Publications [#336559] of Timothy J. Strauman

Journal Articles

1. Strauman, TJ; Lemieux, AM; Coe, CL (1993). Self-Discrepancy and Natural Killer Cell Activity: Immunological Consequences of Negative Self-Evaluation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 64(6), 1042-1052. [doi]
   (last updated on 2025/06/16)

   Abstract:
   The study tested whether self-discrepancy theory could account for changes in natural killer (NK) cell activity after exposure to self-referential stimuli. Anxious, dysphoric, and control Ss were pretested and 1 month later covertly exposed to their own self-guides as well as those of another S. Blood samples were drawn for analysis of NK cytotoxicity and cortisol. The dysphoric Ss manifested the greatest actual: ideal discrepancy, whereas the anxious Ss manifested the greatest actual: ought discrepancy. Content analysis of written responses showed that activating discrepancies induced specific negative states; priming discrepancies also increased cortisol for the anxious Ss. NK activity was lower after self-referential priming for both distressed groups, particularly the anxious Ss. The control Ss showed a trend toward increased NK activity after self-referential priming. The study represents the 1st experimental demonstration that negative self-evaluation can alter immune responses.