The Experts below are selected from a list of 258 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
David A Sbarra - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
contact with an ex partner is associated with psychological distress after Marital Separation
Clinical psychological science, 2020Co-Authors: Karey L Ohara, Allison Mary Tackman, Matthias R Mehl, Austin M Grinberg, David A SbarraAbstract:In this study, we examined the association between naturalistically observed in-person contact with an ex-partner and Separation-related psychological distress (SRPD). One hundred twenty-two recent...
-
dna methylation across the serotonin transporter gene following Marital Separation a pilot study
Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: David A Sbarra, Chelsea C Cook, Karen Hasselmo, Muhammad S Noon, Matthias R MehlAbstract:BACKGROUND Marital Separation and divorce are stressful life transitions associated with increased risk for a range of poor mental and physical health outcomes. A key task for research in this area is to identify individual differences that may index risk for these adverse outcomes. PURPOSE To examine the association between DNA methylation across the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and self-reported emotional distress following Marital Separation. METHODS Genomic DNA methylation (from buffy coat fractions of whole blood) was quantified in a sample of 47 adults following a recent Marital Separation; concurrent with the blood draw, participants completed questionnaires on their psychological adjustment to the Separation experience. RESULTS Relatively greater methylation of SLC6A4 was associated with less subjective Separation-related psychological distress, and this association held after accounting for participants' age, length of the relationship, time since the Separation, and SLC6A4 genotype, b = -211.99, SE = 94.91, p = .03, 95% CI: -402.22, -25.21. Significantly stronger negative associations were observed between methylation and psychological adjustment among participants who had more recently separated from their former partner. CONCLUSIONS Although results derived from small samples must be considered preliminary and hypothesis generating, the current study raises new questions about the role of DNA methylation and psychosocial adaptation to stressful life events such as divorce, and the findings can inform future studies in this research area.
-
after the end linguistic predictors of psychological distress 4 years after Marital Separation
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2019Co-Authors: Kyle J Bourassa, Karen Hasselmo, David A SbarraAbstract:Divorce is a stressful life event that is associated with increased risk for poor mental and physical health. A key goal for research in this area is to understand individual differences in who far...
-
smoking and physical activity explain the increased mortality risk following Marital Separation and divorce evidence from the english longitudinal study of ageing
Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: Kyle J Bourassa, John M Ruiz, David A SbarraAbstract:Background Marital Separation and divorce are associated with an increased risk of early mortality, but the specific biobehavioral pathways that explain this association remain largely unknown. Purpose This study sought to identify the putative psychological, behavioral, and biomarker variables that can help explain the association of being separated or divorced and increased risk for early mortality. Methods Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a representative community sample of aging adults (N = 5,786), we examined the association of Marital status and life satisfaction, health behaviors measured 2 years later, biomarkers measured 4 years later, and mortality outcomes from the subsequent 4 years. Results Consistent with prior literature, older adults who were separated/divorced evidenced greater risk of mortality relative to those in intact marriages over the study period, OR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.15, 1.86]. Marital status was associated with lower levels of life satisfaction, β = -0.22 [-0.25, -0.19] and greater likelihood of smoking 2 years later β = 0.17 [0.13, 0.21]. Lower life satisfaction predicted less frequent physical activity 2 years later, β = 0.07 [0.03, 0.10]. Smoking, but not physical activity, predicted poorer lung functioning 2 years later, β = -0.43 [-0.51, -0.35], and poorer lung function predicted increased likelihood of mortality over the following 4 years, β = -0.15 [-0.27, -0.03]. There was a significant total indirect effect of Marital status on mortality through these psychological, behavioral, and biomarker variables, β = 0.03 [0.01, 0.05], which fully explained this mortality risk. Conclusions For separated/divorced adults, differences in life satisfaction predict health behaviors associated with poorer long-term lung function, and these intermediate variables help explain the association between Marital dissolution and increased risk of earlier mortality.
