Interaction Of Stressful Life Events Research Articles

No gene by stressful life events interaction on individual differences in adults' self-control.

Difficulty with self-control, or the ability to alter impulses and behavior in a goal-directed way, predicts interpersonal conflict, lower socioeconomic attainments, and more adverse health outcomes. Etiological understanding, and intervention for low self-control is, therefore, a public health goal. A prominent developmental theory proposes that individuals with high genetic propensity for low self-control that are also exposed to stressful environments may be most at-risk of low levels of self-control. Here we examine if polygenic measures associated with behaviors marked by low self-control interact with stressful life events in predicting self-control. Leveraging molecular data from a large population-based Dutch sample (N = 7,090, Mage = 41.2) to test for effects of genetics (i.e., polygenic scores for ADHD and aggression), stressful life events (e.g., traffic accident, violent assault, financial problems), and a gene-by-stress interaction on self-control (measured with the ASEBA Self-Control Scale). Both genetics (β =.03 -.04, p <.001) and stressful life events (β = .11 -.14, p <.001) were associated with individual differences in self-control. We find no evidence of a gene-by-stressful life events interaction on individual differences in adults' self-control. Our findings are consistent with the notion that genetic influences and stressful life events exert largely independent effects on adult self-control. However, the small effect sizes of polygenic scores increases the likelihood of null results. Genetically-informed longitudinal research in large samples can further inform the etiology of individual differences in self-control from early childhood into later adulthood and its downstream implications for public health.

Examining the stress, depressive thoughts, and working memory capacities of the university students

The objective of the study is to measure the capacity of the working memory, and also to investigate its relationship to life stress and depressive thoughts. The study sample consisted of 50 college students studied on Science and Art major. A cognitive task was designed to measure the working memory capacity based on the determinants found in previous research. The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the level of life stress events (high/low) on the task of measuring the working memory capacity. The results also showed that there were no statistically significant differences neither between genders nor between majors on the task of measuring the working memory capacity. Furthermore, the results reported that there was no statistically significant effect of the interaction of the level of life stress (high/low) and gender (male/female) on the task of measuring working memory capacity. Finally, the results reported that there were significant differences in the level of depressive thoughts (high/low) on the task of measuring working memory. The current research concludes that neither the interaction of stressful life events, gender, and academic major, nor the interaction of depressive thoughts, gender, and academic major have an effect on working memory capacity.

The 5-HTTLPR-rs25531 S-A-S-A Haplotype and Chronic Stress Moderate the Association Between Acute Stress and Internalizing Mental Disorders Among HIV+ Children and Adolescents in Uganda.

Background: Internalizing mental disorders (IMDs) among HIV-positive (HIV+) children and adolescents are associated with poor disease outcomes, such as faster HIV disease progression. Although it has been suggested that the development of IMDs is moderated by interaction of stressful life events and vulnerability factors, the underlying etiology is largely unknown. Serotonin transporter gene [solute carrier family 6 member A4 (SLC6A4)] and human tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene (TPH2) polymorphisms have been implicated in the development of IMDs. This study investigated the association between acute stress and IMDs, and moderation by chronic stress and genetic variants in SLC6A4 and TPH2.Hypothesis: Acute stress acts through genetic and environmental vulnerability factors to increase the risk of developing IMDs.Methods: Polymorphisms in SLC6A4 (5-HTTLPR, rs25531, 5-HTTLPR-rs25531, and STin2 VNTR) and TPH2 (rs1843809, rs1386494, rs4570625, and rs34517220) were genotyped in 368 HIV+ children and adolescents (aged 5–17 years) with any internalizing mental disorder (depression, anxiety disorders, or posttraumatic stress disorder), and 368 age- and sex-matched controls, who were also HIV+. Chronic and acute stress categories were derived by hierarchical cluster analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent moderating effect of chronic stress and each selected polymorphism on the association between acute stress and IMDs.Results: We observed a statistically significant association between severe acute stress and IMDs (p = 0.001). Children and adolescents who experienced severe acute stress were twice as likely to develop IMDs, compared to children and adolescents who experienced mild acute stress (p = 0.001). Chronic stress interacted with severe acute stress to increase the risk of IMDs (p = 0.033). Acute stress was found to interact with 5-HTTLPR-rs25531 S-A-S-A haplotype to increase the risk for IMDs among Ugandan HIV+ children and adolescents (p = 0.049). We found no evidence for a combined interaction of acute stress, chronic stress, and 5-HTTLPR-rs25531 on IMDs.Conclusion: The odds of having an internalizing mental disorder (IMD) were higher among HIV+ children and adolescents who experienced severe acute stress compared to HIV+ children and adolescents who experienced mild acute stress. Chronic stress and 5-HTTLPR-rs25531 independently moderated the association between acute stress and IMDs.

