The Immune System & Stress Related Illness Flashcards
What were the aims of Kiecolt-Glaser’s research into the effects of stress?
To find out whether long-term stress of important examinations has an effect on immune system functioning.
What were the procedures of Kiecolt-Glaser’s research into the effects of stress?
They used a natural experiment, studying 75 med students.
There were two tested conditions:
1. Blood samples taken before exams (low stress)
2. Blood samples taken during exams (high stress)
Immune system functioning was measured by the amount of NK cells in the blood samples.
The students were also given questionnaires to assess psychological variables (e.g loneliness).
What were the findings of Kiecolt-Glaser’s research into the effects of stress?
NK cell activity was significantly reduced in the second blood sample taken. It was also more reduced in those who were lonely, etc.
What were the conclusions of Kiecolt-Glaser’s research into the effects of stress?
Long-term stressors, such as examination stress, reduce immune system functioning, potentially leaving people vulnerable to illnesses and infections.
What were the procedures of Segerstrom & Miller’s meta-analysis into the effects of different stressors on the immune system?
They reviewed 293 studies that looked at the effects of 5 different stressors on immune system functioning, including acute time limited stressors and chronic stressors.
What were the findings of Segerstrom & Miller’s research?
Chronic stressors showed a significant reduction in immune system functioning. However, they also found that acute time limited stressors can actually boost the immune system.
What were the conclusions of Segerstrom & Miller’s research?
Their work demonstrates the importance of the TYPE of stressor being investigated, and also the METHOD by which the immune system was measured (NK cells or T cells)
