Supports the claim that of 105 reactivity studies, 63% collected recovery data but only 23% reported it, and that recovery protocols revealed findings not apparent from reactivity alone. A methodological review.
Who was studied
105 physiological reactivity studies from four journals over two years, plus a selective review of recovery studies.
Design
Review
Level of evidence
Cross-sectional, observational, qualitative work and narrative reviews.
Claims that rest on it
Each claim states what the site asserts, at what strength, and with what caveat.
EmpiricalLevel DConfidence MODERATE
Stress research has often measured reactivity without reporting recovery, and worry and rumination are associated with prolonged cardiovascular, endocrine and immune activation beyond the stressor itself.
Scope
Laboratory and ambulatory psychophysiology in mostly healthy adults.
Caveat
The perseverative cognition hypothesis was described by its authors as having preliminary support; associations do not establish effects on disease.
Last reviewed · Review due · recovery-and-perseverative-cognition
Sources
Linden, W., Earle, T. L., Gerin, W., & Christenfeld, N. (1997). Physiological stress reactivity and recovery: Conceptual siblings separated at birth?. doi:10.1016/S0022-3999(96)00240-1
Level DReview
Supports the claim that of 105 reactivity studies, 63% collected recovery data but only 23% reported it, and that recovery protocols revealed findings not apparent from reactivity alone. A methodological review.
Brosschot, J. F., Gerin, W., & Thayer, J. F. (2006). The perseverative cognition hypothesis: A review of worry, prolonged stress-related physiological activation, and health. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2005.06.074
Level DReview
Supports the claim that worry, rumination and anticipatory stress are associated with enhanced cardiovascular, endocrine, immune and neurovisceral activity, which the authors describe as preliminary support for the perseverative cognition hypothesis.