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5 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What was the aim of Kiecolt-Glaser research?
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To investigate naturalistic stressors and their impact on measures of immune function
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What was the procedure?
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- Used 75 medical students preparing for final exams
- Used natural killer cell activity (part of natural immunity system) as index of immune system - Measures of NK cell activity recorded from blood samples taken a month before exams (low stress) and during exam period (high stress) |
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What else did the participants do?
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- Completed questionnaires on experiences of negative live events and social isolation
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What were the findings?
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- NK cell activity reduced significantly in high stress samples in comparison to low
- Greatest reductions in students with high levels of social isolation |
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What did Kiecolt-Glaser conclude from this?
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- Exam stress (brief naturalistic stressor) reduces immune function - potentially increasing susceptibility to illness and infection
- Effects noticeable in students with higher levels of social isolation |
