents (Osika et al, 2011;Tomfohr et al, 2008;Tomfohr et al, 2011).…”

The Integrated Attachment and Sexual Minority Stress Model: Understanding the Role of Adult Attachment in the Health and Well-Being of Sexual Minority Men

“…In terms of adolescence, one study found that more attachment anxiety was marginally associated with increases in body fat over a 3-year period. 45 …”