Health Protective Factors Research Articles

The association between witnessing patient death and mental health outcomes in frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers.

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCW) treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients face high levels of psychological stress. We aimed to compare mental health outcomes, risk and protective factors for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), probable depression, and anxiety between HCW working in COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 wards.MethodsA self‐report survey, administered in a large tertiary hospital in Israel during the peak of the COVID‐19 outbreak was completed by 828 HCW (42.2% physicians, 57.8% nurses. Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System; the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9; the Primary Care‐Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen for DSM‐5 (PC‐PTSD‐5) were used for assessing anxiety, depression, and PTSS, respectively. Pandemic‐related stress factors, negative experiences, and potential protective factors were also assessed.ResultsMedian PC‐PTSD scores differed significantly between study teams (χ 2 [5] = 17.24; p = .004). Prevalence of probable depression and anxiety were similar in both groups. Risk factors for mental health outcomes included mental exhaustion, anxiety about being infected and infecting family. Overall, higher proportion of the COVID‐19 team witnessed patient deaths as compared to the non‐COVID‐19 team (50.2% vs. 24.7%). Witnessing patient death at the COVID‐19 wards was associated with a four‐fold increased likelihood of PTSS (odds ratio [OR] = 3.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58–9.99; p = .0007), compared with the non‐COVID‐19 wards (OR 0.91; 95% CI, 0.51–1.61; p = .43).ConclusionsWitnessing patient death appears to be a risk factor for PTSS unique to HCW directly engaged in treating patients with COVID‐19. Our findings suggest that helping HCW cope with COVID‐19 related deaths might reduce their risk of posttraumatic stress.

6. Identity-Related Health Risk and Protective Factors in Romantic and Sexual Relationships: Findings From a U.S. Sample of Transgender and Gender Diverse Young Adults

6. Identity-Related Health Risk and Protective Factors in Romantic and Sexual Relationships: Findings From a U.S. Sample of Transgender and Gender Diverse Young Adults

Socioeconomic Status, Health and Lifestyle Settings as Psychosocial Risk Factors for Road Crashes in Young People: Assessing the Colombian Case.

The social determinants of health influence both psychosocial risks and protective factors, especially in high-demanding contexts, such as the mobility of drivers and non-drivers. Recent evidence suggests that exploring socioeconomic status (SES), health and lifestyle-related factors might contribute to a better understanding of road traffic crashes (RTCs). Thus, the aim of this study was to construct indices for the assessment of crash rates and mobility patterns among young Colombians who live in the central region of the country. The specific objectives were developing SES, health and lifestyle indices, and assessing the self-reported RTCs and mobility features depending on these indices. A sample of 561 subjects participated in this cross-sectional study. Through a reduction approach of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), three indices were constructed. Mean and frequency differences were contrasted for the self-reported mobility, crash rates, age, and gender. As a result, SES, health and lifestyle indices explained between 56.3–67.9% of the total variance. Drivers and pedestrians who suffered crashes had higher SES. A healthier lifestyle is associated with cycling, but also with suffering more bike crashes; drivers and those reporting traffic crashes have shown greater psychosocial and lifestyle-related risk factors. Regarding gender differences, men are more likely to engage in road activities, as well as to suffer more RTCs. On the other hand, women present lower healthy lifestyle-related indices and a less active implication in mobility. Protective factors such as a high SES and a healthier lifestyle are associated with RTCs suffered by young Colombian road users. Given the differences found in this regard, a gender perspective for understanding RTCs and mobility is highly suggestible, considering that socio-economic gaps seem to differentially affect mobility and crash-related patterns.

