Glaser et al studied 40 medical students for 6 weeks before their exams and again during their exams. There were significantly less T cells at exam time. This shows a relationship between stress and the immune system as exams can be very stressful, especially for medical students. The research is ecologically valid and does not extrapolate although it does not take into account any other factors that could be causing stress so cannot be used to show a relationship between stress and the immune system.
Riley investigated the lymphocyte count in mice when exposed to stress. He caused them to be stressed by placing them on a turntable rotating at 45rmp. Over 5 hours the lymphocyte count was markedly decreased. This shows a relationship between stress and the immune system but is not an entirely valid piece of research. It is not ecologically valid as it has been carried out in a lab and it also extrapolates information from mice and says this could be the same in humans. It is also unethical, therefore this questions the reliability to the research that supports the view there is a link between stress and the immune system.
Stein and Miller found that the immune function is altered in people who are grieving the death of a relative. This supports evidence to show a link between stress and the immune system. This is a good piece of research as it is ecologically valid and does not extrapolate therefore supports the theory there is a relationship between stress and the immune system.
Kiecolt-Glaser et al found immune cells from divorced or separated people did not reproduce as effectively as those whom were married. This research does support a link between stress and the immune system. The research is ecologically valid and does not extrapolate although is does not take into account any other factors that could cause immune cells not to reproduce as efficiently and therefore cannot be used to support the theory there is a link between stress and the immune system.
Overall Evidence does suggest that the experience if stress does suppress the immune system, although when carefully evaluating the research you find you can question the reliability of the research for such reasons as it doesn’t take into account other factors could cause suppression of the immune system.
A number of studies have indicate that although a stressor affects one part of the immune system, others are not effected, and. The description of the immune system is not complete, the immune system is extremely complex therefore more research needs to be carried out to understand it thoroughly.