The Association Between Maternal Control and Sense of Coherence in Chinese Adolescents: Self-Efficacy as a Mediator and Stressful Life Events as a Moderator

Both parental support and overprotection have been found to be associated with adolescents’ sense of coherence (SOC) in prior studies. It is unclear, however, whether and how parental control, a more pervasive parenting behavior in Chinese families, is associated with adolescents’ SOC. Therefore, the present study investigated the direct and indirect relationships between maternal control and adolescents’ SOC through adolescents’ self-efficacy as well as the moderation of stressful life events. A total of 1233 Chinese adolescents (631 boys and 602 girls) completed the Chinese versions of the short-form Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13), the maternal control subscale of the Parental Bonding Instrument, the General Self-Efficacy Scale and a revised Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist. Girls reported lower SOC than boys, and junior high school students reported higher SOC than senior high school students. Maternal control had direct and indirect associations with adolescents’ SOC via self-efficacy, and the relationship between self-efficacy and SOC was moderated by stressful life events. Specifically, the association between self-efficacy and SOC was stronger for adolescents with lower-intensity stressful life events than for those with higher-intensity stressful life events. The relationship between the interaction of stressful life events with self-efficacy and adolescents’ SOC was different for senior high school and junior high school students.

Stressful life events and delinquency among Chinese rural left-behind adolescents: The roles of resilience and separation duration

Chinese rural left-behind adolescents tend to experience stressful life events and associated delinquency. However, the underlying mechanism that may moderate this process is largely unknown. A literature review indicated that resilience may serve to buffer the relationship between stressful life events and delinquency among left-behind adolescents, and this buffering effect may differ based on the length of the separation from their parents. Thus, the current study aimed to clarify the relationship between stressful life events and delinquency among left-behind adolescents by examining the moderating roles of resilience and separation duration in this process. In this longitudinal study, a total of 306 left-behind adolescents completed self-report surveys that addressed stressful life events, delinquency, resilience, and separation duration. The results showed that stressful life events significantly predicted delinquency over time. Moreover, the interaction of stressful life events, resilience, and separation duration in predicting delinquency was significant; the moderating effect of resilience varied based on the length of the separation from their parents. Specifically, the protective effect of resilience manifested in short-term, but not long-term separation duration. These findings contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that inform the relationship between stressful life events and delinquency among left-behind adolescents. Moreover, they indicate that future interventions can be enhanced by targeting resilience among left-behind adolescents and advocating family reunions to avoid long-term parent–child separation.

Family Unity or Money? The Roles of Parent-Child Cohesion and Socioeconomic Status in the Relationship Between Stressful Life Events and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Chinese Left-Behind Children.

Chinese left-behind children have faced a high level of stress and tend to engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior. However, the impacts of parental migration on NSSI are complex. The improved family's socioeconomic status (SES) could have positive impacts on these children's mental health, yet the parental absence could have negative influences. To explore the complex dynamics of parental migration on NSSI, this study examined the roles of parent-child cohesion and SES in the relationship between stressful life events and NSSI. A total of 509 left-behind children completed self-report surveys that addressed stressful life events, NSSI, parent-child cohesion, and SES. Stressful life events were positively related to NSSI in both the migrant father and two migrant parents' groups. Furthermore, for children with migrant fathers, father-child cohesion and SES significantly moderated the relation between stressful life events and NSSI. The interaction of stressful life events, mother-child cohesion, and SES also was significant. For children with two migrant parents, mother-child cohesion was negatively related to NSSI. No significant interactions were found in this group. The findings suggested that, although parent-child cohesion and SES were both important for the prevention of NSSI among left-behind children, parent-child cohesion should remain a priority.

Effects of Social Support Source and Effectiveness on Stress Buffering After Stem Cell Transplant.

This study used the social support effectiveness framework to examine whether effective social support buffered the relationship between stressful life events and distress among hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors and whether that buffering effect depended on the type of caregiver who provided it (partner versus non-partner caregivers). A total of 275 HSCT survivors completed measures of the effectiveness of their caregiver's support-social support effectiveness (SSE)-distress, and stressful life events. Hierarchical linear regression was used to analyze a three-way interaction between stressful life events, caregiver SSE, and caregiver type on distress. After controlling for covariates, the three-way interaction of stressful life events, caregiver SSE, and caregiver type was significant (b = - 0.21, SE = 0.00, p < 0.001). Among partnered survivors, more stressful life events were associated with greater distress (B = 0.03, SE = 0.01, p = 0.045) when caregiver SSE was low. There was no association between stressful life events and distress when caregiver SSE was average (B = 0.01, SE = 0.01, p = 0.50) or high (B = - 0.01, SE = 0.02, p = 0.61). Among non-partnered survivors, there was a positive association between stressful life events and distress regardless of caregiver SSE. Average or highly effective caregiver support buffered effects of stressful life events on distress among partnered survivors. There was no evidence that support at any level of effectiveness buffered stressful life events among non-partnered survivors. Findings highlight the importance of measuring social support effectiveness and source of support among HSCT survivors.