Protective Factors using the Life Course Perspective in Maternal and Child Health

The life course perspective (LCP), a valuable theoretical framework for investigating racial disparities in birth outcomes, examines the cumulative exposure of risk and protective factors throughout the life span. Although risk and protective exposures are equally vital to health, most studies have focused solely on the risk factor exposures faced by vulnerable populations. In clear contrast to the traditional public health approach, which emphasizes a deficit model, strengths-based approaches focus on protective factors and fostering resilience. These approaches view communities as valuable assets that have the capacity to fully engage themselves and their residents to achieve optimal health. Participatory action research methods are well suited to apply a strengths-based approach to understand health disparities. Our study aimed to explore maternal and child health protective factors from community residents' perspective. A group of researchers, including active members in the community with a long history of grassroots development work, conducted ten community-based participatory focus groups with community residents in Tampa, FL, using the LCP framework. A total of 78 residents participated in ten focus groups. Perceived protective factors during pregnancy included self-esteem, spirituality, pregnancy support, good nutrition, prenatal care, and community resources. Protective factors for non-pregnant women were self-esteem, spirituality, social support, health literacy, community support and community resources, and societal factors. For children and adolescents, relevant protective factors were self-esteem, positive role models, nutrition and physical activity, and community support. The identified factors are community assets or strengths that mitigate or eliminate maternal and child health risks in families and communities residing in low-income neighborhoods, which must be considered in developing effective maternal and child health interventions.

Project SMART: A cooperative educational game to increase physical activity in elementary schools

Children's rates of physical activity are declining at alarming rates, even given the wealth of evidence that participation in physical activity is positively correlated with better performance in school and long-term health protective factors. In this paper, we describe Project SMART, which directly targets childhood physical activity within the elementary school. The basis of Project SMART is a cooperative educational game originally designed to raise kids awareness of sustainable active transportation to and from school. In Project SMART, we adapt this game to focus on the health and educational benefits of moderate to vigorous physical activity, leveraging organized physical activity opportunities during the school day. In the game, a class cooperatively earns credit for performing physical activity. This credit takes the form of distances traveled on a virtual path (e.g., along Route 66 across the United States). As the class makes progress, they unlock waypoints that contain learning modules defined by their teachers to be directly tied to their curricular content. The paper describes the manner in which Project SMART has used community based-participatory research to develop a game that integrates with the school and community, and reports on the results of a pilot study carried out during the 2019–2020 academic year.

Utilizing the Health Belief Model to move post-secondary students toward flourishing mental health

ABSTRACT Factors related to the ‘typical university experience,’ such as high levels of perceived stress and a lack of sleep, negatively affect student mental health. The present study analyzes mental health risk and protective factors from 2,472 respondents gathered through the National College Health Assessment-II survey to inform the development of a mental health program for post-secondary students at an institution in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Students who reported symptoms or diagnoses of anxiety and depression, above or below average stress, and few nights of restful sleep were more likely to be languishing than moderately mentally healthy, while students who reported average levels of stress and three or more restful nights of sleep per week were more likely to be flourishing than moderately mentally healthy. This work draws on the Health Belief Model in developing effective wellness programs to help students move along the mental health continuum toward flourishing.

Association Between LGB Sexual Orientation and Depression Mediated by Negative Social Media Experiences: National Survey Study of US Young Adults.

BackgroundLesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons are disproportionately affected by depression and have high social media use rates. Negative social media experiences may modify depressive symptoms among LGB persons. We sought to assess the potential influence of negative social media experiences on the association between LGB orientation and depression.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the potential influence of negative social media experiences on the association between LGB orientation and depression.MethodsWe performed a web-based survey of a national sample of US young adults aged 18-30 years. We assessed the respondents’ LGB orientation, negative social media experiences, and depression using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. We used generalized structural equation modeling to assess both the direct and indirect effects (via negative social media experiences) of LGB orientation on depression while controlling for relevant demographic and personal characteristics.ResultsWe found a conditional indirect effect (ab path) of LGB orientation on depressive symptoms via negative social media experience (a: observed coefficient 0.229; P<.001; bias-corrected bootstrapped 95% CI 0.162-0.319, and b: observed coefficient 2.158; P<.001; bias-corrected bootstrapped 95% CI 1.840-2.494). The results show that among LGB respondents, for those who reported negative social media experiences in the past year, a 1 unit increase in these experiences was associated with a 0.494 unit increase in depressive symptomatology.ConclusionsOur results suggest that higher rates of depression among LGB young adults are partially explained by negative social media experiences; these results could help inform future patient/provider conversations about mental health risk and protective factors related to social media use. Reducing these experiences and increasing positive social media experiences among LGB persons may mitigate depressive symptomatology in this population.

