Stress and inflammation among older adults: The moderating role of religiosity

TitleStress and inflammation among older adults: The moderating role of religiosity
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsTavares, J, Ronneberg, CR, Miller, EAlan, Burr, JA
JournalJournal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging
Volume31
Issue2
Pagination187-202
ISSN Number1552-8030
KeywordsDepressive symptoms, Religion, Social Factors
Abstract

Chronic stress weakens the immune system and leads to heightened bodily inflammation, which in turn is linked with serious health conditions. This study examined whether religiosity moderates the relationship between stress and inflammation (measured by C-reactive Protein (CRP)). A sample of 4,734 community-dwelling older adults was drawn from the 2006 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between chronic stress (8-item index), inflammation (high CRP level), and religiosity (organizational, nonorganizational, and intrinsic), controlling for other factors. Higher levels of stress were significantly associated with high inflammation/CRP (p =.039). Further, intrinsic religiosity acted as a moderator of this relationship (p =.024), such that the relationship between stress and inflammation is lessened for persons with higher levels of intrinsic religiosity. Higher intrinsic religiosity attenuated the effects of stress on inflammation, suggesting that individuals with stronger religious commitment/motivation may better cope with stress.

URLhttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15528030.2018.1536910https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15528030.2018.1536910
DOI10.1080/15528030.2018.1536910
Short TitleJournal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging
Citation Key9998