Dopamine receptor DRD4 gene and stressful life events in persistent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

We performed a case-control association study in persistent ADHD considering eight candidate genes (DRD4, DAT1/SLC6A3, COMT, ADRA2A, CES1, CYP2D6, LPHN3, and OPRM1) and found additional evidence for the involvement of the Dup 120bp and VNTR 48bp functional variants within the dopamine receptor DRD4 gene in the etiology of adult ADHD. We subsequently investigated the interaction of stressful life events with these two DRD4 polymorphisms, and the impact of such events on the severity of ADHD symptomatology. The gene-by-environment analysis revealed an independent effect of stressful experiences on the severity of persistent ADHD, and a gene-by-environment interaction on the inattentive dimension of the disorder, where non carriers of the Dup 120bp (L) - VNTR 48bp (7R) haplotype were more sensitive to environmental adversity than carriers. These results are in agreement with previous works reporting a relationship between DRD4 and the effect of adverse experiences, which may explain the discordant findings in previous genetic studies and strengthen the importance of gene-by-environment interactions on the severity of ADHD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prevalence of internet addiction and its association with stressful life events and psychological symptoms among adolescent internet users

Internet addiction (IA) among adolescents is a serious public health problem around the world. However, there have been few studies that examine the association between IA and stressful life events and psychological symptoms among Chinese adolescent internet users. We examined the association between IA and stressful life events and psychological symptoms among a random sample of school students who were internet users (N=755) in Wuhan, China. Internet addiction, stressful life events, coping style and psychological symptoms were measured by self-rated scales. The prevalence rate of internet addiction was 6.0% among adolescent internet users. Logistic regression analyses indicated that stressors from interpersonal problem and school related problem and anxiety symptoms were significantly associated with IA after controlling for demographic characteristics. Analyses examining the coping style with the IA revealed that negative coping style may mediate the effects of stressful life events to increase the risk of IA. However, no significant interaction of stressful life events and psychological symptoms was found. These findings of the current study indicate a high prevalence of internet addiction among Chinese adolescent internet users and highlight the importance of stressors from interpersonal problem and school related problem as a risk factor for IA which mainly mediated through negative coping style.

Interaction of the Serotonin Transporter-Linked Polymorphic Region and Environmental Adversity: Increased Amygdala-Hypothalamus Connectivity as a Potential Mechanism Linking Neural and Endocrine Hyperreactivity

Gene by environment (G×E) interaction between genetic variation in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region [5-HTTLPR]) and stressful life events (SLEs) has been extensively studied in the context of depression. Recent findings suggest increased neural and endocrine stress sensitivity as a possible mechanism conveying elevated vulnerability to psychopathology. Furthermore, these G×E mediated alterations very likely reflect interrelated biological processes. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging study, amygdala reactivity to fearful stimuli was assessed in healthy male adults (n = 44), who were previously found to differ with regard to endocrine stress reactivity as a function of 5-HTTLPR × SLEs. Furthermore, functional connectivity between the amygdala and the hypothalamus was measured as a potential mechanism linking elevated neural and endocrine responses during stressful/threatening situations. The study sample was carefully preselected regarding 5-HTTLPR genotype and SLEs. We report significant G×E interaction on neural response patterns and functional amygdala-hypothalamus connectivity. Specifically, homozygous carriers of the 5-HTTLPR S' allele with a history of SLEs (S'S'/high SLEs group) displayed elevated bilateral amygdala activation in response to fearful faces. Within the same sample, a comparable G×E interaction effect has previously been demonstrated regarding increased cortisol reactivity, indicating a cross-validation of heightened biological stress sensitivity. Furthermore, S'S'/high SLEs subjects were characterized by an increased functional coupling between the right amygdala and the hypothalamus, thus indicating a potential link between neural and endocrine hyperreactivity. The present findings contribute to the ongoing debate on 5-HTTLPR × SLEs interaction and are discussed with respect to clinical implications.

