A conceptual framework of stress vulnerability, depression, and health outcomes in women: potential uses in research on complementary therapies for depression

Patricia A Kinser,Debra E Lyon

doi:10.1002/brb3.249

Patricia A Kinser, Debra E Lyon

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.249

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Abstract

BackgroundDepression is a chronic mental health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is well-established that psychological stress plays an integral role in depression and that depression has numerous negative health outcomes. However, a closer look at components of stress vulnerabilities and depression is required to allow for the development and testing of appropriate interventions.Aims and DiscussionThis article describes a conceptual framework about the complex and bidirectional relationship between stress vulnerability, depression, and health outcomes in women. The authors elucidate how the framework can be applied in clinical research about cellular aging and on the mechanisms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for depression, using yoga as an example of a CAM modality.ConclusionThe proposed conceptual framework may be helpful for adding depth to the body of knowledge about the use of mind-body therapies for individuals at high risk of stress vulnerability and/or depression.

Highlights

Depression is a leading cause of disability and disease burden worldwide and in the United States, affecting millions of individuals worldwide, women
Research is promising about nonpharmacologic complementary therapies such as yoga for depression, we suggest that use of the proposed conceptual framework may be helpful for adding depth to the body of knowledge about the use of adjunctive therapies for women with depression
Without the availability and use of biopsychosocial resources, long-term exposure to the chronic stress of depression and/or repeated episodic life stressors can overload one’s coping capacity; this may place an individual in a continuous cycle of stress response with negative affect states which can decrease quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality (McEwen 2000, 2007; McEwen and Lasley 2003; Luyten et al 2006; Clark et al 2007; Taylor et al 2010)

Summary

Introduction

Depression is a leading cause of disability and disease burden worldwide and in the United States, affecting millions of individuals worldwide, women. Without the availability and use of biopsychosocial resources, long-term exposure to the chronic stress of depression and/or repeated episodic life stressors can overload one’s coping capacity; this may place an individual in a continuous cycle of stress response with negative affect states which can decrease quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality (McEwen 2000, 2007; McEwen and Lasley 2003; Luyten et al 2006; Clark et al 2007; Taylor et al 2010).

Results

Conclusion