Stress and Immune Functioning

An Investigation Into Psychoneuroimmunology

by Lyndsey White

Have You Ever Had a Cold During Finals Week?

Did you know that stressors that lasted a month or more (like the duration of an academic quarter at OSU) were the best predictor for developing colds? (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2002)

Academic Stress & Decreased Immune Functioning

• In a study of college students, wounds placed on their hard palates 3 days before a major test healed an average of 40% slower than wounds made on the SAME individuals during summer vacation.

• These students also had lower levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), and important immunological mediator during exams (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2002).

Acute vs. Chronic Stress

• An exam is an example of a commonplace stressor that is considered short-term or acute in nature.

• By becoming more comfortable or familiar in a acute stressful situation (such as becoming an “expert” test taker) immune responses can become more transient and relatively benign.

• Chronic or long-term stress is more resistant to behavioral coping, and is associated with elevated hormone levels even after repeated exposure (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2002).

Examples of Chronic Stress Include:

Burnout at workIsolation and exposure to hostile climatesUnemploymentBeing a caregiver to a ill family memberExposure to natural disastersChronically abrasive personal relationshipsAny long-term stress considered unpredictable and uncontrollable (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2002)

Dysregulation of Immune Functioning Due to Chronic Stress Has Been

Associated With: Greater risk for infectious

diseases and bacterial infections

Higher incidences of certain Cancers

Decreased wound healing Possible etiology and

exacerbation of Autoimmune Diseases (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc)

Increased disease progression in HIV (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2002; Kiecolt-Glaser & Glaser, 2001 )

How Does Stress Influence Immune

Function?Stress can provoke the release of pituitary and adrenal hormones that have multiple effects on immune functioning.Distress enhances the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, which is a marker for chronic inflammation.

Stress can also lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as lack of sleep, poor nutrition, decreased exercise, and greater propensity for alcohol and drug abuse. These behaviors also effects immune function (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2002, p. 543).

Some Stress is Inevitable, But Long Term Coping Mechanisms Can Decrease Negative Immune Responses

1. Do not take on more tasks than you can handle

2. Deal with stressful events at once

3. Be flexible4. Realize that you are not

perfect5. Be assertive6. Learn to say “No”7. Consider locus of control8. Avoid making too many

changes at once9. Prepare for stressful

events10. Express your feelings

(Creer, 1997)

Develop Ways of Managing Your Time

1. Set realistic goals2. Organize your time based

on priorities3. Break down tasks4. Attack one task at a time5. Schedule personal time

for yourself6. If overwhelmed eliminate

some tasks/duties (Creer, 1997)

Take Care of Yourself

Get plenty of sleepEat a balanced dietBe physically activeAvoid drug and alcohol abuseDevelop friendshipsUse your support systems (Creer, 1997)

Resources To Help You Reduce Stress

• OSU’s Counseling & Consultation Service Younkin Success Center1640 Neil Avenue, 4th FloorColumbus, Ohio 43201Phone: 614-292-5766, FAX: 614-688-3440

• University Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (UFSAP) 614-292-4472

• Stress Related Articles from OSUMChttp://careconnection.osu.edu/hospitalsandservices/publications/

References

Creer, T. L. (1997). Psychology of adjustment: An applied approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Glaser, R. (2001). Stress and immunity: Age enhances the risks. Current Directions in Psychological

Science, 10, 18-20.

Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., McGuire, L. Robles, T. R., & Glaser, R. (2002). Psychoneuroimmunology: Psychological influences on

immune function and health. Journal of Consulting and ClinicalPsychology, 70, 537-547.