Rol del médico de familia en la prevención primaria y secundaria de la depresión en el adulto mayor

In recent years, the demographic transition has resulted in an aging population, which has increased the number of illnesses such as depression. Often, the family physician is the first contact with these patients, therefore, comprehensive patient management is essential, emphasizing the primary and secondary prevention of depression in the elderly population. From primary health care, all risk and protective factors related to depression should be comprehensively evaluated. Among the former, widowhood, disability, and chronic diseases stand out. Likewise, the diagnostic criteria must be known to provide timely treatment. And, on the other hand, knowing the appropriate treatment will reduce the symptoms of depression, suicidal behavior, relapse, or recurrence of symptoms. Treatment usually consists of psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions, antidepressants, and electroconvulsive therapy. Therefore, the objective of this review is to offer family physicians a guide on the primary prevention, secondary prevention, and treatment of depression in the elderly.

International Prevalence and Correlates of Psychological Stress during the Global COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study reports perceived stress and associated sociodemographic factors from an international sample of adults, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) along with socio-demographic questions were conducted between 8 April 2020 and 11 May 2020. The survey was translated from English into five languages. Recruitment was conducted worldwide using social media. A total of 1685 survey responses were collected across 57 countries with eleven countries (≥30 responses/country) included in the sub-analyses. Overall, the mean PSS-10 score was 19.08 (SD = 7.17), reflecting moderate stress compared to previously reported norms. Female gender was associated with a higher PSS score (3.03, p < 0.05) as well as four-year degree holders (3.29, p < 0.05), while adults over 75 years (−7.46, p < 0.05) had lower PSS scores. Personal care composite score (including hours of sleep, exercise, and meditation) was associated with lower PSS scores (−0.39, p < 0.01). Increases in personal care and changes in work expectations were associated with lower PSS scores (−1.30 (p < 0.05) and −0.38 (p < 0.01), respectively). Lower total PSS scores were reported in Germany (−4.82, p < 0.01) compared to the global response sample mean. This information, collected during the initial period of global mitigation orders, provides insight into potential mental health risks and protective factors during crises.

Mental health protective factors among flourishing Canadian women university student-athletes

Mental health is an important resource for student-athletes. Flourishing (Keyes, 2002) may be a useful concept for examining aspects of mental health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate mental health protective factors among flourishing Canadian university student-athletes over the course of their sport season. Initially, 36 Canadian student-athletes completed the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (Keyes, 2009) and Sport Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (Foster & Chow, 2019). Based on the results from the questionnaires, six women athletes who were identified as flourishing at global and sport levels then participated in the study. Data were generated through individual pre- and post-season semi-structured interviews, and in-season weekly written diaries. Analysis followed guidelines outlined by Smith et al. (2009) for interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results are presented over three stages of the seasons (pre-, in-, and post-season). In the pre-season, participants invested in their flourishing by making positive connections and planning their schedule. In-season, participants discussed facing challenges and tried to maintain flourishing by managing their commitments, communicating with coaches, and looking for positives. In the post-season, the participants attempted to re-invest in their flourishing by reflecting on their season and taking a break from sport. It appeared that the athletes were able to identify potential challenges to their flourishing in sport and use global resources to buffer the impact. These results reveal strategies that may help promote and protect mental health among student-athletes.

Abstract 17418: Religious Attendance and Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Older Women

Introduction: Although religious attendance can act as a protective health factor likely through social support and inherent beliefs, little is known about the relationship between the frequency of religious attendance and ideal cardiovascular health (ICH), particularly in older women, many of whom attend religious activities. Methods: We utilized the Women’s Health Study (WHS) follow-up psychosocial stress cohort (n=24360; mean age=71.8, SD= 5.8 years) to evaluate the cross-sectional relationship between current religious service attendance and ICH, as defined by the American Heart Association 2020 ICH score. Frequency of religious attendance was classified as never, at least once a year, at least once a month, and at least once a week. Results: Compared to women who never attend religious services, women who participate in religious services at least once a week are more likely to be hypertensive and hypercholesterolemic, less likely to be smokers or to use alcohol, less physically active, had lower education levels and more likely to earn &lt; $50,000 annually/household. In age-adjusted models, religious service attendance at least once a month and once a week was associated with a 17% and 36 % higher odds of ICH, respectively. This relationship persisted in models that additionally adjusted for race/ethnicity, education, income, psychological status and social support for women who attended religious services at least once a week [Table]. Conclusion: Among women in the Women’s Health Study, compared to non-attenders women who attended religious services weekly displayed a 30% higher odds of ideal cardiovascular health, despite adjustment for social support and other risk factors. These data suggest that religious attendance may be beneficial to the cardiovascular health of older women via additional mechanisms beyond social support.

