Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of how the mind and brain can affect immune system function. Research has shown that positive emotions can protect heart health while pessimism and suppressed anger increase health risks. Personality types like Type A, B, C, and D can impact health outcomes. Type A personalities are competitive and hostile and at higher risk for heart disease. Type D personalities are prone to negative thinking and isolation and at higher risk for heart issues and depression. Emotional states like anger, hostility, perfectionism, low self-esteem, worry, anxiety, fear and depression can negatively impact physical health, particularly heart and immune system function. Grief and depression can impair the immune

1. Wellness Chapter 2 Guidelines for a Healthy Lifestyle

2. The Science of Psychoneuroimmunology (pp. 26-27) Psychoneuroimmunology – the scientific investigation of how the brain affects the body’s immune cells and how behavior can affect the immune system Focuses on the links among the mind, the brain, and the immune system Research as shown the following effects of the mind-body connection Positive emotions can help protect the heart Among people with heart disease Pessimism can be deadly and a optimism promotes healing Remaining calm during emotional conflict reduces the risk of heart attack Anxiety and suppressed anger increase the risk for premature death, as does depression

3. Personality and Health (pp. 27-30) Personality – the whole of a person’s behavioral characteristics In essence, it is the pattern of behavior that distinguishes you from everyone else Personality types and Health Type A personality – a person who is hard-driving and competitive and also hostile, angry, and suspicious Also called the coronary-prone personality Increased risk for heart attack Type B personality – a person who is easy-going and generally free of hostility, anger, and suspicion Also called the relaxed personality Low levels of heart disease Type C personality – a person who is emotionally unexpressive and demonstrates ambivalence Also called the cancer-prone personality Increased risk for cancer Type D personality – a person who thinks negatively and isolates themselves from others Also called the distressed personality Irritation of an existing disorder Increased risk for heart disease and prone to depression

4. Emotional States that Affect Health (pp. 30-37) Anger – a temporary emotion Express anger appropriately At the right time and in a nondestructive manner Misdirected anger buries the real problems Creates more problems Health consequences of serious suppressed anger Heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hives, acne, ulcers, migraine and etc. Physiological effects of chronic repression of anger Release of chemicals and hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline) Major contributor to arterial diseases because these chemical and hormones affect the proper functioning of the heart and amount of constriction or dilation of the arteries Hostility – a permanent kind of anger It is marked by explosive and vigorous vocal mannerisms, competitiveness, impatience, and irritability In general, they want to hurt other people, either physically or verbally Effects of hostility Independent risk factor for coronary heart disease Continuous release of hormones that destroys health Weakens the branch of the nervous system designed to calm the body after an emergency Thus, the body does not recover from the surge of the stress hormones, does not calm down, and remains in a state of prolonged, harmful arousal

5. Emotional States that Affect Health (pp. 30-37) Perfectionism – compulsive pursuit of unrealistically high standards Procrastination stems from perfectionism Because people put off projects because they fear they will make a mistake Self-esteem – know and like themselves They cherish their positive qualities and work to improve their negative traits High self-esteem facilitates emotional growth Poor self-esteem is linked closely to alcoholism, drug abuse and violence and etc. Worry – dwell on something so much that we become apprehensive Anxiety – intense worry that is not grounded in reality Impairs the immune system and results in physical illness Affects the heart and the circulatory system Fear – when worry and anxiety escalate Secretes adrenaline, which has a powerful effect on the heart

6. Emotional States that Affect Health (pp. 30-37) Depression – apathy and a feeling of hopelessness Sometimes it follows the loss of something valued or someone important Death of a loved, termination of employment and etc. Sometimes it is caused by biological factors A chemical imbalance in the brain, a physical illness and etc. Health consequences of depression Impairs the immune system Hormones triggered by depression have significant damaging effects on the heart To combat depression Behavioral counseling, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medications Suicide – serve depression can lead to suicide ( SEE p. 36 ) The grief process Typical stages Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, hope for the future Protecting your immune system while you grieve Protecting the immune system Get plenty of rest Eat a balances diet Get plenty of fluids Exercise regularly

7. Hardiness (pp. 37-38) Hardiness – a set of personality traits marked by commitment, control, and challenge The 3 Cs Commitment –a belief that life has meaning and a sense of direction Control – a belief that negative events can be influenced in a positive way Challenge – ability to see change as an opportunity for growth and excitement Also termed emotional intelligence They stay positive under adverse circumstances If a problem crops up, they look for resources and try out solutions. If one solution doesn’t work, they try another one