-
preliminary evidence of attenuated blood pressure reactivity to acute stress in adults following a recent Marital Separation
Psychology & Health, 2018Co-Authors: Austin M Grinberg, Karey L Ohara, David A SbarraAbstract:Objective: This study explores cardiovascular reactivity during an acute-stress task in a sample of recently separated adults.Design: In a cross-sectional design, we examined the association between adults’ subjective Separation-related distress and changes in heart rate and blood pressure across the acute-stress laboratory paradigm in a sample of 133 (n = 49 men) recently separated adults.Main outcome measures: Heart rate (HR) and Blood pressure (BP) were recorded across a resting baseline period, a math stressor task, and a recovery period.Results: Multilevel analyses revealed that adults who reported greater Separation-related distress exhibited higher initial BP and a slower linear increase in BP across the study period. In addition, adults reporting greater Separation-related distress evidenced significantly slower declines in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) following the acute-stress task. HR reactivity was not moderated by Separation-related distress.Conclusions: In recently separated adults, prelim...
Karen Hasselmo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
dna methylation across the serotonin transporter gene following Marital Separation a pilot study
Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: David A Sbarra, Chelsea C Cook, Karen Hasselmo, Muhammad S Noon, Matthias R MehlAbstract:BACKGROUND Marital Separation and divorce are stressful life transitions associated with increased risk for a range of poor mental and physical health outcomes. A key task for research in this area is to identify individual differences that may index risk for these adverse outcomes. PURPOSE To examine the association between DNA methylation across the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and self-reported emotional distress following Marital Separation. METHODS Genomic DNA methylation (from buffy coat fractions of whole blood) was quantified in a sample of 47 adults following a recent Marital Separation; concurrent with the blood draw, participants completed questionnaires on their psychological adjustment to the Separation experience. RESULTS Relatively greater methylation of SLC6A4 was associated with less subjective Separation-related psychological distress, and this association held after accounting for participants' age, length of the relationship, time since the Separation, and SLC6A4 genotype, b = -211.99, SE = 94.91, p = .03, 95% CI: -402.22, -25.21. Significantly stronger negative associations were observed between methylation and psychological adjustment among participants who had more recently separated from their former partner. CONCLUSIONS Although results derived from small samples must be considered preliminary and hypothesis generating, the current study raises new questions about the role of DNA methylation and psychosocial adaptation to stressful life events such as divorce, and the findings can inform future studies in this research area.
-
after the end linguistic predictors of psychological distress 4 years after Marital Separation
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2019Co-Authors: Kyle J Bourassa, Karen Hasselmo, David A SbarraAbstract:Divorce is a stressful life event that is associated with increased risk for poor mental and physical health. A key goal for research in this area is to understand individual differences in who far...
-
objectively measured social integration is associated with an immune risk phenotype following Marital Separation
Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 2018Co-Authors: Karen Hasselmo, Matthias R Mehl, Allison Mary Tackman, Angela L Carey, Anne M Wertheimer, Raymond P Stowe, David A SbarraAbstract:Background Close relationships play an integral role in human development, and robust evidence links Marital Separation and divorce to poor health outcomes. Social integration may play a key role in this association. In many ways, the study of Marital Separation and divorce provides an ideal model system for a more complete understanding of the association between life stress and physical health. Purpose The current study investigated associations among objectively measured social integration, psychological distress, and biomarkers of immune health in recently separated adults (N = 49). Methods We collected four measures of immune functioning-interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and antibody titers to latent cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus-that were combined to yield a viral-Immune Risk Profile. To assess how variability in social integration is associated with immunological correlates following the end of a marriage, we incorporated observational ecological momentary assessment data using a novel methodology (the Electronically Activated Recorder). Results We found that objectively measured social behaviors are associated with concurrent viral-Immune Risk Profile scores over and above the effects of psychological distress and that psychological distress may be linked to biomarkers of immune health through social integration. Conclusions This research expands current knowledge of biomarkers of immune health after divorce and Separation and includes a new methodology for objective measures of social engagement.
-
psychological distress following Marital Separation interacts with a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene to predict cardiac vagal control in the laboratory
Psychophysiology, 2015Co-Authors: Karen Hasselmo, David A Sbarra, Mary Frances Oconnor, Francisco A MorenoAbstract:Marital Separation is linked to negative mental and physical health; however, the strength of this link may vary across people. This study examined changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), used to assess cardiac vagal control, in recently separated adults (N = 79; M time since Separation = 3.5 months). When reflecting on the Separation, self-reported psychological distress following the Separation interacted with a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and a relevant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs25531, to predict RSA. Among people reporting emotional difficulties after the Separation, those who were homozygous for the short allele had lower RSA levels while reflecting on their relationship than other genotypes. The findings, although limited by the relatively small sample size, are discussed in terms of how higher-sensitivity genotypes may interact with psychological responses to stress to alter physiology.
