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Stress meta study shows it really does affect the immune system 12 July 2004 by Richard Conan-Davies A major meta study (a study of a study) of stress conducted by the Psychologists recently published in the Journal Psychological Bulletin. Analyzing the results of nearly 300 studies Dr. Suzanne Segerstrom of the University of Kentucky, and Dr. Gregory Miller of the University of British Columbia, sorted them into different categories and evaluated them all statistically and showed 5 major types of stress: Acute time-limited stressors like brief mild distress such as when public speaking. The classic nerves. Brief naturalistic stressors , such as doing exams or tests. Stressful event sequences , such as death of loved one or seperation but an end is in sight. Chronic stressors - these are more long terms such as redefining ones role, no obvious end in sight looking after a husband or wife with dementia Distant stressors - this is similar tolong term stress like flash backs of traumatic events. Stressors really do have an impact on the immune system The study looked particularly at the different types of stress and the kinds of immune response and there is a clear connection between the different types of stress and the different parts of the immune system. The short term stressors are good for the immune system by acting to prepare the body for a possible infection from a graze or cut. The longer term stressors produce longer term problems for the immune system. right down to the individual cells.

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