Theories of Psychoneuroimmunology

How do you know if your current health problems are related to stress? The truth is no one fully understands how stress impacts the immune or neurological systems. What is known is that chronic stress may increase blood pressure (Kulkarni et al., 1998) and alter the digestive system (Mayer et al., 2001).

Psychoneuroimmunology is a relatively new scientific field that seeks to understand the relationship between the mind, the nervous system, and the immune system. Stress is a key factor in this complex relationship. By understanding the psychoneuroimmunological models, you are better equipped to implement effective stress management techniques.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review Chapter 4, "Stress and Disease." Pay particular attention to the different ways the psychoneuroimmunological models explain disease.

• Review the articles, "How Stress Affects the Body," "Does the Perception that Stress Affects Health Matter?," and "Stress." Focus on how chronic stress differs from non-chronic stress and the impact of chronic stress on health.

• Review the article, "Stress Management," and consider the different sources of stress. Pay particular attention to the impact emotional and psychological stress can have on health.

• Select one psychoneuroimmunological model from Group One and one from Group Two.

Group One:
- Borysenko Model
- Pert Model
- Lipton Model

Group Two:

- Gerber Model

- Pelletier Premodel

Select a disease to analyze using the two psychoneuroimmunological models you selected.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief description of the two models you selected. Explain the disease in terms of each of the models you selected.Explain which model you would select to manage the disease and why.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.