Question

According to the review of research on stress and immune system, which of the following statement(s) has/have substantial evidence?

• A. There is a negative relationship between stress and functional immune measures
• B. There is no measurable impact of stress on functional immune measures
• C. Loneliness impacts the relationship between stress and functional immune measures
• D. There is a positive relationship between long term stressors and functional immune measures

Hint:

Stress generally \textbf{suppresses} immunity; strong social ties can buffer this effect, while loneliness can worsen it.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, C

Step 1: Core finding. Meta-analytic and review evidence shows that greater stress (especially chronic/long-term) is associated with reduced immune functioning (e.g., poorer NK-cell activity, antibody response). $\Rightarrow$ (A) is true.

Step 2: Social factors. Loneliness / social isolation moderates and often exacerbates stress-related immune deficits, indicating a meaningful impact of social connection on immunity. $\Rightarrow$ (C) is true.

Step 3: Eliminate distractors. (B) contradicts the well-documented effects of stress on immunity; (D) reverses the direction—long-term stressors typically impair, not improve, functional immune measures.
Therefore, the statements with substantial evidence are \fbox{(A) and (C)}.