-
psychological distress following Marital Separation interacts with a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene to predict cardiac vagal control in the laboratory
Psychophysiology, 2015Co-Authors: Karen Hasselmo, David A Sbarra, Mary Frances Oconnor, Francisco A MorenoAbstract:Marital Separation and divorce are linked to a variety of negative physical health outcomes, including increased risk for all-cause mortality (Sbarra, Law, and Portley, 2011). The psychological stress of divorce, if chronic, can exert wear-and-tear on physiological regulatory systems that ultimately increase risk for cardiovascular and other morbidities (cf. McEwen, 1998; Sbarra, Hasselmo, & Nojopranoto, 2012; Stein & Kleiger, 1999; Treiber et al., 2003). As with many other negative life events, individual differences in the propensity toward poor emotion regulation in the face of stress are correlated with a range of negative outcomes following Marital Separation (e.g. Mason & Sbarra, 2012), including physiological responses that are health-relevant. For example, recently separated men who reported emotional difficulty thinking about their relationship history evidenced the greatest blood pressure reactivity when asked to do so (Sbarra, Law, Lee & Mason, 2009). Given that individual differences play a large role in shaping how people respond to stressful life events, including the end of marriage, it is notable that no studies have examined whether specific candidate genes are associated with psychological and physiological responses to Marital Separation. In the current study, we investigate whether variability in a polymorphism of the promoter region (5-HTT linked polymorphic region or 5-HTTLPR) of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) is associated with Separation-related psychological distress and heart rate variability (HRV) during a laboratory analogue task. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), the natural logarithm of the variance of the heart period within the frequency bandpass associated with respiration, is a frequently used measure of parasympathetic vagal influences on the heart (Beauchaine, 2001; Berntson et al., 1997; Berntson, Cacioppo, & Quigley, 1993; Porges, 1995). The vagus nerve has connections to the heart via the sino-atrial node and provides inhibitory control of the myocardium, moderates RSA withdrawal during tasks requiring attention and emotion, and may prepare the body to free metabolic resources for sympathetically-driven coping responses (Frazier, Strauss, & Steinhauer, 2004; Movius & Allen, 2005; Rottenberg, Salomon, Gross, & Gotlib, 2005). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is directly linked with vagal control through heart rate variability (HRV; Thayer and Lane, 2005) and low RSA is predictive of greater CVD risk, symptom severity, and increased mortality (Hayano et al., 1991; Kleiger, Miller, Bigger, & Moss, 1987). Furthermore, context inappropriate changes in RSA are thought to index poor self-regulation (Porges, 1995, 1997) and are linked to a range of psychiatric disorders and comorbidities (Austin, Riniolo, & Porges, 2007; Beauchaine, 2001, Rottenberg et al., 2005; Thayer, Friedman, & Borkovec, 1996). Although research examining genetic moderators of health is not without controversy (owed largely to issues of statistical power in small samples, see Dick et al., in press), a relatively consistent finding is that the polymorphic region of the 5-HTT gene plays an important role in shaping emotional responsivity to stress (Caspi et al., 2003; Karg, Burmeister, Shedden, & Sen, 2011; Vrshek-Schallhorn et al., 2013). A polymorphism in 5-HTTLPR yields lower transcription of the serotonin transporter gene, SERT, resulting in differential availability and regulation of serotonin. This is caused by an insertion/deletion (ins/del), which results in 14 copies (the “short” or S allele), 16 copies (the “long” or L allele) or more (the “extra long” or XL allele) of a repeat sequence of base pairs (Ehli, Hu, Lengyel-Nelson, Hudziak, & Davies, 2012; Lesch et al., 1996; Praschak-Rieder et al., 2007). The S variant shows decreases in serotonin transcription and reuptake (Lesch at al., 1996), and reduced serotonergic activity is associated with decreased functionality of the parasympathetic nervous system (Williams, 1994). Many studies examine the association between life stress, genotype, and mental health outcomes (e.g., Jenness, Hankin, Abela, Young & Smolen, 2011; Karg et al., 2011; Vrshek-Schallhorn et al., 2013), but a smaller body focuses on the genetics of cardiovascular responding. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism explains about 5% of the variance in resting RSA, with carriers of the S allele (SS, SL) having lower resting vagal tone than homozygous carriers of the L allele (LL; Ellis, Beevers, Hixon & McGeary, 2011). This finding may be limited by its exclusive focus on the ins/del polymorphism. