Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Psychology
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Michael T. Allen
Second Advisor
Carol L. Gohm
Third Advisor
Todd A. Smitherman
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
The role that excess adipose tissue plays in chronic inflammation gives rise to its importance as an independent risk factor in cardiovascular dysfunction. By operationalizing chronic stress as obesity, we sought to explore the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular responses to laboratory stressors, including recovery from stress. Further, we examined five adiposity measures to determine which were most related to cardiovascular dysfunction. Degree of obesity was able to predict dysfunction in both reactivity and recovery. Body mass index and waist circumference were found to be the best predictors of cardiovascular dysfunction. Blunted reactivity and slorecovery were found in participants with greater levels of adiposity.
Recommended Citation
Burch, Ashley Elizabeth, "Investigating The Effects Of Obesity On Cardiovascular Reactivity And Recovery From Acute Physical And Psychological Stress" (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 835.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/835
Concentration/Emphasis
Emphasis: Experimental Psychology