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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Acknowledgment
This work was funded by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation (#40077) to Neal Krause. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views the John Templeton Foundation.
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Van Tongeren, D.R., Hill, P.C., Krause, N. et al. The Mediating Role of Meaning in the Association between Stress and Health. ann. behav. med. 51, 775–781 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-017-9899-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-017-9899-8