Psychosocial Stressors and Telomere Length: A Current Review of the Science

Posted: 7 Apr 2020

See all articles by Colter Mitchell

Colter Mitchell

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor - Survey Research Center

Judith E. Carroll

Yale University

Date Written: April 2020

Abstract

A growing literature suggests that exposure to adverse social conditions may accelerate biological aging, offering one mechanism through which adversity may increase risk for age-related disease. As one of the most extensively studied biological markers of aging, telomere length (TL) provides a valuable tool to understand potential influences of social adversity on the aging process. Indeed, a sizeable literature now links a wide range of stressors to TL across the life span. The aim of this article is to review and evaluate this extant literature with a focus on studies that investigate psychosocial stress exposures and experiences in early life and adulthood. We conclude by outlining potential biological and behavioral mechanisms through which psychosocial stress may influence TL, and we discuss directions for future research in this area.

Suggested Citation

Mitchell, Colter and Carroll, Judith E., Psychosocial Stressors and Telomere Length: A Current Review of the Science (April 2020). Annual Review of Public Health, Vol. 41, pp. 223-245, 2020, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3570361 or http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040119-094239

Colter Mitchell (Contact Author)

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor - Survey Research Center ( email )

Ann Arbor, MI
United States

Judith E. Carroll

Yale University

493 College St
New Haven, CT CT 06520
United States

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