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Published on: October 22, 2014
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Affect variability and inflammatory markers in midlife adults.
Dusti R Jones1, Joshua M Smyth1, Christopher G Engeland1
1Department of Biobehavioral Health.
Summary
Affect variability relates to inflammation differently based on a person's typical mood. Moderate negative affect variability may lower C-reactive protein, while high positive affect variability is linked to inflammation in those with high positive affect.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Higher affect variability is linked to poorer health outcomes.
- The relationship between affect variability and inflammation requires further investigation.
- Existing theories include stability theory and fragile positive affect theory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between affect variability and inflammation.
- To determine if these associations are linear or nonlinear.
- To explore if person-mean affect moderates these relationships.
Main Methods:
- A racially diverse sample (N=231) aged 25-65 participated.
- Ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) measured affect 5 times daily for 2 weeks.
- Circulating inflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and affect variability were assessed.
Main Results:
- Moderate negative affect (NA) variability was linked to lower CRP levels.
- Positive affect (PA) variability was positively associated with inflammatory cytokines in individuals with high average PA.
- High and low affect variability were associated with inflammation in individuals with high average positive and negative affect.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the fragile affect theory.
- The association between affect variability and inflammation is moderated by person-mean affect.
- Individual differences in affect patterns influence health indicators.
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