Applying Cumulative Disadvantage Theory to Understand Adversity across the Lifespan and Later Life Inflammation
Open Access
Author:
Ashley-Douglas, Saran
Area of Honors:
Biobehavioral Health
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Jennifer Graham-Engeland, Thesis Supervisor Marie P Cross, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Adversity Inflammation Early life Adulthood
Abstract:
The theoretical perspectives of allostatic load and cumulative disadvantage can be used in tandem to consider the impact accumulated early and adult adversity has on health. I tested associations between early life and adulthood adversity on inflammation in the Einstein Aging Study (N = 205, Age Range = 70 – 89) with race as a moderator. Using regression and correlational models, significant effects were seen for adult life adversity and IL-6 in addition to TNF- α. Significant interactions were also seen for race modified association models. Contrary to initial hypotheses, increased early life and adult adversity were found to be related to lower levels of IL-10 and TNF- α. Additionally, as adverse events increased for Black participants, levels of the circulating inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF- α decreased; for White participants, levels of IL-6 and TNF- α remained stable. Levels of the circulating biomarker MIF were also seen to be reduced among Black participants. These nuances within the findings may be able to be explained through psychosocial protective factors, resilience, and differences between MIF and traditional cytokine activation.
