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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
06:15
A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Trait anger, cynical hostility and inflammation in Latinas: variations by anger type?
S Shivpuri1, L C Gallo, P J Mills
1San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. sshivpuri@projects.sdsu.edu
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|May 11, 2011
Summary
Specific anger and hostility link to inflammation, a cardiovascular disease risk factor, in Mexican-American women. Cynical hostility showed a significant association with soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1).
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Psychological factors like anger and hostility are linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- Research on these associations within the Latino population is limited.
- Systemic inflammation, indicated by soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), is a key factor in CVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between anger (trait, temperament, reaction) and cynical hostility with sICAM-1.
- To explore these associations in middle-aged Mexican-American women.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 294 middle-aged Mexican-American women.
- Measured trait anger, anger temperament, anger reaction, and cynical hostility.
- Assessed sICAM-1 levels as a marker of inflammation.
- Controlled for demographic, biological, and behavioral factors.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between trait anger or anger temperament and sICAM-1.
- Anger reaction showed a marginal association with sICAM-1 (p=.06).
- Cynical hostility was significantly associated with sICAM-1 (p=.04), even after covariate adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Specific aspects of anger, particularly cynical hostility, are linked to physiological inflammation markers relevant to CVD risk.
- Findings suggest that psychological distress, like hostility, may influence CVD pathways in this population.
- Cultural context may play a role in these associations.
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