Data for the article <i>Toxoplasma</i> Infection and Its Sequential Impact on Physical Health, Stress, and Anxiety: Testing the Stress-Coping Hypothesis in a Nonclinical Sample

Toxoplasma gondii, a feline parasite with a wide range of intermediate hosts, infects about a third of the global population. Previously thought to be asymptomatic, research over the past 30 years reveals that life-long latent toxoplasmosis causes discernible psychological and behavioral changes in infected humans. These changes often intensify with time post-infection. These alterations, similar to those observed in infected laboratory and wild-living animals, are believed to be the parasite's way of enhancing its transmission from intermediate to definitive hosts. However, in humans, many behavioral effects of toxoplasmosis manifest differently between genders, leading to the proposal of the Stress-Coping Hypothesis. This theory suggests that the health deterioration from toxoplasmosis results in chronic stress, with men and women responding with distinct coping strategies, thus explaining the gender-specific behavioral differences. This study, conducted on 2,282 individuals who had previously been tested for toxoplasmosis, sought to examine this hypothesis through a survey that included the Perceived Stress Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory X-2. Results confirmed poorer health, higher stress, and anxiety levels among infected participants. Path analysis showed toxoplasmosis directly negatively impacts physical health, which in turn directly and indirectly (via deteriorated mental health) increases stress and anxiety among infected individuals. This pattern was not seen with borreliosis, serving as a negative control, underscoring the unique impact of toxoplasmosis on human physical and mental health, and well-being.