TED Talks Daily
The science behind how sickness shapes your mood | Keely Muscatell
Dec 1, 2023
In this insightful discussion, Keely Muscatell, a social neuroscientist and psychology professor at UNC Chapel Hill, explores the fascinating connection between the immune system and our emotional well-being. She reveals how illness can induce feelings of depression and withdrawal, stemming from both physiological changes and evolutionary responses. Muscatell highlights that sickness might even increase our desire for social support from loved ones, illustrating the complex interplay of health, mood, and social behavior.
14:17
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Quick takeaways
- Sickness can affect our mood and social behavior due to the interconnectedness of our immune system and inflammatory response.
- Inflammation may have an evolutionary purpose to prompt us to conserve energy by resting and prioritizing interactions with close support figures or loved ones.
Deep dives
Physiological changes during sickness affect mood and social behavior
During sickness, the physiological changes in our body not only cause physical symptoms like fever and fatigue but also shape our mood and social behavior. Research in social psychonuroimmunology reveals that changes in the immune system can signal the brain to think, feel, and act differently. Inflammation, driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines, not only causes physical symptoms but also makes us feel down, depressed, and socially withdrawn. This indicates the powerful influence the immune system has on our mood and social interactions.
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