Social Regulation of the Neural Threat Response Predicts Subsequent Markers of Physical Health
Psychosomatic Medicine, 2023•journals.lww.com
Objective Social support has been linked to a vast range of beneficial health outcomes.
However, the physiological mechanisms of social support are not well characterized.
Drawing on functional magnetic resonance imaging and health-related outcome data, this
study aimed to understand how neural measures of “yielding”—the reduction of brain activity
during social support—moderate the link between social support and health. Methods We
used a data set where 78 participants around the age of 24 years were exposed to the threat�…
However, the physiological mechanisms of social support are not well characterized.
Drawing on functional magnetic resonance imaging and health-related outcome data, this
study aimed to understand how neural measures of “yielding”—the reduction of brain activity
during social support—moderate the link between social support and health. Methods We
used a data set where 78 participants around the age of 24 years were exposed to the threat�…
Abstract
Objective
Social support has been linked to a vast range of beneficial health outcomes. However, the physiological mechanisms of social support are not well characterized. Drawing on functional magnetic resonance imaging and health-related outcome data, this study aimed to understand how neural measures of “yielding”—the reduction of brain activity during social support—moderate the link between social support and health.
Methods
We used a data set where 78 participants around the age of 24 years were exposed to the threat of shock when holding the hand of a partner. At ages 28 to 30 years, participants returned for a health visit where inflammatory activity and heart rate variability were recorded.
Results
Findings showed a significant interaction between dorsal anterior cingulate cortex–related yielding and perceived social support on C-reactive protein levels (β=− 0.95, SE= 0.42, z=− 2.24, p=. 025, 95% confidence interval=− 1.77 to− 0.12). We also found a significant interaction between hypothalamus-related yielding and perceived social support on baseline heart rate variability (β= 0.51, SE= 0.23, z= 2.19, p=. 028, 95% confidence interval= 0.05 to 0.97).
Conclusions
Greater perceived social support was associated with lower C-reactive protein levels and greater baseline heart rate variability among individuals who were more likely to yield to social support in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and hypothalamus years earlier. The current study highlights the construct of yielding in the link between social support and physical health.
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