Individualism and Immune Function: Are Asthma and Allergies Partly a Function of an Overly Constricted Self?

Abstract

Relations of individualism/collectivism to asthma and allergies were examined in two studies. I proposed that a narrower psychological identity (individualism) might be associated with an overactive immune system. In Study 1, average individualism levels across 15 countries correlated significantly positively (.50) with national asthma rates. Pollution and crowding levels were unrelated to national asthma rates. In Study 2, higher levels of personality individualism were associated with higher numbers of allergies among college students even with some other individual difference factors controlled. Potential mechanisms behind, and potential implications of, these results are described. Some suggestions for further research on this topic are given.

Keywords

allergies asthma immune system individualism/collectivism personality

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