Relationship between interpersonal sensitivity and leukocyte telomere length

Abstract Background Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes, and telomere length represents a biological marker for cellular aging. Interpersonal sensitivity, excessive sensitivity to the behavior and feelings of others, is one of the vulnerable factors to depression. In the present study, we examined the effect of interpersonal sensitivity on telomere length in healthy subjects. Methods The subjects were 159 unrelated healthy Japanese volunteers. Mean age ± SD (range) of the subjects was 42.3 ± 7.8 (30–61) years. Interpersonal sensitivity was assessed by the Japanese version of the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM). Leukocyte telomere length was determined by a quantitative real-time PCR method. Results Higher scores of the total IPSM were significantly (β = −0.163, p = 0.038) related to shorter telomere length. In the sub-scale analysis, higher scores of timidity were significantly (β = −0.220, p = 0.044) associated with shorter telomere length. Conclusions The present study suggests that subjects with higher interpersonal sensitivity have shorter leukocyte telomere length, implying that interpersonal sensitivity has an impact on cellular aging

Distinctive correlations of sociotropy and autonomy with working models of the self and other

AbstractBackgroundBeck's cognitive theory of depression postulates personality vulnerability factors termed sociotropy and autonomy, which are accompanied by characteristic interpersonal styles. Meanwhile, Bartholomew contends that negative working models of the self and other built through insecure attachment relationships are externalized as distinctive interpersonal styles. The present study examined the relationships of sociotropy and autonomy with the self- and other-models, and attempted to promote understanding of the two personality traits from an attachment perspective.MethodsThe subjects were 510 healthy Japanese medical students or hospital staffs. Sociotropy and autonomy were assessed by the Sociotropy–Autonomy Scale, and working models of the self and other were evaluated by the Relationship Scales Questionnaire.ResultsThe sociotropy score was correlated negatively with the self-model score (β=−0.52, p<0.001) and positively with the other-model score (β=0.11, p<0.01). The autonomy score was correlated positively with the self-model score (β=0.10, p<0.05) and negatively with the other-model score (β=−0.33, p<0.001).LimitationsIt may be risky to generalize the present results to general populations or other ethnic groups.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that both sociotropy and autonomy are associated with attachment insecurity, but the marked difference in their correlation patterns with the self- and other-models leads to the distinctive interpersonal styles of the two personality orientations