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs25531, is embedded within the long allele of the gene and alters its transcription in an important way (Hu et al., 2006; Nakamura, Ueno, Sano, & Tanabe, 2000). Substitution of guanine for the adenine (A → G) found here results in a binding site for a transcription factor that decreases the transcription of the gene, reducing the output of the LG allele to equal that of the S allele (Hu et al., 2006; Nakamura et al., 2000). This renders the locus triallelic, and including the SNP alters the distribution of the low and high transcription groups (Vulturar, Chis, Ungureanu, & Miu, 2012). It appears that the triallelic genotype provides a more conservative estimate of effects associated with variability at these loci. In addition to the presence of this SNP, another complicating factor within the nascent genetic literature of HRV is that it is largely focused on main effects between genotype and vagal tone. In contrast, the psychological literature stresses gene by environment (GXE) interactions in which the effect of a past or present stressor on a health outcome is potentiated by genotype. In terms of physiological functioning, there is also reason to believe that any GXE interactions would exert their effects on task-relevant, cardiac vagal reactivity rather than resting vagal tone. This perspective is consistent with Coan, Allen, and McKnight's (2006) capability model of physiological responding, which posits that physiological responses associated with trait-level propensities are best evoked during state manipulations designed to assess the emotional system in question. Examining individual differences in frontal EEG asymmetry at rest and during an emotionally challenging task, Coan et al. (2006) found more prominent individual differences during the challenge task than while at rest; this finding serves as the foundation for their capability model, which posits that challenge tasks increase variability in outcomes of interest and make task engagement ideal for the study of individual differences. The current study applies this logic to investigate cardiac vagal tone at rest and while participants reflect over their relationship history and recent Separation. The research reported here combines the different lines of research reviewed above to examine if triallelic variability in 5-HTTLPR genotype moderates the association between Separation-related psychological distress and changes in RSA while participants think about their Separation experience. Participants in this study were grouped into (1) homozygous carriers of the short variant (S′, or short variant equivalent using a triallelic specification, LG) of the SERT gene; (2) those who were homozygous carriers of the long variant (LA); and, (3) those who were heterozygous for a short variant and a long variant (S′LA or LGLA). Given that Marital Separation and divorce are among life's most stressful events, but that only a subset of people appear to be at risk for poor outcomes (Sbarra et al., 2012), we have chosen to align our hypotheses most squarely with the GXE life stress literature (see Caspi et al., 2003). From this perspective and that of the capability model (Coan et al., 2006), we hypothesized that adults reporting high Separation-related psychological distress would evidence the greatest vagal withdrawal to our laboratory-analog task when they are also homozygous for the low-expressing alleles of triallelic 5-HTTLPR (i.e., S′S′, LGLG, S′LG).
Matthias R Mehl - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
contact with an ex partner is associated with psychological distress after Marital Separation
Clinical psychological science, 2020Co-Authors: Karey L Ohara, Allison Mary Tackman, Matthias R Mehl, Austin M Grinberg, David A SbarraAbstract:In this study, we examined the association between naturalistically observed in-person contact with an ex-partner and Separation-related psychological distress (SRPD). One hundred twenty-two recent...
-
dna methylation across the serotonin transporter gene following Marital Separation a pilot study
Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: David A Sbarra, Chelsea C Cook, Karen Hasselmo, Muhammad S Noon, Matthias R MehlAbstract:BACKGROUND Marital Separation and divorce are stressful life transitions associated with increased risk for a range of poor mental and physical health outcomes. A key task for research in this area is to identify individual differences that may index risk for these adverse outcomes. PURPOSE To examine the association between DNA methylation across the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and self-reported emotional distress following Marital Separation. METHODS Genomic DNA methylation (from buffy coat fractions of whole blood) was quantified in a sample of 47 adults following a recent Marital Separation; concurrent with the blood draw, participants completed questionnaires on their psychological adjustment to the Separation experience. RESULTS Relatively greater methylation of SLC6A4 was associated with less subjective Separation-related psychological distress, and this association held after accounting for participants' age, length of the relationship, time since the Separation, and SLC6A4 genotype, b = -211.99, SE = 94.91, p = .03, 95% CI: -402.22, -25.21. Significantly stronger negative associations were observed between methylation and psychological adjustment among participants who had more recently separated from their former partner. CONCLUSIONS Although results derived from small samples must be considered preliminary and hypothesis generating, the current study raises new questions about the role of DNA methylation and psychosocial adaptation to stressful life events such as divorce, and the findings can inform future studies in this research area.
