The contextual model proposed for the Duke EC predicts that psychosocial factors may influence physiological mechanisms that may increase risk for the development of hypertension in older blacks. The purpose of this study is to test specific hypotheses concerning the relationship between psychosocial factors and physiological functioning. Specifically, this study will determine whether chronic stress is associated with increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, enhanced sodium retention, and augmented vascular reactivity -- all of which might increase risk for hypertension. Furthermore, this research will determine if the effects of stress may be moderated by social support and religious participation. The following hypotheses will be tested: (1) Individuals high in self-report of stress will exhibit higher levels of SNS hormones, greater sodium retention, and greater vascular reactivity compared to individuals reporting lower levels of stress. (2) Social support and religious participation will be associated with decreased SNS hormonal levels, decreased retention, and lower levels of vascular reactivity. (3) Perceived stress will interact with social support and with religious participation such that the effects of high levels of stress will be moderated by high levels of social support or religious participation. We will also examine on a preliminary basis the effects of anger, hostility, and """"""""John Henryism"""""""" on potentially hypertensinogenic physiological phenomena. The proposed studies are perhaps the first to examine the association between specific sociocultural factors and physiological processes suspected to be involved in the development of hypertension in older blacks.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Exploratory Grants (P20)
Project #
3P20AG012058-03S2
Application #
6098571
Study Section
Project Start
1996-09-30
Project End
1998-08-31
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1996
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Type
DUNS #
071723621
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705
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Jackson, P B (1997) Role occupancy and minority mental health. J Health Soc Behav 38:237-55
Svetkey, L P; George, L K; Tyroler, H A et al. (1996) Effects of gender and ethnic group on blood pressure control in the elderly. Am J Hypertens 9:529-35
Svetkey, L P; Timmons, P Z; Emovon, O et al. (1996) Association of hypertension with beta2- and alpha2c10-adrenergic receptor genotype. Hypertension 27:1210-5