The role of hormones
Kiecolt-Glaser and Glaser (1986) argued that stress causes a decrease in the hormones produced to fight carcinogens (factors that cause cancer) and repair DNA. In particular, cortisol decreases the number of active T cells, which can increase the rate of tumour development. This suggests that experiencing stress whilst ill could exacerbate the illness through physiological changes. So if the illness itself is appraised as being stressful, this itself may be damaging to the chances of recovery. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) This relatively new area of research is based on the prediction that psychological state can influence the immune system via thenervous system. This perspective provides a scientific basis for the ‘mind over matter’, ‘think yourself well’ and ‘positive thinking, positive health’ approaches to life. It suggests that not only can psychological state influence health via behaviour, but beliefs may influence health directly. In particular, research has focused on the capacity of psychological factors (such as mood, thought suppression and stress) to modify immune functioning. Positive mood is associated with better immune functioning, whereas negative mood is associated with poorer immune functioning (Stone et al., 1987). Humour appears to be particularly beneficial (Dillon, Minchoff & Baker, 1985). Certain coping styles (such as suppression and denial) may relate to illness onset and progression (e.g. Kune et al., 1991), while thought expression through writing or disclosure groups may improve immune functioning (Pennebaker et al., 1988; Petrie, Booth & Pennebaker, 1998;
Kiecolt-Glaser and Glaser (1986) argued that stress causes a decrease in the hormones produced to fight carcinogens (factors that cause cancer) and repair DNA. In particular, cortisol decreases the number of active T cells, which can increase the rate of tumour development. This suggests that experiencing stress whilst ill could exacerbate the illness through physiological changes. So if the illness itself is appraised as being stressful, this itself may be damaging to the chances of recovery. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) This relatively new area of research is based on the prediction that psychological state can influence the immune system via thenervous system. This perspective provides a scientific basis for the ‘mind over matter’, ‘think yourself well’ and ‘positive thinking, positive health’ approaches to life. It suggests that not only can psychological state influence health via behaviour, but beliefs may influence health directly. In particular, research has focused on the capacity of psychological factors (such as mood, thought suppression and stress) to modify immune functioning. Positive mood is associated with better immune functioning, whereas negative mood is associated with poorer immune functioning (Stone et al., 1987). Humour appears to be particularly beneficial (Dillon, Minchoff & Baker, 1985). Certain coping styles (such as suppression and denial) may relate to illness onset and progression (e.g. Kune et al., 1991), while thought expression through writing or disclosure groups may improve immune functioning (Pennebaker et al., 1988; Petrie, Booth & Pennebaker, 1998;
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