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Does well-being associate with stress physiology? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Caitlin M DuPont1, Trevor M Weis1, Stephen B Manuck1
1Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh.
Summary
Hedonic well-being, not optimism, may buffer psychological stress effects by enhancing physiological recovery. This meta-analysis examined well-being and stressor-evoked physiological responses in adults.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychophysiology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Trait well-being indicators are explored for their role in physiological responses to stress.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for stress-related disease risk and psychological interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze the association between trait well-being indicators and physiological reactivity and recovery following acute laboratory stressors in healthy adults.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across Medline, PsycINFO, and PubMed.
- Included studies measured cardiovascular or neuroendocrine physiology during/after laboratory stress paradigms in healthy adults.
- Physiological markers included cardiac, hemodynamic, HPA axis (cortisol), and autonomic responses; 27 studies (n=3,390) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Optimism was linked to increased cardiac reactivity to cognitive stressors but not stress recovery.
- Hedonic well-being was associated with improved hemodynamic recovery post-stress but not reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Hedonic well-being, unlike optimism, may mitigate stress impacts by promoting fuller physiological recovery.
- Further research into mechanisms can inform interventions for well-being and reduce stress-related disease.
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