The interaction of social network size and stressful life events predict delayed-type hypersensitivity among women with metastatic breast cancer

Authors: Turner-Cobb, J.M., Koopman, C., Rabinowitz, J.D., Terr, A.I., Sephton, S.E. and Spiegel, D.

Journal: International Journal of Psychophysiology

Volume: 54

Issue: 3

Pages: 241-249

ISSN: 0167-8760

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2004.05.010

Abstract:

This study examined relationships between social support, stressful life events and antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity. Participants were 72 women with documented metastatic breast carcinoma, who completed self-report measures of social support and life stress. Immune response was assessed using the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test. Number of positive antigens was significantly related to the interaction of social network size and stressful life events (p<0.05). Number of positive antigens was greater for women who had experienced a high frequency of stressful life events but who reported a larger network of support. However, social network size was inversely related to DTH response among women who had experienced fewer stressful life events. Average induration size was not significantly related to the quality of social support, life stress per se, or their interactions. The relationship between social network size and immune response in women with metastatic breast cancer depends on prior stressful life experience. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Source: Scopus

The interaction of social network size and stressful life events predict delayed-type hypersensitivity among women with metastatic breast cancer.

Authors: Turner-Cobb, J.M., Koopman, C., Rabinowitz, J.D., Terr, A.I., Sephton, S.E. and Spiegel, D.

Journal: Int J Psychophysiol

Volume: 54

Issue: 3

Pages: 241-249

ISSN: 0167-8760

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2004.05.010

Abstract:

This study examined relationships between social support, stressful life events and antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity. Participants were 72 women with documented metastatic breast carcinoma, who completed self-report measures of social support and life stress. Immune response was assessed using the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test. Number of positive antigens was significantly related to the interaction of social network size and stressful life events (p<0.05). Number of positive antigens was greater for women who had experienced a high frequency of stressful life events but who reported a larger network of support. However, social network size was inversely related to DTH response among women who had experienced fewer stressful life events. Average induration size was not significantly related to the quality of social support, life stress per se, or their interactions. The relationship between social network size and immune response in women with metastatic breast cancer depends on prior stressful life experience.

Source: PubMed

The interaction of social network size and stressful life events predict delayed-type hypersensitivity among women with metastatic breast cancer

Authors: Turner-Cobb, J.M., Koopman, C., Rabinowitz, J.D., Terr, A.I., Sephton, S.E. and Spiegel, D.

Journal: International Journal of Psychophysiology

Volume: 54

Issue: 3

Pages: 241-249

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2004.05.010

Source: Manual

The interaction of social network size and stressful life events predict delayed-type hypersensitivity among women with metastatic breast cancer.

Authors: Turner-Cobb, J.M., Koopman, C., Rabinowitz, J.D., Terr, A.I., Sephton, S.E. and Spiegel, D.

Journal: International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology

Volume: 54

Issue: 3

Pages: 241-249

eISSN: 1872-7697

ISSN: 0167-8760

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2004.05.010

Abstract:

This study examined relationships between social support, stressful life events and antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity. Participants were 72 women with documented metastatic breast carcinoma, who completed self-report measures of social support and life stress. Immune response was assessed using the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test. Number of positive antigens was significantly related to the interaction of social network size and stressful life events (p<0.05). Number of positive antigens was greater for women who had experienced a high frequency of stressful life events but who reported a larger network of support. However, social network size was inversely related to DTH response among women who had experienced fewer stressful life events. Average induration size was not significantly related to the quality of social support, life stress per se, or their interactions. The relationship between social network size and immune response in women with metastatic breast cancer depends on prior stressful life experience.

Source: Europe PubMed Central