TitleStressor anticipation and subsequent affective well-being: A link potentially explained by perseverative cognitions.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsKramer, AC, Neubauer, AB, Scott, SB, Schmiedek, F, Sliwinski, MJ, Smyth, JM
JournalEmotion
Date Published2021 Mar 04
ISSN1931-1516
Abstract

Anticipatory stress can prospectively and negatively influence diverse outcomes, including cognitive performance and emotional well-being. It has been suggested that perseverative cognitions (e.g., worry, rumination) during the anticipation period constitute a key mechanism driving these effects. The present study investigated the temporal dynamics among stressor anticipation, perseverative cognitions, and affective well-being. To accurately test the suggested mechanism, we focused on how these dynamics unfold within individuals over time. To that end, we analyzed data from an ecological momentary assessment study in an ethnically diverse sample ( = 243, 25-65 year olds, 68.7% Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black; 14 days, 5 measurement occasions per day) using dynamic structural equation modeling. Anticipating an upcoming stressor was linked to higher levels of perseverative cognitions approximately 3 hours later. At times when individuals reported higher levels of recent perseverative cognitions than typical for them, they also reported higher levels of negative affect and lower levels of positive affect. Mediational modeling indicated that perseverative cognitions accounted for the persistent effects of previous stressor anticipation on negative as well as positive affect several hours later. These findings suggest that perseverative cognitions may play an important role in explaining the detrimental effects of anticipatory stress on subsequent emotional well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

DOI10.1037/emo0000954
Alternate JournalEmotion
PubMed ID33661662
PubMed Central IDPMC8417146
Grant ListR01 AG026728 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01 AG039409 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
/ NH / NIH HHS / United States