Cynics Aren't Doing Their Hearts Any Good


Research Shows A Connection Between Cynicism And Health Problems, Such As Cardiovascular Disease.

September 5, 1997|By Bob Condor Chicago Tribune

That office cynic down the hall might be facing a more serious problem than having to deal with the latest oddball management idea.

Research increasingly links cynicism to health problems, especially cardiovascular disease and immune system dysfunction. While working for a large company isn't a sure prescription for heart attacks, it presents stressful challenges, even for the optimist.

''Maybe corporate cynicism has something to do with data showing CEOs earn 85 times more money on average than the typical employee,'' said Steven Rogelberg, assistant professor of psychology at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. ''Another problem is the emergence of the team approach. It busts up the way things are done and creates lots of uncertainty about people's job roles.''

There is scientific research showing that role ambiguity and its resulting mistrust of management leads to elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

What's more, a study of more than 7,300 British civil servants published in the respected medical journal Lancet earlier this summer reported people with little or no control over their job - a major building block for cynical attitudes - puts them at 50 percent higher risk of heart attack than their bosses.

One intriguing note: A formidable body of research shows cynicism among police officers is a positive characteristic.

''It helps them score higher on performance evaluations,'' said Rogelberg, ''and it seems to work as a coping mechanism. Cops are frequently arresting people, then seeing them get off on technicalities. They typically need a hard edge to survive emotionally.''

That also goes for clerical workers and middle managers who face long hours, short shrift on raises and downsizing.

In addition, the rise of women executives is paralleled by a new breed of cynics.

''As a cynical woman, I will tell you it is an undesirable trait that didn't get reinforced in my family life but finds a place among co-workers,'' said Janine Waclawski, a New York consultant who is not without more than passing attitudinal similarities to the caustic female co-worker in the comic strip ''Dilbert.''

'' 'Dilbert' is funny,'' Waclawski continued. ''But it is dead-end. It reinforces a corporate culture of apathy, that your job is bad and you can't do anything about it. Plus, if you actually become a manager, then you automatically become incompetent.''

Serious conclusions about the funnies aside, Rogelberg and others say that general - and sometimes suppressed - cynicism about life beyond the office can be even more damaging to the heart and immune system.

''General cynicism as a personality trait is negatively related to self-esteem,'' said Rogelberg. ''You are critical about yourself and others, and not open to new experiences.

''It's preferable to be a healthy skeptic. You might be critical but you stay open to new ideas and experiences.''

Dr. Bruno Cortis, a Chicago cardiologist, said cynicism is part of the newly identified Type H personality (for hostile) that is theorized to be prone to cardiovascular problems, particularly heart attacks and sudden deaths, more so than the hyperactive Type A individual.

''A cynical attitude is the primary component of the hostility complex,'' said Cortis. ''Frequent outbursts of anger and aggressive behavior are other indicators. Some patients also hold in anger, smoldering in it until they explode.

''Cynicism disconnects you from other people. It's not good to feel that way about co-workers; it's worse to be separated from family members and friends.''

Negative emotional states such as depression, anxiety and cynicism are believed to activate an overflow of stress hormone responses, said Cortis.

The groundbreaking work about Type H personalities was done by Dr. Redford Williams at Duke University Medical School in Durham, N.C. He found consistent mistrust of others leads to higher risk for premature death, more accidents and increased sick days. Williams has also demonstrated a positive effect of friendship and other social support upon disease prevention.

On the other hand, a 1996 study conducted at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh showed cynical individuals are less capable of accepting and benefiting from social encouragement.

Cortis said meditation and other relaxation techniques based on mindful breathing, such as tai chi and yoga, have helped his cardiac patients to heal faster and improve quality of life. He also conducts a monthly support group.

''We sit in a circle and say one word that describes our state of mind,'' said Cortis. ''Other people then talk about how that word affects them. The idea is to open our hearts, not judge people. What usually happens is people discover the same things bothering them are bothering others. That is a source of comfort.''

Nonetheless, support groups aren't likely to penetrate the protective shell of a hardened cynic.

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