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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
12:08
Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
Published on: May 22, 2013
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The Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Telomere Length: A Meta-analysis
Nicola S Schutte1, John M Malouff2
1University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia. nschutte@une.edu.au.
Summary
Higher perceived stress is linked to shorter telomere length, a marker of cellular aging. This meta-analysis of eight studies suggests stress may accelerate biological aging, impacting health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Telomeres are protective caps on chromosome ends.
- Short telomere length is a biomarker for aging and associated with poor health and mortality.
- Perceived stress is a significant psychosocial factor influencing health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analytically investigate the relationship between perceived stress and telomere length.
- To identify potential moderators influencing this association.
- To synthesize existing research on stress and cellular aging.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of eight independent studies.
- Inclusion of 1143 participants across studies.
- Calculation of meta-analytic effect size (r = -0.25) to quantify the stress-telomere length association.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant negative correlation (r = -0.25, p < 0.001) was found between perceived stress and telomere length.
- Higher perceived stress was associated with shorter telomere length.
- Moderators, including sex composition of samples, showed significant differences in effect sizes.
Conclusions:
- The findings support theoretical models linking chronic stress to accelerated cellular aging via physiological pathways.
- The association between perceived stress and shorter telomeres suggests a mechanism for stress-related health disparities.
- Limitations include a small number of studies and evidence of publication bias, warranting further investigation.
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