Disparities in Chronic Stress Exposure and Appraisal and Later-Life Disability

Abstract

Background and objectives: Influenced by the stress process theory, this study investigated the relationship between chronic stress (measured by exposure and appraisal) and the onset of a disability in later life among White, Black, U.S.-born Hispanic, and foreign-born Hispanic adults. Research design and methods: Using nationally representative data from the Health and Retirement Study, I used Weibull accelerated failure time models to examine racial, ethnic, and nativity disparities in chronic stress exposure and appraisal and age of onset of disability during the following 8-10 years (i.e., incidence). Results: Over time, earlier onset of disability was associated with higher levels of stress exposure (β = -0.04) and negative appraisals (β = -0.07). Appraising stress as more upsetting had a detrimental influence on later-life disability for Black adults (occurring 11% earlier), but a protective effect for foreign-born Hispanic adults (occurring 20% later) compared with White adults. Discussion and implications: Overall, findings suggest it is important to acknowledge not just the exposure to chronic stressors, but how upsetting these chronic stressors make one feel to reduce racial, ethnic, and nativity disparities in disability.