-
objectively measured social integration is associated with an immune risk phenotype following Marital Separation
Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 2018Co-Authors: Karen Hasselmo, Matthias R Mehl, Allison Mary Tackman, Angela L Carey, Anne M Wertheimer, Raymond P Stowe, David A SbarraAbstract:Background Close relationships play an integral role in human development, and robust evidence links Marital Separation and divorce to poor health outcomes. Social integration may play a key role in this association. In many ways, the study of Marital Separation and divorce provides an ideal model system for a more complete understanding of the association between life stress and physical health. Purpose The current study investigated associations among objectively measured social integration, psychological distress, and biomarkers of immune health in recently separated adults (N = 49). Methods We collected four measures of immune functioning-interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and antibody titers to latent cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus-that were combined to yield a viral-Immune Risk Profile. To assess how variability in social integration is associated with immunological correlates following the end of a marriage, we incorporated observational ecological momentary assessment data using a novel methodology (the Electronically Activated Recorder). Results We found that objectively measured social behaviors are associated with concurrent viral-Immune Risk Profile scores over and above the effects of psychological distress and that psychological distress may be linked to biomarkers of immune health through social integration. Conclusions This research expands current knowledge of biomarkers of immune health after divorce and Separation and includes a new methodology for objective measures of social engagement.
-
impact of narrative expressive writing on heart rate heart rate variability and blood pressure after Marital Separation
Psychosomatic Medicine, 2017Co-Authors: Kyle J Bourassa, Matthias R Mehl, John J B Allen, David A SbarraAbstract:OBJECTIVE Divorce is a common stressor that is associated with increased risk for poor long-term physical and mental health. Using an experimental design, the current study examined the impact of expressive writing (EW) on average heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV), and blood pressure (BP) 7.5 months later. METHODS Participants from a community sample of recently separated adults (N = 109) were assigned to one of three conditions: traditional EW, narrative EW, or a control writing condition, and were assessed three times for an average of 7.5 months. Each study visit included 27 minutes of physiological assessment; the primary outcomes at each assessment were mean-level HR, HRV, BP scores averaged across six different tasks. RESULTS Participants in the traditional EW condition did not significantly differ from control participants in their later HR, HRV, or BP. However, relative to control participants, those in the narrative EW condition had significantly lower HR (B = -3.41, 95% confidence interval = -5.76 to -1.06, p = .004) and higher HRV 7.5 months later (B = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = 0.16 to 0.74, p = .001). When comparing narrative EW participants to those in the traditional EW and control writing as a single group, these effects remained and were moderately sized, Cohen d values of -0.61 and 0.60, respectively, and durable across all task conditions when analyzed in independent models. The writing condition groups did not differ in their later BP. CONCLUSIONS Narrative EW decreased HR and increased HRV after Marital Separation but did not affect BP. We discuss the possible disconnect between psychology and physiology in response to EW, as well as possible future clinical applications after Marital Separation.
-
tell me a story the creation of narrative as a mechanism of psychological recovery following Marital Separation
Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2017Co-Authors: Kyle J Bourassa, Matthias R Mehl, Adriel Boals, Atina Manvelian, David A SbarraAbstract:Divorce is a common stressor that is associated with increased risk for poor mental health. This study examined the creation of narrative as a psychological mechanism explaining the link between psychological overinvolvement and psychological distress in a sample of recently separated adults (N = 109). Prior analyses of this sample found iatrogenic effects of expressive writing (EW) on psychological distress among people reporting high levels of rumination. In this reanalysis, however, we tested whether narrative creation explained the association between individual differences in psychological overinvolvement and psychological distress, measured by a composite of depressive symptoms and divorce-related distress, 7.5 months later. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions: traditional EW, narrative EW, or a control condition. Participants’ psychological overinvolvement was assessed using a composite of three different methodologies: self-report, language use, and independently coded scores. Lo...
