Question

Which of the following is NOT true regarding the relationship between stress and the immune system?

a. Negative emotions associated with stress can delay healing.
b. Stress, in the form of loss or trauma, suppresses the immune system.
c. The immune system can be influenced by the brain but not vice versa.
d. Factors that reduce stress and negative emotions can enhance immune system functioning.

Answer 1

The incorrect statement is that the immune system cannot influence the brain. Research in psychoneuroimmunology has shown a bidirectional relationship between the nervous system and the immune system, with both short-term and chronic stress affecting immune functioning in different ways.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is NOT true regarding the relationship between stress and the immune system is c. The immune system can be influenced by the brain but not vice versa. In fact, the field of psychoneuroimmunology has shown that there is a bidirectional relationship between the nervous system and the immune system. Both short-term and chronic stress have demonstrated varying effects on immune functioning.

While short-term stress might enhance certain innate immune responses, chronic stress can suppress both innate and adaptive immune functions, potentially increasing susceptibility to certain diseases. Moreover, factors that serve to reduce stress can bolster immune system effectiveness, and stress has been shown to slow down wound healing by impairing necessary immune responses.