The results were similar for the five viruses and for groups defined by serologic status, age, sex, allergic status, education, weight, the number of subjects sharing an apartment, whether another subject in the same housing was infected, the season, and personality characteristics.

Smith College

- Stress negatively affects the immune system (more stress → more susceptibility to colds)
- The lack of antibodies in a person’s blood made them more susceptible to colds
   - However, this data was not statistically significant
- Healthy subjects were given one of five types of respiratory viruses in the form of nasal drops
   - These included: RV Type 2, RV Type 9, RV Type 14, respiratory syncytial virus, or coronavirus type 229E
      - Respiratory viruses target the lungs, which leads to airway blockage (i.e. alveoli are unable to conduct gas exchange), wheezing, and other symptoms that affect breathing
   - The control group was given saline nasal drops
   - Those with coronavirus type 229E showed higher stress, thus more infections

Impact of Stress on The Susceptibility to The Common Cold

Cohen, S., Tyrrell, D. A., & Smith, A. P. (1991). Psychological stress and susceptibility to the common cold. New England Journal Of Medicine, 325(9), 606-12.


Psychological Stress and Susceptibility to the Common Cold

The relation between stress and colds was associated to an increased rate of infections among subjects with higher stress-index scores instead of an increase in clinical colds among infected persons with higher stress scores

Infection vs Symptoms whiIe investigating Impact of Stress 

Factors that didn't affect Clinical Cold

A notable experiment provided compelling evidence for the link between stress and immune vulnerability. In the study, 276 healthy volunteers were first interviewed to assess their recent stressful life experiences. Subsequently, they were administered nasal drops containing a common cold virus. The findings revealed that participants who had been dealing with chronic stressors for more than a month, particularly those stemming from work or relationship problems, were substantially more likely to catch a cold than participants who reported no chronic stressors.

Experimental Evidence for Stress-Induced Cold Susceptibility

Analyze the following scenario and predict the most likely outcome. Provide a scientific explanation for your prediction based on the relationship between a person's psychological state and their body's defense mechanisms.

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