Social Relationships and Negative Emotional Traits Are Associated With Central Adiposity and Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adolescents

Objective: We examined the role of social relationships and negative emotional traits in the development of central adiposity and arterial stiffness in healthy adolescents. Design: A prospective, longitudinal study examined 213 Black and White adolescents (50% Black, 51% female); 160 returned for a second assessment approximately 3 years later. Main Outcome Measures: Psychosocial variables at both assessments were measured with the Measurement of Attachment Qualities (Carver, 1997), Social Relationships Index (study entry only; Uchino, Holt-Lunstad, Uno, & Flinders, 2001), Spielberger Trait Anger and Anxiety (Spielberger et al., 1979), and the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale (Cook & Medley, 1954). Central adiposity was assessed by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) at both assessments and arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV) at the second assessment only. Results: Linear regression models controlled for demographic variables and body mass index showed that adolescents with less Supportive Relationships (β = -.121, p = .05) and higher Trait Anger (β = .117, p = .05) had increased WHR over time, adjusted for initial WHR. Those with higher Attachment Anxiety (β = .211, p = .01) and Total Hostility (β = .234, p < .01) had greater PWV. Psychosocial associations for PWV were more apparent among Blacks. Conclusion: Psychosocial variables may be important in the development of central adiposity and arterial stiffness in adolescence.