Below are the results of a study conducted on students, separated into two sections, negative and positive states.
NEGATIVE STATES
|
Bereavement |
Decreased lymphocyte proliferation. |
|
Pessimistic states |
Decreased lymphocyte reactivity; decreased T-cell
effectiveness. |
|
Academic stress |
Decreased NK cell activity; decreased T-cells; decrease in
certain immune chemicals; increased susceptibility to herpes virus; decreased
immunoglobulin A; increased blood levels of Epstein-Barr virus. |
|
Depression |
Decreased T-cells; decreased number and function of
lymphocytes; decreased NK cells. |
|
Loneliness |
Decreased NK (Natural Killer Cell) activity. |
|
Chronic stress |
Decreased T-cells; decreased NK cells; decreased B-cells;
increased blood levels of Epstein-Barr virus. |
|
Divorce/separation/poor marital quality |
Decreased lymphocyte function; increased blood levels of
Epstein-Barr virus; decreased T-cell effectiveness. |
|
Expressed need for power and control |
Decreased NK activity; decreased lymphocytes. |
|
Negative behavior during discussions of marital problems |
Decreased NK activity; decreased macrophages; increased
blood levels of Epstein-Barr virus; increase in certain T-cells; decreased
immunity by mitogen tests. |
POSITIVE STATES
|
Satisfying personal relationships and social support. |
Increased lymphocyte function; increased NK activity;
increased immunity by mitogen tests; increased immune response to hepatitis B
vaccine. |
|
Personal sharing and disclosure of traumatic experiences |
Increased lymphocyte response. |
|
Humor and laughter |
Increased Immunoglobulin A; increased lymphocyte count and
activity. |
|
Hypnosis and relaxation techniques. |
Increased T-cell effectiveness; increased NK cell
activity; decreased blood levels of stress hormones; decreased blood levels
of herpes virus. |
|
Physical exertion and aerobic exercise |
Increased number of white blood cells; increase in
endorphins; increase in certain immune chemicals; increased NK cell number
and activity; increased T-cells; decreased T-cell effectiveness; decreased
lymphocyte function. |
|
Group intervention and support |
Increased NK cell number and activity; increased number of
lymphocytes; decrease in T-helper cells. |
(Reference: Kiecolt-Glaser, J.K., Garner, W., Speicher, C.E., Penn, G., and Vlaser, R. Psychosocial Modifiers of Immunocompetence in Medical Students." Psychosomatic Medicine 46 (1984).)