The psychosocial anti-inflammatories: Sense of control, purpose in life, and social support in relation to inflammation, functional health and chronic conditions in adulthood

Objective

Three psychosocial variables were examined as predictors of chronic inflammation, functional health, and number of chronic conditions.

Methods

This cohort study used the Midlife in the United States biomarker sample. Data were collected in 2004–2009 (M2) and 2013–17 (M3). The sample included 1244 adults ages 34 to 82 (M = 54.50, SD = 11.7), with 57 % women, 79 % white, and education from 6 to 20 years (M = 14.47, SD = 2.65). Sense of control, purpose in life, and social support were included as indicators of a psychosocial latent factor. Inflammation was measured with Interleukin-6, C-reactive Protein, E-Selectin, Fibrinogen, and Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1. Covariates included age, sex, education, race, and household income. Functional health and chronic conditions were assessed M = 9.27 (SD = 0.78) years after the psychosocial variables and M = 7.06, (SD = 1.47) years after inflammation.

Results

Using a structural equation model and controlling for covariates, higher levels on the psychosocial variables predicted lower inflammation (β = −0.12, 95 % CI -0.22 to −0.02; p = .016), better functional health (β = 0.25, 95 % CI 0.18 to 0.32; p < .001), and fewer chronic conditions (β = −0.22, 95 % CI −0.30 to −0.15; p < .001), with inflammation a mediator (indirect effects: functional health, β = 0.03, 95 % CI 0.00 to 0.05, p = .020 and chronic conditions, β = −0.02, 95 % CI -0.03 to −0.00, p = .036).

Conclusions

Adaptive psychosocial beliefs and supportive relationships are important as they can provide motivation for engaging in health-promoting behaviors and can reduce stress that can lead to chronic inflammation and poor health. The results can inform a psychosocial prescription for health.