Cynical hostility and the metabolic syndrome: a case-control study
1Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy. paola.gremigni2@unibo.it
Summary
Cynical hostility is linked to metabolic syndrome in Italian adults, independent of other risk factors. This finding suggests psychological interventions may help prevent heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome and hostility are independent risk factors for coronary heart disease.
- Combined effects of metabolic syndrome and hostility predict myocardial infarction.
- This study investigated the association between cynical hostility and metabolic syndrome in Italian adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if cynical hostility is associated with metabolic syndrome.
- To identify predictors of metabolic syndrome in the study population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 992 Italian adults.
- Metabolic syndrome defined by obesity, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and elevated blood pressure.
- Cynicism measured using a self-report questionnaire derived from the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between cynical hostility and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.0001).
- Higher cynicism (OR 1.12), older age (OR 1.39), and lower educational level (OR 1.05) predicted metabolic syndrome.
- Hostility also correlated with age (p < 0.0001) and education (p < 0.02).
Conclusions:
- Cynical hostility is significantly associated with metabolic syndrome.
- Psychological factors like hostility may play a crucial role in coronary heart disease prevention.
- Interventions targeting hostility could be important for cardiovascular health.
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