Which Of The Following Is The Best Explanation For Why Stress Affects Our Immune Systems?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When we’re stressed,

the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced

. That is why we are more susceptible to infections. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes).

What is the best explanation for why stress affects our immune systems?

When we’re stressed,

the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced

. That is why we are more susceptible to infections. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes).

How does stress increase vulnerability to bacterial and viral infection?

Using human stress models, researchers have discovered that psychological stress is correlated with the

suppression of cell-mediated immunity

, which likely explains why viral infections are more prevalent during periods of prolonged stress.

During which stage of the general adaptation syndrome is a person especially vulnerable to disease?

In both cases, the stress experienced by the surviving spouse would be intense, continuous, and—according the general adaptation syndrome—would eventually increase vulnerability to illness or disease (

exhaustion stage

).

In which of the following tasks would you perform best with lower levels of arousal?

This relationship is known as Yerkes-Dodson law, which holds that a simple task is performed best when arousal levels are relatively high and

complex tasks

are best performed when arousal levels are lower.

How stress affects your immune system?

Many factors contribute to stress. But whatever the cause, stress creates a hormone in your body called cortisol. Cortisol can suppress your immune system’s effectiveness in fighting off invaders by

lowering the number of lymphocytes present in the blood

and interfering with normal white blood cell communication.

Does anger weaken the immune system?


It weakens your immune system

.

In one study, Harvard University scientists found that in healthy people, simply recalling an angry experience from their past caused a six-hour dip in levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, the cells’ first line of defense against infection.

What’s the relationship between stress and illness?

Studies have shown that short-term stress boosted the immune system, but chronic stress has a significant effect on the immune system that ultimately

manifest an illness

. It raises catecholamine and suppressor T cells levels, which suppress the immune system.

Can stress cause other illnesses?

Studies have found many health problems related to stress. Stress seems to worsen or increase the risk of conditions like

obesity

, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal problems, and asthma.

How do you tell if stress is killing you?

  1. You’re having trouble thinking clearly. …
  2. You’ve been getting more (or worse) headaches than usual. …
  3. You’re having digestive issues – but your diet hasn’t changed. …
  4. Your skin has been extra sensitive lately. …
  5. You’re getting back-to-back colds. …
  6. Your sex drive is down.

What are the 3 stages of fight or flight?

There are three stages:

alarm, resistance, and exhaustion

. Alarm – This occurs when we first perceive something as stressful, and then the body initiates the fight-or-flight response (as discussed earlier).

What are the 3 stages of stress response?

Selye identified these stages as

alarm, resistance, and exhaustion

. Understanding these different responses and how they relate to each other may help you cope with stress.

What are the 4 stages of stress?

The stress process consists of four stages: (1) a demand (which can be physical, psychological, or cognitive); (2) appraisal of the demand and of the available resources and capability to deal with the demand;

(3) a negative response to the cognitive appraisal of the demand and the resources with various levels of

What types of behaviors increase arousal?

  • Engage in physical activity.
  • Socialize with friends.
  • Try something new and exciting.
  • Watch an action-packed movie.

What is the drive theory of motivation?

According to the drive theory of motivation,

people are motivated to take certain actions in order to reduce the internal tension that is caused by unmet needs

. … The drive theory is based on the concept of homeostasis, or the idea that the body actively works to maintain a certain state of balance or equilibrium.

What is the relationship between performance and arousal?

According to what is known as “The Yerkes-Dodson law,”

performance increases with physiological or mental arousal (stress) but only up to a point

. When the level of stress becomes too high, performance decreases. There’s more: The shape of the curve varies based on the complexity and familiarity of the task.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.