The relationship between trait hostility and cardiovascular reactivity: a quantitative review and analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• The hostility-reactivity hypothesis suggests hostility increases cardiovascular disease risk via heightened physiological responses.
• Previous research has yielded inconsistent findings regarding hostility's impact on cardiovascular reactivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To meta-analyze existing research on trait hostility and physiological reactivity (blood pressure, heart rate).
• To investigate whether stressor type (provocative vs. nonprovocative) moderates the hostility-reactivity link.

Main Methods:

• Conducted meta-analyses of studies examining trait hostility measures and cardiovascular reactivity.
• Classified laboratory stressors as provocative or nonprovocative based on Trait x Situation interactions.

Main Results:

• High and low hostility scorers generally showed no consistent differences in blood pressure or heart rate reactivity to traditional lab stressors.
• Potential for Hostility-Interpersonal Style predicted exaggerated blood pressure responses to provocative stressors.
• Cook-Medley Hostility Inventory predicted diastolic blood pressure responses to provocative stressors.

Conclusions:

• The hyperreactivity hypothesis may not fully explain the link between hostility and heart disease.
• Future research should focus on interpersonal stressors and explore alternative mechanisms linking hostility to cardiovascular outcomes.