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Degree

Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Psychology, 2005.

Abstract

Previous research shows psychological stressors to correspond to decreased functioning of NK and T lymphocyte, immune cells which may affect cancer progression. Using data from a longitudinal study of breast cancer patients, we tested whether individual differences in level and change in the psychological stress response correspond to individual differences in level and change in NK and T lymphocyte function. Latent curve analyses suggested an inverse relationship between levels of T lymphocyte blastogenesis and levels of perceived stress and distress. This finding may indicate that stress and distress are related to T lymphocyte blastogenesis through consistent individual differences. Results also suggested an inverse relationship between change in perceived stress and change in NK lymphocyte function over the 18-month follow-up period. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that stressors affect immune function through psychological reactions to stress.

Subject Headings

Psychology, Clinical

Keywords

breast cancer; stress; immunity; latent curve analysis

Advisor

Barbara L. Andersen

Pages

167p.

Document number: osu1117578022
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1117578022

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