Please include/ build ideas off the
following text:
“Immune system functioning
The system is also highly responsive to psychological stress
and depression (Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2004). College students, for example,
show lower levels of one variety of T cells (“natural killer” T cells) during
exam periods than at other times (Glaser et al., 1992). And adults who have
recently been widowed show a sharp drop in immune system functioning (Irwin
& Pike, 1993). Chronic stress too, has an effect on the immune system,
stimulating an initial increase in immune efficiency, followed by a drop
(Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2004).
Collectively, this research points to the possibility that
life experiences that demand high levels of change or adaptation will affect
immune system functioning. Over a period of years and many stresses, the immune
system may become less and less efficient. It may well be that the immune system
changes with age in basic ways regardless of the level of stress. But it is
also possible that what is thought of as normal aging of the immune system is a
response to cumulative stress.”
Cite: “names of editors”, Physical
and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood. In Lifespan Development
(7th ed., pp. 327-328). Pearson Education, Inc.