The Interaction of Stressful Life Events and a Serotonin Transporter Polymorphism in the Prediction of Episodes of Major Depression

Prior evidence from twin studies suggested genetic moderation of the depressogenic effects of stressful life events (SLEs). Can the specific genes involved in this effect be identified?To replicate and extend a recent study that a functional variant in the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) might in part explain these findings.Characterizing risk for major depression and generalized anxiety syndrome in the last year as a function of 5-HTT genotype, sex, and the occurrence of SLEs and ratings of the SLE-associated level of threat.A population-based sample of adult twins.Five hundred forty-nine male and female twins with a mean age at participation of 34.9 years (SD 9.1).Episodes of major depression and generalized anxiety syndrome in the last year with onset measured to the nearest month.Individuals with 2 short (S) alleles at the 5-HTT locus were more sensitive to the depressogenic effects of all SLEs than were those with 1 or 2 long (L) alleles. When level of SLE-associated threat was examined, the interaction between genotype and SLE resulted from an increased sensitivity of SS individuals to the depressogenic effects of common low-threat events. These events had little impact on risk for those possessing the SL and LL genotypes. The 5-HTT genotype did not modify the effects of SLEs on risk for generalized anxiety syndrome.Variation at the 5-HTT moderates the sensitivity of individuals to the depressogenic effects of SLEs largely by producing, in SS individuals, an increased sensitivity to the impact of mild stressors. Replication of these intriguing results is needed.

Cognitive Vulnerability to Depression

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Book ReviewFull AccessCognitive Vulnerability to DepressionAndrew C. Butler, Ph.D.Andrew C. ButlerSearch for more papers by this author, Ph.D.Published Online:1 Apr 2000https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.51.4.538AboutSectionsView EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Ingram, Miranda, and Segal have written a state-of-the-science book in which they review and integrate the empirical and theoretical literatures on cognitive vulnerability to depression. After explaining the terms and definitions used by researchers in this area and operationalizing the central concepts—cognition, vulnerability, and depression—the authors provide a useful heuristic framework for organizing the relevant empirical literatures. They address and summarize the early research rather briefly.The majority of the book focuses on studies conducted in the 1990s that use more sophisticated designs and procedures than prior research. The authors provide concise reviews of empirical literatures and place them in context, making these chapters very readable. The studies reviewed range from laboratory studies on neural networks and attentional biases to longitudinal naturalistic studies examining the interaction of stressful life events and dysfunctional attitudes in predicting depression.Researchers in this area will appreciate the cogent analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of various study designs used to address cognitive vulnerability to depression. The authors tend to favor the use of experimental methodologies that include a "priming" procedure to assess cognitive vulnerability. They make a good case for this design: the theory that has been tested the most thoroughly is the one proposed by Aaron T. Beck. According to Beck's model, dysfunctional beliefs, such as "If someone I care about rejects me, I'm worthless," increase a person's vulnerability to depression.It is important to note that this theory holds that such beliefs may be latent during nondepressed periods but will become active in response to life stressors. Much of the early research on Beck's theory assessed subjects' beliefs when they were not under stress, and, not surprisingly, findings often were unsupportive of the model. More recent research using experimental priming procedures has yielded largely consistent results in support of the theory.The authors devote separate chapters of the book to examining proximal vulnerability, or cognitive factors involved in the onset of a depressive episode, and distal vulnerability, or developmental factors that predispose individuals for depression. In the final chapter they integrate the literatures on these topics while drawing on attachment theory (which is not reviewed in the book) to present a cognitive-interpersonal synthesis along with implications for treatment.Although this book is not the most comprehensive work available on cognitive vulnerability to depression—readers should see Clark and Beck's book (1)—it is clearly an important work and should be required reading for all researchers, scholars, and students interested in this area. It will certainly inform future experimental work on vulnerability to depression, cognitive or otherwise, and will stimulate new thinking and theorizing in this area. Practitioners wishing to learn the cognitive therapy approach to treating depression can look elsewhere, such as in Cognitive Therapy of Depression by Beck and others (2).Dr. Butler is research coordinator at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, and is affiliated with the department of psychiatry of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.by Rick E. Ingram, Jeanne Miranda, and Zindel V. Segal; New York City, Guilford Press, 1998, 330 pages, $36.95

Additive effects, but no synergistic interaction of stressful life-events and genetic loading in affective disorders.

Life-event research as well as neurobiological findings point to the relevance of adverse stress for the pathogenesis of affective disorders. The well established genetic root might be related to the sensitivity to stress. In concordance, recent studies showed a synergistic interaction between genetic loading and life-events concerning the precipitation of depression, i.e. there might exist a genetic sensitization to the adverse effects of stressors. The present investigation, using information extracted from 877 case records, did not reveal a synergistic interaction concerning the age at onset and the mean frequency and duration of episodes.

The interaction of stressful life events and chronic strains on community mental health.

One of the possible adaptive costs of coping with stress is diminished capacity to respond to subsequent adaptive demands. This paper examined the complex interplay between major life events and one source of chronic strain. Residents of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area exposed to higher levels of smog, who had also experienced a recent stressful life event, exhibited poorer mental health than those exposed to pollution who had not experienced a recent stressful life event. There were, however, no direct effects of smog levels on mental health. These patterns of results were replicated in both a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study. The interplay of psychosocial vulnerability and environmental conditions is discussed.