Date of Award
2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally and creates a large economic burden on society, through cost of treatment and missed workdays (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). The body of research examining factors contributing to the development and exacerbation of CVD primarily focused on identifying biological factors until the development of George Engels biopsychosocial model in the 1970s (Engel, 1977). Researchers then turned to identifying psychosocial factors contributing to CVD, particularly in the context of identifying modifiable psychosocial factors. Trait self-control and nonattachment are two psychosocial constructs that have been associated with positive outcomes (physical health, mental health, behavior regulation, emotion regulation, and interpersonal relationships) (de Ridder et al., 2012; Kemeny et al., 2011; Ritchie et al., 2016; Stavorva et al., 2020; Tangney et al., 2004). However, their impact on CVD is less understood. The stress reactivity hypothesis (Cohen & Manuck, 1995) provides an ideal framework to examine the effects of psychosocial factors on cardiovascular health by means of observing the influence of psychosocial factors on cardiovascular responses to stress. The goal of the present study was to examine the relationship between trait self-control, nonattachment, and cardiovascular health, by identifying the influence trait self-control and nonattachment have on cardiovascular responses to stress. It was expected that individuals possessing higher levels of trait self-control and nonattachment would demonstrate more adaptable cardiovascular responses to stress compared to those with lower levels. These hypothesized relationships were not found. However, exploratory analyses examining cardiovascular differences between race/ethnicity revealed support for the cardiovascular conundrum. The implications of the present findings for future clinical research and treatment implications are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Feinstein, Ari, "Self-Control, Nonattachment, And Cardiovascular Functioning: The Effects Of Self-Control And Nonattachment On Cardiovascular Responses To Stress" (2023). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2060.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/2060