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Psychoneuroimmunology Basics Flashcards

7 cards from real HCC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which concept describes the idea that early-life adversity can 'program' immune system reactivity through epigenetic changes that persist into adulthood?

    Answer: Biological embedding

    Biological embedding refers to how early adverse experiences alter epigenetic marks on immune and stress-response genes, creating lasting shifts in inflammatory reactivity.

  2. A holistic coach helps a client use visualization to prepare for surgery. Which PNI pathway most directly supports this intervention's potential immune benefit?

    Answer: Guided imagery reduces anticipatory anxiety, lowering cortisol and preserving cellular immunity before surgery

    Guided imagery reduces pre-surgical anxiety and cortisol levels, which helps maintain NK cell activity and T-cell function during the perioperative period.

  3. What distinguishes 'systemic inflammation' from 'localized inflammation' in the context of PNI and chronic disease?

    Answer: Systemic low-grade inflammation involves chronically elevated circulating cytokines linked to depression, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders

    Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, marked by persistently elevated CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, underpins multiple chronic diseases and psychiatric conditions studied in PNI.

  4. How does oxytocin, sometimes called the 'bonding hormone,' relate to immune function in PNI?

    Answer: Oxytocin has anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate HPA axis reactivity, linking social bonding to immune resilience

    Oxytocin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by reducing NF-κB activity and HPA axis reactivity, providing a biological link between positive social connection and immune health.

  5. In PNI, what does 'immunosenescence' refer to and why is it relevant to stress coaching in older clients?

    Answer: The age-related decline in immune function, accelerated by chronic stress, increasing infection and cancer risk

    Immunosenescence is the progressive decline in immune competence with aging, worsened by chronic psychological stress, making stress reduction coaching particularly important for older adults.

  6. Which PNI-informed coaching strategy addresses 'inflammaging' — the chronic low-grade inflammation associated with aging and stress?

    Answer: Integrating anti-inflammatory lifestyle practices: stress reduction, sleep optimization, Mediterranean diet, and moderate exercise

    Combining stress reduction techniques, quality sleep, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and moderate exercise targets multiple inflammatory pathways underlying inflammaging.

  7. When a coaching client asks whether their emotions can literally affect their DNA expression, what is the most accurate PNI-based response?

    Answer: Yes, psychological states influence gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms and neuroendocrine signaling that alter which genes are active without changing DNA sequence

    Psychological states alter gene expression via epigenetic mechanisms (methylation, acetylation) and neuroendocrine signals that activate transcription factors, without changing the underlying DNA sequence.