The Impact of an Optimism Training Intervention on Biological Measures Associated With Cardiovascular Health

Data From a Randomized Controlled Trial

Bibliographic Data

ID19303429
AuthorsNarges Mohammadi (0000-0001-6118-1624, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences), Alireza Aghayousefi (University of Isfahan), Gholam Reza Nikrahan (0000-0002-8742-3350, University of Isfahan, corresponding author), Franklin King (0000-0003-4381-4242, University of Isfahan), Ahmad Alipour (0000-0003-0781-3728, University of Isfahan), Masoumeh Sadeghi (0000-0001-7179-5558, University of Isfahan), Hamidreza Roohafza (0000-0003-3582-0431, University of Isfahan), Christopher M Celano (0000-0003-0547-2851, University of Isfahan), Perla Romero Gomez (University of Isfahan), Jeff C Huffman (0000-0002-2565-9288, University of Isfahan)
Year2020
Volume82
Issue7
Pages634-640
Publication date2020-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychosomatic Medicine (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0033-3174 • E-ISSN: 1534-7796
PublisherOvid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1097/psy.0000000000000834
PMID32541548
OpenAlexW3034219755
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited69

OBJECTIVE: Positive psychological constructs, such as optimism, are associated with cardiovascular health, and changes in biological measures associated with heart health have been proposed as potential mediators of these relationships. In this analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial, we examined the impact of an optimism training intervention on biological measures associated with cardiac health in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: We analyzed data from an 8-week, randomized, controlled trial of a group-based optimism training intervention in 61 patients with coronary artery disease. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6, irisin, and fibrinogen were measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. Mixed-effects regression analyses were performed to examine the effects of the intervention on changes in biological measures at 8 and 16 weeks. RESULTS: At 8 weeks, the intervention led to significantly greater reductions in hs-CRP (B = -0.851 [standard error {SE} = 0.273, p = .002) and fibrinogen (B = -0.148 [SE = 0.062], p = .016), and a greater increase in irisin (B = 0.252 [SE = 0.114], p = .027) compared with the control condition. These changes persisted at 16 weeks (hs-CRP: B = -1.078 [SE = 0.276], p < .001; fibrinogen: B = -0.270 [SE = 0.062], p < .001; irisin: B = 0.525 [SE = 0.116], p < .001), and interleukin 6 additionally was impacted at this time point (B = -0.214 [SE = 0.064], p = .001). Exploratory mediation analyses failed to identify significant psychological or health behavior mediators of these relationships. CONCLUSIONS: A group-based optimism training intervention resulted in significant, robust, and sustained changes in biological measures associated with cardiac health. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in a larger sample and identify potential mediating variables. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iran Registry of Clinical Trials No. 2016070328769 N1

Coronary artery disease · Fibrinogen · Mediation · Optimism · Physical therapy · Randomized controlled trial · Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control · Internal Medicine · Medicine · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Psychology · Sleep and related disorders

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