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 work Isolation and exposure to hostile climates Unemployment Being a caregiver to a ill family member Exposure to natural disasters Chronically abrasive personal relationships Any 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 flexible 4.Realize that you are not perfect 5.Be assertive 6.Learn to say “No” 7.Consider locus of control 8.Avoid making too many changes at once 9.Prepare for stressful events 10.Express your feelings (Creer, 1997)

Develop Ways of Managing Your Time 1.Set realistic goals 2.Organize your time based on priorities 3.Break down tasks 4.Attack one task at a time 5.Schedule personal time for yourself 6.If overwhelmed eliminate some tasks/duties (Creer, 1997)

Take Care of Yourself Get plenty of sleep Eat a balanced diet Be physically active Avoid drug and alcohol abuse Develop friendships Use your support systems (Creer, 1997)

Resources To Help You Reduce Stress OSU’s Counseling & Consultation Service Younkin Success Center 1640 Neil Avenue, 4th Floor Columbus, Ohio Phone: , FAX: University Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (UFSAP) Stress Related Articles from OSUMC cations/

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, Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., McGuire, L. Robles, T. R., & Glaser, R. (2002). Psychoneuroimmunology: Psychological influences on immune function and health. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70,