Different emotions influence immune function, and this effect is often short lived, though patterns can persist across diverse life outlooks. Research from a professor in the Department of Physiology at Novosibirsk State University, who leads the university’s Research Institute, indicates that generally optimistic individuals tend to exhibit stronger immune markers than pessimists. This insight comes from Galina Idova, a neuroscientist who has spoken on this topic with socialbites.ca.
According to Idova, negative feelings such as fear, worry, and other unpleasant emotions can lower the number of T helper cells, the most abundant subset of T lymphocytes that support other immune cells. These emotions can also dampen natural killer cells, which play a critical role in destroying tumor cells and virus-infected cells. In contrast, engaging in humorous or joyful experiences appears to raise these immune indicators, with the most pronounced gains seen in people who report feeling strong positive emotions. This pattern aligns with observational data on how mood states relate to immune readiness.
The expert noted that optimists typically maintain higher counts of T helper and natural killer cells because they experience positive emotions more frequently. In contrast, a tendency toward depressive behavior in pessimists may contribute to lower immune cell numbers.
Another intriguing aspect involves how stress interacts with mood to shape immune responses. Idova explained that individuals who are generally positive and confident may interpret stress as an alarming threat, which can markedly suppress immune function. People with a more pessimistic orientation often expect bad outcomes and may not experience the same immune suppression under stress because their baseline expectations align with those outcomes, effectively bluntly shaping the stress response.
These patterns highlight a broader takeaway: emotional state and attitude toward life can influence immune health, not in isolation but through a dynamic interplay with stress, coping styles, and everyday experiences. The evidence suggests that nurturing positive emotions and resilience can be part of a holistic approach to maintaining immune function, alongside healthy sleep, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management strategies.
In sum, mood has a measurable, biologically relevant connection to immune processes. The presence of optimism correlates with a more robust presence of key immune cells, while persistent negative emotions and certain stress responses may dampen immune performance. The take-home message is simple: fostering moments of genuine happiness and reducing chronic hostility or worry could support immune resilience over time. Health professionals may consider psychological well-being as a component of preventive care, particularly for individuals facing chronic stress or mood challenges, and this area continues to warrant thoughtful, ongoing research. — Idova, Novosibirsk State University and Research Institute