Final answer:
The psychological immune system works best when an individual is in a state of low stress and positive emotional well-being. Chronic stress and negative emotional states can inhibit immune responses even in healthy adults. Research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology has shown the connection between stress and immune functioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The psychological immune system works best when the individual is in a state of low stress and positive emotional well-being. Chronic stress and negative emotional states can have a detrimental effect on the immune system, inhibiting immune responses even in otherwise healthy adults.
Research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology has shown that long-term stresses, such as losing a spouse or taking care of a spouse with a fatal disease, can suppress both innate and adaptive immune responses. On the other hand, when individuals are in a state of low stress and positive emotional well-being, the immune system functions optimally, providing a strong defense against pathogens.
It is important to note that the field of psychoneuroimmunology is still relatively new and there is ongoing research to further understand the complex interactions between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.