Life stress and lymphocyte alterations among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A. J. Zautra, M. A. Okun, Sharon Kurpius, D. Lee, S. H. Roth, J. Emmanual

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

The relation between life stress and immune parameters was investigated for 33 female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients interviewed during three routine monthly clinic checkups. Life stress from major and minor events, coping efficacy, and self-reported psychological distress were assessed, and immunofluorescence of T-cells and B-cells was performed on the blood drawn during each visit. Small stressful events were positively related to the proportion of circulating B-cells, psychological distress was inversely related to proportion of circulating T-cells, and major life events were associated with lower T-helper/T-suppressor cell ratios.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-14
Number of pages14
JournalHealth psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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