Psychosocial enhancement of immunocompetence in a geriatric population.

Assessed the enhancement of immunocompetence by relaxation and social contact in 45 60–88 yr old geriatric residents of independent-living facilities. Ss were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 protocols: (1) relaxation training, (2) social contact, or (3) no contact. Ss in the relaxation and social-contact conditions were seen individually 3 times/wk for 1 mo. Blood samples and self-report data were obtained at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and at a 1-mo follow-up. At the end of the intervention, Ss in the relaxation group, who had been taught progressive relaxation and guided imagery as an active coping skill, showed a significant increase in natural killer cell activity and significant decreases in antibody titers to Herpes simplex virus and self-rated distress. The other 2 groups showed nonsignificant changes. There was a general increase in the T-lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin stimulation at the end of the intervention, with greater change at lower mitogen concentrations. Data suggest that cellular immunocompetence may be enhanced by psychosocial interventions. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)