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Updated: May 28, 2026

Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet

Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet

Published on: January 3, 2017

Key 2010 publications in behavioral medicine.

Laura D Kubzansky¹

¹Department of Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Kresge Building, Room 714, Boston, MA 02115, USA. lkubzans@hsph.harvard.edu

Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

|October 6, 2011

Summary

Positive emotions and resilience protect against coronary heart disease (CHD). New research shows the relaxation response promotes resilience, inducing genomic changes that counter cellular damage and reduce disease risk.

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Last Updated: May 28, 2026

Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet

Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet

Published on: January 3, 2017

Area of Science:

Psychoneuroimmunology
Cardiovascular Disease Research
Genomics and Oxidative Stress

Background:

Established link between negative psychological states (depression, anxiety, anger) and increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Emerging evidence suggests positive emotions and resilience, including self-regulation, may confer protection against CHD.
Need for understanding the underlying biological mechanisms connecting emotion, resilience, and cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of positive emotions and resilience in cardiovascular health.
To investigate the pathophysiological pathways linking psychological factors to CHD risk.
To examine the impact of the relaxation response on resilience and cellular mechanisms relevant to CHD.

Main Methods:

Review of existing research on psychological factors and CHD.
Analysis of emerging studies on positive emotions, resilience, and self-regulation.
Investigation into the genomic and cellular effects of the relaxation response.

Main Results:

Negative emotions are established predictors of incident CHD.
Positive emotions and resilience show protective effects against CHD.
The relaxation response induces genomic alterations that counteract oxidative stress and cellular damage, potentially mediating resilience.

Conclusions:

Psychological factors, both negative and positive, significantly influence CHD risk.
The relaxation response is a key mechanism through which resilience may protect against CHD.
Further research into the genomic effects of relaxation can inform novel CHD prevention strategies.