MOTIVATION AND EPIGENETICS.pdf (382.54 kB)
Health-related motivational and behavioral processes associated with DNA methylation of the TNF gene
journal contribution
posted on 2019-08-02, 13:42 authored by Richard Steel, Bethan Hussey, Sarabjit MastanaSarabjit Mastana, Martin Lindley, Ian TaylorIan TaylorObjective: Epigenetics has been described as one of the most exciting areas of contemporary biology, and research has begun to explore whether epigenetic modifications are influenced by psychological processes. The present research explored the associations of health-related motivation and behavior with the DNA methylation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene.
Methods: Participants (N =88) completed questionnaires examining engagement with health-related behavior (i.e., physical activity, diet and smoking) and health-related motivation from the perspective of self-determination theory. They also provided a capillary blood sample for DNA extraction and analysis of four CpG sites via bisulfite conversion within exon 1 of TNF.
Results: Health-related introjected regulation was not associated with TNF methylation (β =.13, p =.23). Health-related autonomous motivation was weakly but positively associated with TNF methylation (β =.18, p =.08). Indirect effects were identified in a subsequent step; autonomous motivation was positively associated with fruit consumption (β = .29, p = .004), negatively associated with smoking (β = -.22, p =.03) but not associated with physical activity (β = .10, p = .34). Moreover, TNF methylation was positively associated with lifetime physical activity (β = .18, p =.08) and negatively associated with smoking (β =-.23, p =.03). Direct effects of autonomous motivation on DNA methylation did not persist when these indirect effects were included (β =.09, p =.43).
Conclusions: Results support the idea that autonomous motivation for health is associated with DNA methylation, albeit indirectly through tobacco consumption.
History
School
- Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Published in
Health PsychologyVolume
39Issue
1Pages
68–76Publisher
American Psychological AssociationVersion
- AM (Accepted Manuscript)
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© American Psychological AssociationPublisher statement
© American Psychological Association, 2019. This paper is not the copy of record and may not exactly replicate the authoritative document published in the APA journal. Please do not copy or cite without author's permission. The final article is available, upon publication, at: https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000795.Acceptance date
2019-07-16Publication date
2019-09-19Copyright date
2019ISSN
0278-6133eISSN
1930-7810Language
- en
Depositor
Dr Ian TaylorUsage metrics
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