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Expression of anger and ill health in two cultures: an examination of inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
- Source :
-
Psychological science [Psychol Sci] 2015 Feb; Vol. 26 (2), pp. 211-20. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Jan 06. - Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Expression of anger is associated with biological health risk (BHR) in Western cultures. However, recent evidence documenting culturally divergent functions of the expression of anger suggests that its link with BHR may be moderated by culture. To test this prediction, we examined large probability samples of both Japanese and Americans using multiple measures of BHR, including pro-inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) and indices of cardiovascular malfunction (systolic blood pressure and ratio of total to HDL cholesterol). We found that the link between greater expression of anger and increased BHR was robust for Americans. As predicted, however, this association was diametrically reversed for Japanese, among whom greater expression of anger predicted reduced BHR. These patterns were unique to the expressive facet of anger and remained after we controlled for age, gender, health status, health behaviors, social status, and reported experience of negative emotions. Implications for sociocultural modulation of bio-physiological responses are discussed.<br /> (© The Author(s) 2015.)
- Subjects :
- Aged
Cardiovascular Diseases epidemiology
Cultural Characteristics
Female
Humans
Inflammation epidemiology
Japan epidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Risk Factors
Social Environment
United States epidemiology
Anger physiology
Cardiovascular Diseases etiology
Cardiovascular Diseases psychology
Inflammation etiology
Inflammation psychology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1467-9280
- Volume :
- 26
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Psychological science
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 25564521
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614561268