Inflammation plays a role in inducing depression, with pro-inflammatory cytokines mediating the biological response to social and environmental stressors.
Compared to highly socially integrated women, those who are highly socially isolated, as well as those who are widowed, have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Greater emotional vitality—characterized by a sense of energy, positive well-being, and effective emotion regulation—would be protective against coronary heart disease incidence.
Psychological dispositions, including low self esteem, high negative affect, and high neuroticism, are associated with diminished immune response to vaccination.
Chronic inflammation is affected by numerous factors including diet, sleep, exercise, infections, and psychological stress, and may be a common mechanism linking these factors with poorer lifespan health.
Clinician Beliefs, the Placebo Effect, and Pain Relief
Whether a doctor believes they are prescribing a placebo or pain-relieving medication changes the amount of pain patients feel (even if the doctor uses the same language about the prescription).
Cancer patients who received early palliative care experienced less depression, fewer received agressive care, and these patients lived longer than those who did not.