Repression following a series of natural disasters: Immune and Neuroendocrine correlates |
| |
Authors: | Charles C. Benight Michelle L. Harper Diane L. Zimmer Mary Lowery Jean Sanger Mark L. Laudenslager |
| |
Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology , University of Colorado at Colorado Springs , 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, CO 80933-7150, Colorado Springs;2. Centura Health/ Penrose St. Francis Hospital;3. University of Colorado Health Sciences Center |
| |
Abstract: | The influence of repression on peripheral blood lymphocyte surface markers and diurnal decline in salivary cortisol following multiple disasters was examined. Participants were sampled at 2 to 8 weeks after a severe fire and flood, and again 1 year later. High distress, low distress, and repression groups were formed utilizing self-reported distress and systolic blood pressure during a disaster recall interview. A main effect for group was identified for CD56+ cells (NK cells), with repressors and high distress participants demonstrating lower percentage of NK cells than low distress participants. At Time 1 repressors demonstrated significantly higher percentage of CD56+CD69+ cells (activated NK cells) than high and low distress participants. From Time 1 to Time 2, repressor participants showed a significant decline in the percentage of activated NK cells. Repressors demonstrated attenuated decline in salivary cortisol compared to low distress participants. Health implications for disaster recovery are discussed. |
| |
Keywords: | Repression Denial Disaster Immunity Stress Cortisol |
|
|