Francisco A Moreno - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
psychological distress following Marital Separation interacts with a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene to predict cardiac vagal control in the laboratory
Psychophysiology, 2015Co-Authors: Karen Hasselmo, David A Sbarra, Mary Frances Oconnor, Francisco A MorenoAbstract:Marital Separation is linked to negative mental and physical health; however, the strength of this link may vary across people. This study examined changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), used to assess cardiac vagal control, in recently separated adults (N = 79; M time since Separation = 3.5 months). When reflecting on the Separation, self-reported psychological distress following the Separation interacted with a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and a relevant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs25531, to predict RSA. Among people reporting emotional difficulties after the Separation, those who were homozygous for the short allele had lower RSA levels while reflecting on their relationship than other genotypes. The findings, although limited by the relatively small sample size, are discussed in terms of how higher-sensitivity genotypes may interact with psychological responses to stress to alter physiology.
-
psychological distress following Marital Separation interacts with a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene to predict cardiac vagal control in the laboratory
Psychophysiology, 2015Co-Authors: Karen Hasselmo, David A Sbarra, Mary Frances Oconnor, Francisco A MorenoAbstract:Marital Separation and divorce are linked to a variety of negative physical health outcomes, including increased risk for all-cause mortality (Sbarra, Law, and Portley, 2011). The psychological stress of divorce, if chronic, can exert wear-and-tear on physiological regulatory systems that ultimately increase risk for cardiovascular and other morbidities (cf. McEwen, 1998; Sbarra, Hasselmo, & Nojopranoto, 2012; Stein & Kleiger, 1999; Treiber et al., 2003). As with many other negative life events, individual differences in the propensity toward poor emotion regulation in the face of stress are correlated with a range of negative outcomes following Marital Separation (e.g. Mason & Sbarra, 2012), including physiological responses that are health-relevant. For example, recently separated men who reported emotional difficulty thinking about their relationship history evidenced the greatest blood pressure reactivity when asked to do so (Sbarra, Law, Lee & Mason, 2009). Given that individual differences play a large role in shaping how people respond to stressful life events, including the end of marriage, it is notable that no studies have examined whether specific candidate genes are associated with psychological and physiological responses to Marital Separation. In the current study, we investigate whether variability in a polymorphism of the promoter region (5-HTT linked polymorphic region or 5-HTTLPR) of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) is associated with Separation-related psychological distress and heart rate variability (HRV) during a laboratory analogue task. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), the natural logarithm of the variance of the heart period within the frequency bandpass associated with respiration, is a frequently used measure of parasympathetic vagal influences on the heart (Beauchaine, 2001; Berntson et al., 1997; Berntson, Cacioppo, & Quigley, 1993; Porges, 1995). The vagus nerve has connections to the heart via the sino-atrial node and provides inhibitory control of the myocardium, moderates RSA withdrawal during tasks requiring attention and emotion, and may prepare the body to free metabolic resources for sympathetically-driven coping responses (Frazier, Strauss, & Steinhauer, 2004; Movius & Allen, 2005; Rottenberg, Salomon, Gross, & Gotlib, 2005). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is directly linked with vagal control through heart rate variability (HRV; Thayer and Lane, 2005) and low RSA is predictive of greater CVD risk, symptom severity, and increased mortality (Hayano et al., 1991; Kleiger, Miller, Bigger, & Moss, 1987). Furthermore, context inappropriate changes in RSA are thought to index poor self-regulation (Porges, 1995, 1997) and are linked to a range of psychiatric disorders and comorbidities (Austin, Riniolo, & Porges, 2007; Beauchaine, 2001, Rottenberg et al., 2005; Thayer, Friedman, & Borkovec, 1996). Although research examining genetic moderators of health is not without controversy (owed largely to issues of statistical power in small samples, see Dick et al., in press), a relatively consistent finding is that the polymorphic region of the 5-HTT gene plays an important role in shaping emotional responsivity to stress (Caspi et al., 