Question

(c) how can prolonged stress affect the immune system?

• it can weaken immune functioning, making the body more vulnerable to illness.
• it permanently strengthens immune defenses.
• it eliminates the bodys inflammatory response.
• it enhances immune activity in the short term, leading to stronger immune functioning over time.

Explanation:

Analyze the physiological effects of chronic stress

Using the Cortisol Effects and Psychophysiological Disorders knowledge points

• Chronic stress triggers the sustained release of stress hormones like cortisol.
• High cortisol levels suppress the production and activity of lymphocytes (white blood cells).
• This suppression directly impairs the body's ability to fight off antigens.

Evaluate the given multiple-choice options

• Option 1: Correctly states that prolonged stress weakens immune functioning, increasing vulnerability to illness.
• Option 2: Incorrect, as chronic stress suppresses rather than permanently strengthens immune defenses.
• Option 3: Incorrect, as stress does not eliminate inflammation; in fact, chronic stress can lead to persistent, low-grade systemic inflammation.
• Option 4: Incorrect, as prolonged stress leads to weaker, not stronger, immune functioning over time.

Answer:

• (A) It can weaken immune functioning, making the body more vulnerable to illness. (Correct answer)
• (B) It permanently strengthens immune defenses.
• (C) It eliminates the body's inflammatory response.
• (D) It enhances immune activity in the short term, leading to stronger immune functioning over time.