Abstract
Associations between positive and negative affect and a range of 12-month physical disorders were investigated in the Midlife
Development in the United States Survey, a nationally representative sample of 3,032 adults ages 25–74. These associations
were examined, controlling for relevant sociodemographic and psychiatric covariates. High positive affect was associated with
decreased risk of physical disorders, whereas high negative affect was associated with increased risk. However, associations
between positive affect and physical disorders were partially attenuated following adjustment for concurrent negative affect.
Additionally, high affect balance was associated with decreased risk of physical disorders before and after adjustments. These
findings underscore the relevance of affective disposition in health status, suggesting that both positive and negative affect
may serve as viable health risk parameters.
Development in the United States Survey, a nationally representative sample of 3,032 adults ages 25–74. These associations
were examined, controlling for relevant sociodemographic and psychiatric covariates. High positive affect was associated with
decreased risk of physical disorders, whereas high negative affect was associated with increased risk. However, associations
between positive affect and physical disorders were partially attenuated following adjustment for concurrent negative affect.
Additionally, high affect balance was associated with decreased risk of physical disorders before and after adjustments. These
findings underscore the relevance of affective disposition in health status, suggesting that both positive and negative affect
may serve as viable health risk parameters.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10880-011-9277-9
- Authors
- Eric B. Weiser, Curry College, 1071 Blue Hill Avenue, Milton, MA 02186, USA
- Journal Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
- Online ISSN 1573-3572
- Print ISSN 1068-9583