2003; Karg, Burmeister, Shedden, & Sen, 2011; Vrshek-Schallhorn et al., 2013). A polymorphism in 5-HTTLPR yields lower transcription of the serotonin transporter gene, SERT, resulting in differential availability and regulation of serotonin. This is caused by an insertion/deletion (ins/del), which results in 14 copies (the “short” or S allele), 16 copies (the “long” or L allele) or more (the “extra long” or XL allele) of a repeat sequence of base pairs (Ehli, Hu, Lengyel-Nelson, Hudziak, & Davies, 2012; Lesch et al., 1996; Praschak-Rieder et al., 2007). The S variant shows decreases in serotonin transcription and reuptake (Lesch at al., 1996), and reduced serotonergic activity is associated with decreased functionality of the parasympathetic nervous system (Williams, 1994). Many studies examine the association between life stress, genotype, and mental health outcomes (e.g., Jenness, Hankin, Abela, Young & Smolen, 2011; Karg et al., 2011; Vrshek-Schallhorn et al., 2013), but a smaller body focuses on the genetics of cardiovascular responding. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism explains about 5% of the variance in resting RSA, with carriers of the S allele (SS, SL) having lower resting vagal tone than homozygous carriers of the L allele (LL; Ellis, Beevers, Hixon & McGeary, 2011). This finding may be limited by its exclusive focus on the ins/del polymorphism. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs25531, is embedded within the long allele of the gene and alters its transcription in an important way (Hu et al., 2006; Nakamura, Ueno, Sano, & Tanabe, 2000). Substitution of guanine for the adenine (A → G) found here results in a binding site for a transcription factor that decreases the transcription of the gene, reducing the output of the LG allele to equal that of the S allele (Hu et al., 2006; Nakamura et al., 2000). This renders the locus triallelic, and including the SNP alters the distribution of the low and high transcription groups (Vulturar, Chis, Ungureanu, & Miu, 2012). It appears that the triallelic genotype provides a more conservative estimate of effects associated with variability at these loci. In addition to the presence of this SNP, another complicating factor within the nascent genetic literature of HRV is that it is largely focused on main effects between genotype and vagal tone. In contrast, the psychological literature stresses gene by environment (GXE) interactions in which the effect of a past or present stressor on a health outcome is potentiated by genotype. In terms of physiological functioning, there is also reason to believe that any GXE interactions would exert their effects on task-relevant, cardiac vagal reactivity rather than resting vagal tone. This perspective is consistent with Coan, Allen, and McKnight's (2006) capability model of physiological responding, which posits that physiological responses associated with trait-level propensities are best evoked during state manipulations designed to assess the emotional system in question. Examining individual differences in frontal EEG asymmetry at rest and during an emotionally challenging task, Coan et al. (2006) found more prominent individual differences during the challenge task than while at rest; this finding serves as the foundation for their capability model, which posits that challenge tasks increase variability in outcomes of interest and make task engagement ideal for the study of individual differences. The current study applies this logic to investigate cardiac vagal tone at rest and while participants reflect over their relationship history and recent Separation. The research reported here combines the different lines of research reviewed above to examine if triallelic variability in 5-HTTLPR genotype moderates the association between Separation-related psychological distress and changes in RSA while participants think about their Separation experience. Participants in this study were grouped into (1) homozygous carriers of the short variant (S′, or short variant equivalent using a triallelic specification, LG) of the SERT gene; (2) those who were homozygous carriers of the long variant (LA); and, (3) those who were heterozygous for a short variant and a long variant (S′LA or LGLA). Given that Marital Separation and divorce are among life's most stressful events, but that only a subset of people appear to be at risk for poor outcomes (Sbarra et al., 2012), we have chosen to align our hypotheses most squarely with the GXE life stress literature (see Caspi et al., 2003). From this perspective and that of the capability model (Coan et al., 2006), we hypothesized that adults reporting high Separation-related psychological distress would evidence the greatest vagal withdrawal to our laboratory-analog task when they are also homozygous for the low-expressing alleles of triallelic 5-HTTLPR (i.e., S′S′, LGLG, S′LG).
