Effect of social support on stress-related changes in cholesterol level, uric acid level, and immune function in an elderly sample

Abstract

Strong social support systems, which in epidemiologic studies are associated with decreased morbidity and mortality, have been hypothesized to mitigate the harmful effects of stressful stimuli on the individual. The authors found that, among 256 healthy elderly adults, individuals with good social support systems tended to have lower serum cholesterol and uric acid levels and higher indices of immune function; these correlations were independent of age, body mass, tobacco use, alcohol intake, and degree of perceived psychological distress. Thus, social support systems may intervene between the stressful stimulus and the physiologic response to that stimulus.

Psychological pathways linking social support to health outcomes: A visit with the “ghosts” of research past, present, and future

“…In general, the available recent literature provides no evidence that the influence of perceived or received social support on cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and/or immunity is statistically mediated by anxiety, life stress, subjective distress, or depression (Clark, 2003; Cosley et al, 2010; Hilmert et al, 2002; Lutgendorf et al, 2000, Lutgendorf et al, 2005; Marsland et al, 2007; Taylor et al, 2010). As noted earlier, this is not a recent trend (Baron et al, 1990; Kiecolt-Glaser, et al, 1991; Thomas, et al, 1985). …”

“…There were a number of social support studies during this time period in which it was less clear if these psychological factors were viewed as confounds or mechanisms (Kirschbaum et al, 1995; Unden et al, 1991; Linden et al, 1993; Thomas et al, 1985). Nevertheless, none of these studies reported evidence that would be consistent with strong psychological mediation.…”

“…Nevertheless, none of these studies reported evidence that would be consistent with strong psychological mediation. For instance, Thomas et al (1985) examined the links between social support and proliferative responses to mitogens. They found that women high in social support were characterized by a stronger proliferative response (indicative of a better immune response) than women low in social support even when statistically controlling for reported psychological distress.…”

Chronic health disparities among refugee and immigrant children in Canada

“…Many parents and service providers spoke about the stresses associated with integrating into Canadian society, including economic and employment difficulties. Increased stress is a risk factor for elevated cholesterol levels (Thomas et al 1985;Theorell and Akerstedt 1976). Unfortunately, many refugee families have lost their social support network through migration; they are in the process of establishing a new social network in Canada.…”

Life stressors, coping strategies, and social supports in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

“…When the patients feel inadequate social supports, their immune system functions are altered,[ 9 10 11 12 13 ] whereas when feel adequate social supports, they respond better to stressors and their immune system functions are improved. [ 14 15 ] This process is more prominent in patients with IBS because of the inflammatory background of disease.…”