J Korean Biol Nurs Sci.  2024 May;26(2):99-110. 10.7586/jkbns.24.008.

A biobehavioral theoretical framework based on the mechanism of cellular aging for nursing interventions to promote autonomic balance

• Kim N
• Park J

• KMID: 2556100
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7586/jkbns.24.008

Abstract

Purpose
This study reviewed the pathophysiological mechanisms of cellular aging caused by psychological stress and aimed to establish a biobehavioral theoretical framework for nursing interventions to promote autonomic balance based on these mechanisms.
Methods
A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
Results
A review of the literature showed that the stress response increases the secretion of catecholamines and glucocorticoids, resulting in a greater allostatic load. This load induces inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress, shortening telomere length and damaging mitochondrial DNA, which can lead to cellular aging. Based on this mechanism, a biobehavioral theoretical framework for nursing interventions was established. This framework focuses on delaying or inhibiting the cellular aging process by acting on the stress response stage and improving autonomic balance.
Conclusion
According to the proposed biobehavioral theoretical framework, stress-relieving nursing interventions may act on the mechanism of cellular aging caused by stress responses. We believe that this framework could expand our understanding of the biobehavioral aspects of stress and would facilitate efforts to use biomarkers to evaluate the effectiveness of stress-related nursing interventions at the cellular level.

Keyword

Psychological stress; Cellular senescence; Autonomic nerve system; Theoretical framework; 심리적 스트레스; 세포노화; 자율신경균형; 이론적 기틀