Gender Matters: Nonlinear Relationships Between Heart Rate Variability and Depression and Positive Affect.

Vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV), a measure of the parasympathetic nervous system's control over the heart, is often negatively related to maladaptive emotional outcomes. Recent work suggests that quadratic relationships involving these factors may be present; however, research has not investigated gender differences in these nonlinear functions. To address this gap, the current study tested for quadratic relationships between resting vmHRV and depression and positive affect while investigating gender differences in these relationships. Significant quadratic effects were found between resting vmHRV and reports of both depression symptoms and positive affect in women but not men. Specifically, the lowest levels of depression and the highest levels of positive affect were found at moderate vmHRV in women. These results suggest that examinations of vmHRV's nonlinear associations require the consideration of gender. Our findings are interpreted based on proposed differential neuropsychological mechanisms of vmHRV in men versus women.

Stigma and optimism in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Despite increased life expectancy among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), few studies have examined coping among adolescents and young adults with CF. Previous research suggests that stigma associated with chronic disease is related to worse physical and psychological health, but optimism may be protective. This study examined stigma and optimism among patients with CF. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with CF (ages 14 to 25) completed a self-report questionnaire assessing stigma, distress, CF-specific quality of life (QoL), and optimism. Objective health data were recorded from patient medical records. RESULTS: Greater stigma was associated with lower pulmonary function, QoL, and optimism. Stigma was positively correlated with distress. Optimism moderated the relationship between stigma and anxiety (p<0.001), and between stigma and emotional functioning (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Stigma is related to worse lung function and psychological health in patients with CF, but higher levels of optimism may act as a protective factor.