Toward Resilience: Medical Students' Perception of Social Support.

There is strong evidence that social support-particularly perceived social support-functions as a protective factor for health. Few studies have investigated how medical students perceive the types of social support they experience. To determine how osteopathic medical students perceive social support, understand the factors that influence their perceptions, and explore how group participation in a cocurricular, academic program could affect student perceptions. In this cross-sectional study of 983 medical students at a multicampus osteopathic medical school in the Midwest, potential respondents were invited by email in March 2018 to participate in a self-reported evaluation of their perceived social support using a 40-question Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL). The demographic variables included gender, race, age, current phase in medical school, Hispanic heritage, campus assignment, and hometown population type. A total score for each type of social support and a summative score for overall perceived social support were calculated. Descriptive statistics were applied to provide a summary of the distribution of study variables. Bivariate analyses were conducted using student t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistic to determine distribution of 4 social support constructs and overall social support by all the study variables; α < .05 was considered statistically significant. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the association between all study variables and 4 social support constructs. Pairwise interactions were calculated to determine whether the association differed by any of the study variables. Self-esteem support was the lowest type of perceived social support overall in the total sample (mean [SD], 23.5[2.0]). Hispanic students reported lower overall mean perceived social support than those who did not identify as Hispanic (100 vs 104; P=.04). Older study participants had higher mean tangible support compared with their younger counterparts (26.25 vs. 25.60, P=.018; t [264]=1.18). Older study participants also had higher mean appraisal support compared with their younger counterparts (26.57 vs. 25.92, P=.06; t [266]=1.27). Female medical students reported lower levels of belonging support overall (mean [SD] 26.79, [2.10]). Students from rural hometowns reported a higher sense of belonging support than any other group. Female students from suburban and urban hometowns reported lower levels of belonging support compared with women from rural hometowns (Adj. β=-0.96, P=.01). Students who participated in the rural and urban underserved program had higher self esteem support compared with those who did not participate in the rural and urban underserved program (Adj. β=-1.30, P=.05). Students in the clinical phase of medical education reported lower levels of belonging support than students in the preclinical phase (26.14 vs. 26.69, P=.05; t[256]=1.07). It is critical to understand the ways medical students experience social support and the factors that contribute to it. Longitudinal studies following medical students over time would contribute to a more complete understanding of social support in medical students as they move from preclinical to the clinical phases of medical school.

The prevalence and correlates of physical activity/inactivity and sedentary behaviour among high-school adolescents in Iran: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPhysical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases in all stages of life. However, there is a lack of reliable data regarding the recommended level of physical activity and its correlates related to physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour among school students in Iran. The aim of the present study was to report the prevalence and correlates of physical activity/inactivity and sedentary behaviour among Iranian high school adolescents.MethodsThe Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) was used for data collection. Related data comprising socio-demographics, health risk behaviour and protective factors were obtained from 1517 high school students. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between relevant independent variables (e.g. gender) and the dependent outcome variable (physical inactivity/sedentary behaviour).ResultsThe prevalence of recommended physical activity by WHO was 27.8%, physical inactivity 72.2% and sedentary behaviour 71.4%. Being female, being overweight or obese, walking/cycling to or from school on 1–4 days, sitting 3 or more hours/day (sedentary behaviour), insufficient vegetable intake, being bullied and lack of parental support, peer support and parental connectivity (protective factors) were positively associated with physical inactivity. On the other hand, walking/cycling to or from school on 5–7 days and inadequate fruit intake were negatively associated with physical inactivity. Walking/cycling to or from school on 1–4 days, being physically inactive, inadequate fruit intake and being bullied were positively associated with sedentary behaviour.ConclusionThe prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour was high in our studied sample. Interventions that address the issue of active school transport, sedentary behaviour, fruit and vegetable intake, family and peer support and bullying should be given more priority by the public health authorities.

