PSYCH 13 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Easterlin Paradox, Immune System, Physical Attractiveness
Document Summary
Reduced immune cell function, weaker response to infection and slower recovery and healing. Weaker general immune response (inflammation) and specific response (antibodies). Simple social contact model, diversity of person"s social network is important, intimacy model (does the person have a close relationship with a significant other), perceived availability (does the person believe that ample support is available when needed?) Social support is strongly linked to health: Social support groups reduce or delay mortality, happily married people live longer than single or separated people, loneliness linked to poorer health across numerous studies. This is due to positive influence on health related behaviour (direct model), support during times of stress (buffering model), sociable people have protective psychological traits (optimism) Exceptions include overcrowding which can lead to stress or exposure to transmittable disease, and/or unhappy relationships which can lead to stress, depression or substance abuse. Religion provides an important source of social and emotional support for many.
