The Mediating Role of Meaning in the Association between Stress and Health.
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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- Young Adult
- Stress, Psychological
- Quality of Life
- Public Health
- Middle Aged
- Male
- Immune System
- Humans
- Herpesvirus 4, Human
- Health Status
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Young Adult
- Stress, Psychological
- Quality of Life
- Public Health
- Middle Aged
- Male
- Immune System
- Humans
- Herpesvirus 4, Human
- Health Status