The Potential Mediating Effects of Dissociation in the Stress and Illness Relationship Among College Students

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Bauer, Gordon

Keywords

Psychoneuroimmunology, Stress, Illness, Dissociation

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

It has fairly recently become accepted that stress, both objective and subjective, has a negative effect on immune health. A current shift in the literature has led to a focus on the relationship between other behavioral influences with health that may either buffer or mediate the effects of stress. For example, several behaviors may alter the functioning of the immune system, including health practices, drinking and smoking behaviors, as well as affect and various other personality characteristics. Consideration of other moderating variables in the stress and illness relationship is therefore suggested for the understanding of how best to promote good health. Looking to individuals experiencing extremely high stress, the protective mechanism of dissociation becomes of interest. The following is a survey study on a sample of 629 college students via the online social networking website, Facebook. Results indicate that dissociation is likely a mediator in the stress and illness relationship. When perceived stress is included, the relationship appears to grow stronger.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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