Bone Mineral Density in Severely Obese Women: Health Risk and Health Protective Risk Factors in Three Different Bone Sites

Factors associated with bone mineral density (BMD) are poorly known in severely obese individuals i.e., a body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2. The objectives of this study were to describe the bone health profile of severely obese Brazilian women, to identify the health risk and health protective factors for BMD in this group and to assess whether these factors vary according to three different bone sites. BMD was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This study analyzed baseline data from 104 women who had an average BMI of 43.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2 and presented the following BMD status: 1.283 ± 0.094 g/cm2 for total body, 1.062 ± 0.159 g/cm2 for vertebral column and 1.195 ± 0.134 g/cm2 for hip. They took part in the “Effect of nutritional intervention and olive oil in severe obesity” randomized clinical trial (DieTBra Trial). The risk factors negatively associated with lower BMD were age ≥50 years for the three bone sites i.e., total body, vertebral column and hip. Smoking for total body BMD (p = 0.045); BMI ≥ 50kg/m2 for vertebral column and hip; menopause for hip; high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (p = 0.049), insufficient zinc (p = 0.010) and previous fracture for vertebral column (p = 0.007). The protective factors positively associated with BMD were physical activity (≥150 min/week (p = 0.001)) for hip; type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) (p < 0.0001) total body and adequate vitamin D levels from food consumption (p = 0.039) for vertebral column. A BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 was a risk factor for lower BMD. The findings showed that protective and risk factors varied by bone site. The original study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. (protocol number: NCT02463435).

Rates of Behavioral Health Conditions and Health Risk Behaviors in Operators and Support Personnel in U.S. Special Operations Forces

Objective: Rates of behavioral health disorders and potential protective factors in U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) have not been well studied, including differences between Operators and Support personnel, despite very high levels of combat exposure in these military personnel. The present study examined the prevalence of endorsed behavioral health problems and protective factors within a large sample of SOF personnel. Method: Anonymized data from 16,284 active duty SOF Service members from the 2016 Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) needs survey were analyzed. Results: Overall, the prevalence of PTSD (7.6%), depression (8.4%), alcohol misuse (12.8%), and nicotine use (28%) were comparable or lower than reported in conventional military populations. There were significant differences between Operators and Support personnel in a number of demographic and service-related variables. Operators also endorsed more direct combat exposure and scored higher on resilience and social support, and reported better quality and quantity of sleep. There were no significant group differences in rates of PTSD and depression, except lower odds (adjusted OR = 0.81) for alcohol problems in Support personnel (11.6%) compared to Operators (14.0%), p <.001, 95% CI [0.72, 0.91]. Conclusions: SOF personnel experience considerably higher exposure to combat deployments than conventional forces, yet the data from this study showed comparable or lower levels of behavioral health conditions. Although Operators were somewhat more likely than Support personnel to experience alcohol problems, they showed enhanced resilience, social support, and sleep health. Alcohol misuse is one potential target for preventive health efforts.

Participatory health research with migrants: opportunities, challenges, and way forwards

Abstract Background Migration has become one of the most politically pressing issues of the 21st century. Still, migrant health remains an under-researched area in global health. Participatory Health Research (PHR) can potentially contribute to a paradigm shift, from a pathogenic deficit model that sees migrants as passively affected by policies to their re-conceptualization as creative, inspiring, and actively engaged citizens in search of solutions. However, PHR is not a panacea and there are specific challenges in enacting meaningful and impactful projects in this field. Methods This literature review examines the opportunities and challenges posed by the use of this approach in migrant health research. We highlight critical issues for consideration and provide some examples of successful PHR with migrants. Results A number of successful initiatives illustrate the value of engaging migrants in the definition of the research agenda, the design and implementation of health interventions, the identification of health protective factors, and the operationalization and validation of indicators to monitor progress in this field. Still, within fragmented community landscapes that are not necessarily constructed along ethnicity traits, and real-world contexts that are far from the ideals of justice and equality, inadequate structures of representation and power dynamics can hamper a meaningful implementation of PHR with migrants. Conclusions For each particular research context it is essential to reflect on what is the “optimal” level and type of participation that is more likely to leverage migrants' empowerment so we can better advocate for our voices to be heard, and our rights to be addressed. Key messages Participatory Health research can potentially contribute to address migrant health challenges. The level and type of participation must be tailored to each research context.

