Divergent associations of antecedent- and response-focused emotion regulation strategies with midlife cardiovascular disease risk

Ann Behav Med. 2014 Oct;48(2):246-55. doi: 10.1007/s12160-014-9600-4.

Abstract

Background: It is not known whether various forms of emotion regulation are differentially related to cardiovascular disease risk.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess whether antecedent and response-focused emotion regulation would have divergent associations with likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.

Methods: Two emotion regulation strategies were examined: reappraisal (antecedent-focused) and suppression (response-focused). Cardiovascular disease risk was assessed with a validated Framingham algorithm that estimates the likelihood of developing CVD in 10 years. Associations were assessed among 373 adults via multiple linear regression. Pathways and gender-specific associations were also considered.

Results: One standard deviation increases in reappraisal and suppression were associated with 5.9 % lower and 10.0 % higher 10-year cardiovascular disease risk, respectively, in adjusted analyses.

Conclusions: Divergent associations of antecedent and response-focused emotion regulation with cardiovascular disease risk were observed. Effective emotion regulation may promote cardiovascular health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / psychology*
  • Emotional Intelligence*
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychological Tests
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors