Stress-The role of stress in illness Flashcards
What is immunosuppresion?
Over time when the body is experiencing long term stress, it can lead to impaired functioning of the immune system- our body would be unable to cope with infection and disease
What are lymphocytes?
A type of white blood cell
What do B cells do?
Produce antibodies which are released into the fluid surrounding the body’s cells to destroy invading viruses and bacteria
What do T cells do?
If invader gets inside a cell, T Cells lock onto the infected cell, multiply and then destroy it
How does cortisol affect lymphocytes?
It decreases the production of lymphocytes -> from the adrenal cortex
What does less production of lymphocytes result in?
The thymus gland shrinking thus being able to produce less T-cells
What was Kiecolt Glaser (1989) experiment?
Natural experiment consisting of 75 med students having blood samples taken before their final exams (low stress) and during the exams (high stress)- immune functioning was assessed by measuring T-cells in blood samples- students given questionnaires to assess variables such as life events and loneliness
What was the conclusion of Glaser’s experiment?
T-cell activity significantly reduced in the second blood sample as well as those who reported high levels of life events and loneliness
What was Cohen (1993) experiment?
Investigated role of general life stress on vulnerability to common cold virus. 393 participants completed questionnaire on number of stressful life events they had experienced in previous year- they also rated their degree of stress and their level of negative emotions e.g. depression- these 3 scores combined into stress index- participants then exposed to a cold, those more stressed more likely to develop a cold
What was the conclusion of Cohen’s experiment
As the more stressed you were the more likely to become ill, this shows stress reduces our immune system functioning
