Finding meaning or benefit following stress is thought to promote psychological adjustment and has also been linked with antiviral immunity. Studies suggest that many individuals can find some benefit from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Pepperdine University

Although research has primarily focused on stress and other negative psychological states, there is growing recognition that positive psychological states may also modulate the immune system and neuro-immune interactions.

Positive Psychological States and Immunity

Benefit finding is the process of deriving positive growth from adversity.

Benefit finding

Bower, J. E., Radin, A., & Kuhlman, K. R. (2022). Psychoneuroimmunology in the time of COVID-19: Why neuro-immune interactions matter for mental and physical health. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 104104.

Psychoneuroimmunology in the time of COVID-19: Why neuro-immune interactions matter for mental and physical health

Research showed that high PA is associated with enhanced antiviral immunity.

Positive Affect (PA) and Immunity to Covid-19

Finding Meaning (Benefits) and Immunity to Covid-19

Research demonstrates the beneficial effects of social relationships on mental and physical health, including measures of immunity. Also, social relationships buffer the effects of lower socioeconomic status on the development of viral infection.

Social Connection and Immunity to Covid-19

Benefit finding in breast cancer includes potential positive contributions to the woman's life that follow the cancer experience. The benefits range from family and social relationships, life priorities, a sense of spirituality, career goals, self-control, and the ability to accept circumstances.

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