Which of the following statements is true regarding the effects of long-term stress on immune function?

• A. Long-term stress only affects psychological health and does not influence physical health.
• B. Long-term stress can suppress immune system activity, making individuals more susceptible to illness.
• C. Long-term stress has no measurable impact on immune function.
• D. Long-term stress consistently enhances immune responses, leading to improved resistance to infections.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the relationship between stress and the immune system by reviewing how stress hormones, such as cortisol, influence immune function over time.
2. Recognize that acute (short-term) stress can sometimes enhance immune responses temporarily, but long-term (chronic) stress typically has a different effect.
3. Recall that chronic stress leads to prolonged release of stress hormones, which can suppress the activity of immune cells, reducing the body's ability to fight infections.
4. Evaluate each statement by comparing it to established psychological and physiological research findings on stress and immune function.
5. Conclude that the statement indicating long-term stress suppresses immune system activity and increases susceptibility to illness aligns with scientific evidence.