Objectively Measured Social Integration Is Associated With an Immune Risk Phenotype Following Marital Separation

Ann Behav Med. 2018 Feb 5;52(2):130-145. doi: 10.1093/abm/kax034.

Abstract

Background: Close relationships play an integral role in human development, and robust evidence links marital separation and divorce to poor health outcomes. Social integration may play a key role in this association. In many ways, the study of marital separation and divorce provides an ideal model system for a more complete understanding of the association between life stress and physical health.

Purpose: The current study investigated associations among objectively measured social integration, psychological distress, and biomarkers of immune health in recently separated adults (N = 49).

Methods: We collected four measures of immune functioning-interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and antibody titers to latent cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus-that were combined to yield a viral-Immune Risk Profile. To assess how variability in social integration is associated with immunological correlates following the end of a marriage, we incorporated observational ecological momentary assessment data using a novel methodology (the Electronically Activated Recorder).

Results: We found that objectively measured social behaviors are associated with concurrent viral-Immune Risk Profile scores over and above the effects of psychological distress and that psychological distress may be linked to biomarkers of immune health through social integration.

Conclusions: This research expands current knowledge of biomarkers of immune health after divorce and separation and includes a new methodology for objective measures of social engagement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein*
  • Cytomegalovirus / immunology
  • Divorce*
  • Ecological Momentary Assessment
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype
  • Risk
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Support*
  • Stress, Psychological / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Biomarkers
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-6
  • C-Reactive Protein