How psychological states affect the immune system: implications for interventions in the context of HIV.
Research has established that psychological states can affect the immune system. This article discusses the psychological states associated with enhanced immune system functioning and those associated with suppressed immune functioning. Studies of psychological and behavioral interventions to boost the immune systems of people who are HIV positive, including people with AIDS, are reviewed. Suggestions are made for group interventions to enhance psychological states associated with better immune system function.
Georgia State University, Atlanta 30345-2226, USA. littrell@gsu.edu
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Littrell
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D011603:Psychophysiology; D012947:Social Work; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000276:immunology*