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Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine 5/2017

01-10-2017 | Brief Report

The Mediating Role of Meaning in the Association between Stress and Health

Authors: Daryl R. Van Tongeren, PhD, Peter C. Hill, PhD, Neal Krause, PhD, Gail H. Ironson, PhD, Kenneth I. Pargament, PhD

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 5/2017

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Abstract

Background

Stress is a common feature of life and has routinely been linked with negative health outcomes. However, meaning has been identified as a possible buffer against stress.

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to examine whether the relationship between stress and health was mediated by meaning in life.

Methods

Drawing from Wave 1 of the Landmark Spirituality and Health Study, a nationally representative sample of adults, participants (N = 1871) reported their level of stress in the past 12 months, current meaning in life, health (measured as minor symptoms, major conditions, and overall health), and provided a blood sample for biomarker of immune system functioning (i.e., presence of Epstein–Barr virus antibodies).

Results

Results revealed an indirect effects model in which stress was inversely associated with meaning. Higher meaning was related to better self-reported health (across minor, major, and overall health measures), which, in turn, was associated with better immune system functioning.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that part of the negative effect of stress on health is accounted for by reduced meaning.
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Metadata
Title
The Mediating Role of Meaning in the Association between Stress and Health
Authors
Daryl R. Van Tongeren, PhD
Peter C. Hill, PhD
Neal Krause, PhD
Gail H. Ironson, PhD
Kenneth I. Pargament, PhD
Publication date
01-10-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-017-9899-8

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