Psychoneuroimmunology and the Future of Health Psych

Question 1

What is psychoneuroimmunology?

Answer 1

The study of psychological and biological factors on immune function. Employs both bio and psych research methods to study [bio:] cellular functioning, antibody response, levels of immune system products, wound healing, and [psych:] the role of stress and mental illness

Question 2

How does stress impact immune function?

Answer 2

Stress triggers endocrine and immune responses. Frequent activation can lead to dysregulation

Question 3

Factors that buffer the immune degradation of stress

Answer 3

Social support, optimism, strong sense of control, relaxation

Question 4

Effect of social support on [which?] specific immune system key player

Answer 4

Natural killer (NK) cells increase in activity with the perception of high-quality emotional supporth from a spouse of intimate other

Question 5

HIV and AIDS (define)

Answer 5

Infection with HIV causes AIDS

HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus
AIDS: Acquired immuno deficiency syndrome

Question 6

Main form of AIDS transmission in the world AND in the US

Answer 6

Heterosexual behavior

Question 7

Psychosocial impacts of living with HIV

Answer 7

Stigma can reduce quality of life (HIV stigma is associated with suicide attempts and this impact is intensified in the LGBTQ+ community)

Question 8

Interventions for HIV

Answer 8

Education targeting sexual activity, prevention programs, coping skills, social support

Question 9

Which bodily fluids can HIV be transmitted through?

Answer 9

Blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk ONLY

Question 10

How many infections with HIV result in AIDS?

Answer 10

Approximately 1 in 5 HIV patients develop AIDS within 12 years of initial diagnosis

Question 11

Life expectancy with AIDS (and appropriate treatment)

Answer 11

2/3 AIDS patients survive at least 10 years after initial onset

Question 12

Effect of depression on cancer

Answer 12

Depression lowers the rate of positive outcomes in the course of cancer

Question 13

Effect of optimism on the couse of cancer

Answer 13

Optimism increases acceptance and decreases denial

Question 14

Stress and type I diabetes

Answer 14

Management of type I DM can cause strains on family relationships. Stress exacerbates symptoms and decreases adherence to treatment protocol

Question 15

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 15

Immune system attacks the joints, causing severe pain and stiffness. Almost 10% of all RA are severely disabled

Question 16

Future of health psychology will increase focus on ___ and ___ immunization programs

Answer 16

prevention; behavioral

Question 17

Overall effect of STRESS on thought/feeling-related brain function

Answer 17

Weaker control of thoughts, emotions, and actions

Question 18

*Patient engagement pyramid

Answer 18

Bottom to top:
Consumer
Connected patient
Contributing patient
Conferring patient
Challenge-setting patient (self-challenging)

Question 19

Expected trend in the future of chronic health

Answer 19

Increased focus on quality of life rather than mere survival (largely because people are able to live longer)

Question 20

Potential settings of application of health psychology

Answer 20

Academia, healtchare settings (public and private), in the workplace