THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC STRESS ON ADOLESCENT IMMUNE FUNCTION: A MIXED-METHODS INQUIRY INTO PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS

For decades, scientists and doctors have studied how psychological health impacts physical well-being, particularly focusing on how stress and other forms of psychological distress affect the body over time. While much of this research has focused on adults, there remains a significant gap in understanding how these factors affect adolescents. Adolescence is a critical period of development, and the effects of chronic stress during this time can have lasting consequences on both mental and physical health. This paper explores the relationship between chronic stress and the immune system in adolescents, an area that has received limited attention in scientific research. Chronic stress is known to alter immune function, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections and diseases. To address this gap, the paper examines pre-existing data and introduces new data gathered through a questionnaire aimed at adolescents aged 13 to 19. By analyzing this data, the study attempts to trace patterns in how chronic stress impacts immune function in young people.