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Objectives

Psychological well-being predicts favorable cardiovascular outcomes, but less evidence addresses biological mediators underlying these effects. Therefore, associations among well-being and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) were examined in a national sample.

Methods

Survey of Midlife in the US participants (MIDUS; n= 1205) provided survey assessments of hedonic (positive affect, life satisfaction) and eudaimonic well-being (eg, personal growth and purpose in life) at two waves 9 to 10 years apart. MetSyn components were measured during an overnight clinic visit at Time 2 only. Outcomes included the number of MetSyn risk factors and a binary outcome reflective of MetSyn status.

Results

The unadjusted prevalence of MetSyn was 36.6%. Life satisfaction (B [standard error {SE}]=− 0.12 [0.04], p=. 005), positive affect (B [SE]=− 0.10 [0.04], p=. 009), and personal growth (B [SE]=− 0.10 [0.04], p=. 012 …