Discuss how psychological factors including negative cognitions affect immune system functioning. Give examples of physical conditions that are considered stress-related.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Sample Answer: The level of stress you are experiencing at the time seems to play a major role in whether the exposure results in a cold. Researchers found that the chance a participant would get sick was directly related to how much stress the person had experienced during the past year. They also linked the intensity of stress and negative affect at the time of exposure to the later severity of the cold, as measured by mucus production. In an interesting twist, it was demonstrated that how sociable you are-that is, the quantity and quality of your social relationships-affects whether you come down with a cold when exposed to the virus, perhaps because socializing with friends relieves stress.Almost certainly, the effect of stress on susceptibility to infections is mediated through the immune system, which protects the body from any foreign materials that may enter it. Humans under stress show clearly increased rates of infectious diseases, including colds, herpes, and mononucleosis. Direct evidence links a number of stressful situations to lowered immune system functioning, including marital discord or relationship difficulties, job loss, and the death of a loved one.