Positive Health Online

Abstract

KIECOLT-GLASER and colleagues, Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 1670 Upham Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA, Kiecolt-Glaser.1@osu.edu, reviewed (176 references) literature providing evidence that links negative emotions with the onset and course of a range of illnesses/conditions that can be influenced by the immune system.

Background

Inflammation has been associated with a wide range of age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, frailty and functional decline and periodontal disease. Negative emotions and stress can directly stimulate production of proinflammatory cytokines, which influence these and other conditions. Negative emotions can also help prolong infection and delay wound healing, resulting in sustained production of proinflammatory mediators.

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

References

Kiecolt-Glaser JK et al. Emotions, morbidity, and mortality: new perspectives from psychoneuroimmunology. Annual Review of Psychology 53: 83-107. 2002.

Comment

Readers are also referred to Kiecolt-Glaser’s review of the literature regarding psychoneuroimmunology in Issue 78 of Positive Health (see below).