RESUMO
Here, we propose a novel theoretical model linking present-focused decision-making to the activities of the immune system. We tested our model by examining the relationship between inflammatory activity - in vivo and in vitro - and decision-making characterized by impulsivity, present focus, and an inability to delay gratification. Results support our model, revealing that inflammation predicts these outcomes even after controlling for factors that may contribute to a spurious linkage between them. Moreover, subsequent analyses revealed that our model was a better fit for the data than alternative models using present-focused decision-making and its health-harming behavioural sequelae (e.g., smoking, risky sexual behaviour) to predict inflammation, lending support for the proposed directionality of this relationship. Together, these results suggest that inflammation may contribute to decision-making patterns that can result in undesirable personal and societal outcomes.
Assuntos
Atenção/fisiologia , Tomada de Decisões , Desvalorização pelo Atraso , Comportamento Impulsivo , Leucócitos Mononucleares/imunologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Expressão Gênica , Voluntários Saudáveis , Humanos , Inflamação/sangue , Inflamação/imunologia , Inflamação/psicologia , Interleucina-1beta/sangue , Interleucina-1beta/imunologia , Interleucina-6/sangue , Interleucina-6/imunologia , Leucócitos Mononucleares/citologia , Masculino , Cultura Primária de Células , Assunção de Riscos , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Fumar/psicologia , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/sangue , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/imunologiaRESUMO
Here, we present a mechanistically grounded theory detailing a novel function of the behavioral immune system (BIS), the psychological system that prompts pathogen avoidance behaviors. We propose that BIS activity allows the body to downregulate basal inflammation, preventing resultant oxidative damage to DNA and promoting longevity. Study 1 investigated the relationship between a trait measure of pathogen avoidance motivation and in vitro and in vivo proinflammatory cytokine production. Study 2 examined the relationship between this same predictor and DNA damage often associated with prolonged inflammation. Results revealed that greater trait pathogen avoidance motivation predicts a) lower levels of spontaneous (but not stimulated) proinflammatory cytokine release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), b) lower plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), and c) lower levels of oxidative DNA damage. Thus, the BIS may promote health by protecting the body from the deleterious effects of inflammation and oxidative stress.