Multidimensional Religiousness and Spirituality Are Associated With Lower Interleukin-6 and C-Reactive Protein at Midlife: Findings From the Midlife in the United States Study
Recommended Citation
Vagnini KM, Morozink Boylan J, Adams M, and Masters KS. Multidimensional Religiousness and Spirituality Are Associated With Lower Interleukin-6 and C-Reactive Protein at Midlife: Findings From the Midlife in the United States Study. Ann Behav Med 2024; 58(8):552-562.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-11-2024
Publication Title
Annals of behavioral medicine
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Religiousness and spirituality (R/S) are associated with lower morbidity and mortality, yet the physiological mechanisms underlying these associations are under-studied. Chronic inflammation is a plausible biological mechanism linking R/S to downstream health given the sensitivity of the immune system to the social environment and the role of inflammation in many chronic diseases.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine associations between multiple R/S dimensions and two markers of chronic inflammation, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data came from biological subsamples of two cohorts from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study (combined N = 2,118). Predictors include six R/S measures (service attendance, spirituality, private religious practices, daily spiritual experiences, religious coping, and R/S-based mindfulness). Outcomes include log-transformed IL-6 and CRP. Covariates include age, gender, cohort, race, educational attainment, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and physical activity.
RESULTS: Older adults, women (vs. men), non-White (vs. White) adults, those with higher BMIs, current smokers, and those not meeting physical activity guidelines had significantly higher IL-6 and CRP. In fully adjusted models, greater spirituality, daily spiritual experiences, religious coping, and R/S-based mindfulness were associated with lower IL-6. Higher spirituality was also associated with lower CRP.
CONCLUSIONS: Many dimensions of R/S may be health protective for adults given their associations with lower levels of chronic inflammation. Findings underscore the importance of examining multiple dimensions of R/S to understand mechanistic pathways.
Medical Subject Headings
Humans; Male; Female; Spirituality; Middle Aged; C-Reactive Protein; Interleukin-6; Cross-Sectional Studies; United States; Aged; Inflammation; Adult; Religion; Mindfulness; Adaptation, Psychological
PubMed ID
38913861
Volume
58
Issue
8
First Page
552
Last Page
562
