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Trait hostility is associated with systemic inflammation in married couples: an actor-partner analysis
Timothy W Smith1, Bert N Uchino1, Jos A Bosch2
1Department of Psychology, University of Utah, United States.
Biological Psychology
|July 15, 2014
Summary
Hostility is linked to inflammation not just within individuals, but also between partners. This suggests personality traits can impact the health of close social connections.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Trait anger and hostility are established risk factors for coronary heart disease.
- Systemic inflammation, indicated by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), is a potential mediator of this association.
- Previous research identified within-individual links between trait hostility and hsCRP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate the within-individual association between trait hostility and hsCRP.
- To investigate the novel concept of a "partner effect": the association between an individual's trait hostility and their partner's hsCRP.
- To explore the interpersonal inflammatory correlates of hostility in married couples.
Main Methods:
- Study sample comprised 94 middle-aged and older married couples.
- Trait hostility was measured using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire.
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were assessed for both individuals in the couple.
Main Results:
- Replicated the actor effect: trait hostility was significantly associated with an individual's own hsCRP.
- Found a significant partner effect: trait hostility was also associated with the partner's hsCRP.
- These associations remained significant after controlling for potential confounding variables.
Conclusions:
- The inflammatory effects of trait hostility extend beyond the individual to their intimate partner.
- Hostility's impact on systemic inflammation may operate both within individuals and across social dyads.
- Unhealthy personality traits could have broader implications for the health of social networks.
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