Affective Reactivity to Daily Stressors and Long-Term Risk of Reporting a Chronic Physical Health Condition

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Daily stressors, such as an argument with a spouse or an impending deadline, are associated with short-term changes in physical health symptoms. Whether these minor hassles have long-term physical health ramifications, however, is largely unknown. PURPOSE: The current study examined whether exposure and reactivity to daily stressors is associated with long-term risk of reporting a chronic physical health condition. METHODS: Participants (N = 435) from the National Study of Daily Experiences completed a series of daily diary interviews between 1995 and 1996 and again 10 years later. RESULTS: Greater affective (i.e., emotional) reactivity to daily stressors at time 1 was associated with an increased risk of reporting a chronic physical health condition at time 2. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that how people respond to the daily stressors in their lives is predictive of future chronic health conditions.