Key result
Higher scores on stressful life events, perceived stress, and negative affect were associated with greater risk of developing a cold after intentional viral exposure.
Why the study?
Does psychological stress increase susceptibility to the common cold in healthy subjects?
Observational (n=394)
Does psychological stress increase susceptibility to the common cold in healthy subjects?
Higher levels of psychological stress are associated with an increased risk of developing a common cold upon viral exposure.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Should not yet change practice for cold prevention; leaves open causal effects and intervention benefits.
Cohen et al. (1993) conducted an observational in Common cold (n=394). Psychological stress (stressful life events, perceived stress, negative affect) vs. Lower stress scores was evaluated on Development of biologically verified clinical illness. Higher scores on stressful life events, perceived stress, and negative affect were associated with greater risk of developing a cold after intentional viral exposure.
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