Intercollegiate College of Nursing
The Health Implications of Stress
Psychoneuroimmunology is a burgeoning field of study that highlights the interactions between the psychological, immune, and neurological systems during stressful phenomena. Associations between psychological stress and disease (such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, fibromylagia, and HIV) have led healthcare practitioners to implement more holistic treatment regimens that include addressing the psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs of patients.
As an interdisciplinary science, Dr. Starkweather’s research involves several collaborative teams. She is currently working with a microbiologist to identify the key immune components in chronic pain. This research has led to some interesting associations between preoperative stress and immunosuppression, the role of cytokine receptors in chronic pain, and cytokine involvement in nerve regeneration. She investigates complimentary and alternative methods of improving health, such as using various exercise programs to reduce pain. Her research includes deciphering the specific dose (intensity, duration, and amount) of exercise required to improve immune function, mental health, and quality of life in older adults.
Dr. Starkweather works with a team of investigators in the WSU Spokane Interdisciplinary Design Institute to determine the role of the environment in long-term care facilities that affect patient care and outcomes. The team investigates variables associated with workplace stress and nursing turnover in long-term care, which can run as high as 70 percent. Dr. Starkweather’s research will provide new information on how negative stress affects immune regulation, and on how healthcare practitioners can work toward relieving stress to produce better health outcomes in specific populations.
Contact Information
Angela Starkweather, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Intercollegiate College of Nursing
Washington State University
2917 W. Fort George Wright Dr.
Spokane, WA 99224-5291
Telephone: 509-324-7279
E-mail: astarkweather@wsu.edu
Safety and Security
- Gary A. Chastagner
- Sirisha Medidi
- Tobin L. Peever
- Barbara Rasco
- Angela Starkweather
- James A. Wise
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