Threats to Mental Health and Well-Being Associated with Climate Change

Climate change is a contributor to extreme weather events and natural disasters. The mental health effects of climate change are multifaceted, with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression predominant. This paper aims to describe the impact of climate change on mental health conditions, including risk and protective factors related to the expression of mental health conditions post-disaster, as well as a discussion of our local experience with a devastating wildfire to our region within Canada. The risk of the development of mental health conditions post-disaster is not equally distributed; research has consistently demonstrated that specific risk factors (e.g., gender, socioeconomic status and education, pre-existing mental health symptomatology), are associated with increased vulnerability to mental health conditions following natural disasters. There are multiple strategies that must be undertaken by communities to enhance adjustment and coping post-disaster, including improved access to care, inter-agency cooperation, enhanced community resiliency, and adequate preparation.

Religion as a protective factor for health.

SALUTOGENESIS AND SENSE OF COHERENCE Salutogenesis is the approach proposed by Antonovsky() to guide his investigation and the scientific development of the field of health promotion. Based on a critical evaluation of the development of this field – which, due to a lack of a consistent theoretical model with stated objectives, in general, adopts the paradigm of pathogenesis as reference –, a new model is proposed, focusing on elements that maintain and enhance health, that is, on the “health protective [...]

Stress and parenting during the global COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundStress and compromised parenting often place children at risk of abuse and neglect. Child maltreatment has generally been viewed as a highly individualistic problem by focusing on stressors and parenting behaviors that impact individual families. However, because of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), families across the world are experiencing a new range of stressors that threaten their health, safety, and economic well-being. ObjectiveThis study examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to parental perceived stress and child abuse potential. Participants and SettingParticipants included parents (N = 183) with a child under the age of 18 years in the western United States. MethodTests of group differences and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were employed to assess the relationships among demographic characteristics, COVID-19 risk factors, mental health risk factors, protective factors, parental perceived stress, and child abuse potential. ResultsGreater COVID-19 related stressors and high anxiety and depressive symptoms are associated with higher parental perceived stress. Receipt of financial assistance and high anxiety and depressive symptoms are associated with higher child abuse potential. Conversely, greater parental support and perceived control during the pandemic are associated with lower perceived stress and child abuse potential. Results also indicate racial and ethnic differences in COVID-19 related stressors, but not in mental health risk, protective factors, perceived stress, or child abuse potential. ConclusionFindings suggest that although families experience elevated stressors from COVID-19, providing parental support and increasing perceived control may be promising intervention targets.

The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Serotonin Polymorphisms in Stress-Related Personality and Psychiatric Symptoms

Background: Diathesis-stress perspectives of cardiovascular (CV) health and disease have long identified the important role of a host of mental health risk and protective factors in both illness course and recovery. Few studies, however, have investigated these factors within the same sample of healthy people. Aims and Objectives: Accordingly, we focused on the inter-relationships among well-established CV mental health risk factors, specifically childhood adversity, stress-related adult personality traits and psychiatric symptoms, and naturally occurring genetic polymorphisms. Materials and Methods: Here 100 college students completed the NEO Five Factor Model of personality in conjunction with measures of childhood adversity, psychiatric symptoms as well as genetic variables derived from assays of the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Results: Single gene comparisons pointed to lower CV risk, as reflected in personality and psychiatric symptom measures for BDNF Met versus Val/Val carriers. In addition, polygenic comparisons revealed a significant BDNF x 5-HTTLPR interactional effect, suggesting that this particular allelic combination may moderate the phenotypic expression of key personality traits, namely neuroticism and extraversion, as well as psychiatric symptoms, all linked to cardiovascular health. In fact, the data showed across personality and symptom measures, evidence of stress-resistance, resilience and protection for carriers of the allelic pair, BDNF Met and 5-HTTLPR-S. Conclusions: The findings suggested the Met variant of the BDNF gene had a risk-reducing and health-promoting effect when paired with the short serotonin allele, arguably reversing the commonly reported 5-HTTLPR-S association with stress vulnerability.