Week 4: Personal Factors Reducing Impact of Stress/Illness Flashcards
What is psychoneuroimmunology?
A field in which psychologists, biologists, and medical researchers study the effects of psychological factors on the immune system.
What factors impact immune system functioning?
Studies show that emotions, psychological factors, and stress are related to immune system functioning.
What effect do social ties have on the immune system?
Social ties have shown to have a positive effect on the immune system.
What factors are linked to lowered immune response?
Poor marital relationships, sleep deprivation, exams, and academic pressures.
What happens to the immune system after the death of a spouse?
The surviving spouse suffers weakened immune system function and is at a higher risk of mortality, which could last for up to two years.
What infectious diseases are correlated with periods of stress?
Increased symptoms of many infectious diseases including oral and genital herpes, mononucleosis, colds, and flu.
How does stress affect B and T cells?
Stress causes a decreased level of the immune system’s B and T cells.
What health risks are associated with stress?
Stress can make you more susceptible to coronary heart disease, stroke, and poorer pregnancy symptoms.
What is an example of stress affecting illness susceptibility?
People exposed to cold viruses are more likely to develop colds if they have experienced a greater number of life changes in the previous year.
Example of stress affecting illness susceptibility.
How does stress and anxiety affect autoimmune diseases?
Stress and anxiety can worsen autoimmune diseases.
What are the three personal factors associated with health and resistance to stress?
Optimism, psychological hardiness, and social support.
What is the relationship between optimism and physical health?
There is a strong relationship between positive attitudes and physical health.
How does an optimistic outlook affect heart attack risk?
An optimistic outlook can reduce the risk of a first heart attack by 50% when compared to the least optimistic.
How do optimists cope with stress compared to pessimists?
Optimists cope more effectively with stress, which in turn reduces the risk of illness.
What is the focus of positive psychology according to Martin Seligman?
Psychologists should focus more attention on using research to improve people’s lives than on treating psychological disorders.
What are the three qualities of psychological hardiness? (The three C’s)
Commitment, challenge, and control.
What did Suzane Kobasa study about stress and illness?
She identified stressful life events and symptoms of illness experienced by male executives and found qualities that distinguished those who remained healthy from those who had a high incidence of illness.
What is the role of social support in health?
Social support can provide direct help, information, advice, and emotional support to the individual.
How does social support affect the immune system?
Social support has a positive effect on the body’s immune system, cardiovascular system, and endocrine system.
What is the recovery rate from illness for those with strong social support?
People with strong social support recover more quickly from illnesses and have a significantly lower risk of death from specific diseases.
What are the three factors associated with health and resistance to stress?
Optimism, psychological hardiness, social support
