Lifetime Trauma and Allostatic Load: Psychosocial Resources as Buffers?
Author Information
Author(s): Bell Mallory, Zhang Wencheng, Ferraro Kenneth
Primary Institution: Purdue University
Hypothesis
Do psychosocial resources buffer the relationship between lifetime traumas and allostatic load?
Conclusion
Higher lifetime trauma is associated with higher allostatic load, but psychosocial resources do not significantly moderate this relationship.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher lifetime trauma is associated with higher allostatic load.
- Allostatic load did not change over time.
- Psychosocial resources did not significantly moderate the relationship between lifetime traumas and allostatic load.
Takeaway
People who have experienced more trauma tend to have more stress on their bodies, but having support from friends or community doesn't seem to help reduce that stress.
Methodology
The study used six waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study between 2006 and 2016.
Limitations
Most studies on allostatic load are cross-sectional, and this study may not fully capture the complexity of psychosocial resources.
Participant Demographics
Participants were from the Health and Retirement Study, but specific demographics are not provided.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website