APFCC+-+Kiecolt-+Glaser

APFCC: (stress) Kiecolt-Glaser et al (1 - see below for 2nd Study)

 * Theorist ** : Kiecolt-Glaser
 * Study ** **of**: Immune System and Stress (T-Cells)
 * Year ** : 1984

Used medical students, they analysed their t-cell levels in their blood cells well before their final exams and on the day of them. Found T-Cell numbers reduced.
 * Summary: **

To study how stress affects the immune system.
 * Aim: **

They got medical students to volunteer to give a blood sample during their studies and then on the day of their final exam. The 2 blood samples were then compared for their levels of T-cells. The cells responsible for the dealing with the immune system.
 * Procedures: **

They found that T-cells were reduced in the second blood sample, indicating that stress might have had some affect on their body’s immune system leading to a reduced count.
 * Findings: **

That a stress reaction - whether it is cognitive, or socio-cultural can have a biological affect on the body.
 * Conclusions: **

Why it shows a correlation it does not show a cause and effect relationship.
 * Criticisms: **

APFCC: (stress) Kiecolt-Glaser (2)

 * Theorist ** : Kiecolt-Glaser
 * Study ** **of**: Stress and Immune Function
 * Year ** : 1995

They conducted an experiment about how well wounds heal under different levels of stress. They used carers as their ‘stressed’ participants, and matched them with other people from other fields of work. The wounds took longer to heal in the experimental group.
 * Summary: **

To study the effect of stress on the immune system in relation to how wounds heal.
 * Aim: **

They used matched participant design, acquiring carers (looking after a relative with dementia) who volunteered and then matching them with people of similar age, and income - but with reduced stress levels. They tested for specific chemicals associated with stress before inflicting the wound.
 * Procedures: **

They gave each person an identical wound - through a punch biopsy procedure. Each group received the same amount of treatment. After, they measured the levels again.

They found that wound healing took longer in the experimental group, around 9 days longer. They found that the immune hormones were lower in the experimental group compared to the control group.
 * Findings: **

Thus this shows that stress can affect the immune system negatively.
 * Conclusions: **


 * Criticisms: **
 * Important for stressed people possibly recovering from surgery. Reducing their stress should lead to a better recovery
 * Matching participants is not exact and this could have influenced the results.
 * The health status of the participants may have been different, nutrition is also important.
 * Self-fulfilling prophecy for the carers


 * Resources: **