Diego De Leo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
fluctuations of suicidality in the aftermath of a Marital Separation 6 month follow up observations
Journal of Affective Disorders, 2012Co-Authors: Kairi Kolves, Naoko Ide, Diego De LeoAbstract:Abstract Background There is a lack of understanding of how the changing nature of the Separation process impacts on suicidality. Aims This paper aims to identify factors contributing to fluctuations in suicidality during the process of Marital/ de facto Separation along a 6-month follow-up. Method Separated persons who had contacted relationship-counselling services, help-line services, and variety of support and self-help groups were asked to participate in the first assessment. A ‘Follow-Up Questionnaire’ was sent 6 months later. Participants were required to be 18 years or older and separated from their married/ de facto partner within the previous 18 months but not yet divorced. Results Overall, in the first assessment, separated females presented lower levels of suicidality than males. During the follow-up suicidality decreased. There were some gender differences in terms of predictors of changes in suicidality. Separated males who showed an increase or stability in suicidality were more affected by stressful experiences such as legal negotiations on obtaining a divorce, feelings of loss and loneliness, loss of social networks and financial difficulties than males who were not suicidal in either assessment. Separated males and females who remained suicidal were more likely to report different mental and physical illnesses. Limitations Relatively low response rates of the follow-up (60%) limited our statistical analyses as some of the groups were too small and did not enable modelling. Conclusions Suicidality decreased, which seems to indicate that individuals adjusted to their new life circumstances. However, persons whose suicidality remained or increased reported more frequently stressful life events, physical and mental illnesses.
-
suicidal ideation and behaviour in the aftermath of Marital Separation gender differences
Journal of Affective Disorders, 2010Co-Authors: Kairi Kolves, Naoko Ide, Diego De LeoAbstract:Abstract Background The limited studies on the consequences of the Separation process on suicidal behaviour seem to indicate that separated people are at increased risk of suicide. Aims The current study aims to compare suicidality immediately after the Separation among males and females, and to analyse possible differences in predictors of serious suicidal ideation. Method Separated males and females who had contacted relationship counselling services, help-line services, and a variety of support and self-help groups were asked to participate in the study. Participants were required to be 18 years old or older, and have separated from their married/de facto partner within the previous 18 months but not yet divorced. For categorial variables odds ratios with 95% CI and for continuing variables t -tests were calculated. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to estimate the independent contribution of significant predictors. Results Separated males ( n = 228) were at an increased risk of developing suicidality during the Separation process compared to separated females ( n = 142), even after adjusting for age, education, employment and children with the separated partner. The psycho-social risk factors identified in the development of serious suicidal ideation were mental health problems (during the previous year), history of suicide attempts and internalised shame. For separated males, significant predictors also included lower education, Separation-related shame and stress from legal negotiations, especially about property/financial issues. Conclusions The findings provide a better understanding of suicidal behaviours in the aftermath of Marital or de facto Separation. This knowledge could be used in the implementation of future suicide prevention strategies in people who are going through the process of a Marital/de facto Separation.
-
Separation as a suicide risk factor
Journal of Affective Disorders, 2009Co-Authors: Marianne Wyder, Patrick Ward, Diego De LeoAbstract:Background: Marital Separation (as distinct from divorce) is rarely researched in the suicidological literature. Studies usually report on the statuses of 'separated' and 'divorced' as a combined category, possibly because demographic registries are not able to identify Separation reliably. However, in most countries divorce only happens once the process of Separation has settled which, in most cases, occurs a long time after the initial break-up. Aim: It has been hypothesised that Separation might carry a far greater risk of suicide than divorce. The present study investigates the impact of Separation on suicide risk by taking into account the effects of age and gender. Methods: The incidence of suicide associated with Marital status, age and gender was determined by comparing the Queensland Suicide Register (a large dataset of all suicides in Queensland from 1994 to 2004) with the QLD population through two different census datasets: the Registered Marital Status and the Social Marital Status. These two registries permit the isolation of the variable 'separated' with great reliability. Results: During the examined period, 6062 persons died by suicide in QLD (an average of 551 cases per year), with males outnumbering females by four to one. For both males and females Separation created a risk of suicide at least 4 times higher than any other Marital status. The risk was particularly high for males aged 15 to 24 (RR 91.62). Conclusions: This study highlights a great variation in the incidence of suicide by Marital status, age and gender, which suggests that these variables should not be studied in isolation. Furthermore, particularly in younger males, Separation appears to be strongly associated with the risk of suicide.