Impulsivity-related traits are associated with higher white blood cell counts

J Behav Med. 2012 Dec;35(6):616-23. doi: 10.1007/s10865-011-9390-0. Epub 2011 Dec 22.

Abstract

A chronically elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. The present research tests whether facets of impulsivity-impulsiveness, excitement-seeking, self-discipline, and deliberation-are associated with chronically elevated WBC counts. Community-dwelling participants (N = 5,652) from Sardinia, Italy, completed a standard personality questionnaire and provided blood samples concurrently and again 3 years later. Higher scores on impulsivity, in particular impulsiveness and excitement-seeking, were related to higher total WBC counts and higher lymphocyte counts at both time points. Impulsiveness was a predictor of chronic inflammation: for every standard deviation difference in this trait, there was an almost 25% higher risk of elevated WBC counts at both time points (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.10-1.38). These associations were mediated, in part, by smoking and body mass index. The findings demonstrate that links between psychological processes and immunity are not limited to acute stressors; stable personality dispositions are associated with a chronic inflammatory state.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Body Mass Index
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / physiology*
  • Interleukin-6 / blood
  • Leukocyte Count*
  • Lymphocyte Count*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Personality Inventory
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / psychology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Interleukin-6
  • C-Reactive Protein