Repression following a series of natural disasters: Immune and neuroendocrine correlates

The influence of repression on peripheral blood lymphocyte surface markers and diurnal decline in salivary cortisol following multiple disasters was examined. Participants were sampled at 2 to 8 weeks after a severe fire and flood, and again 1 year later. High distress, low distress, and repression groups were formed utilizing self-reported distress and systolic blood pressure during a disaster recall interview. A main effect for group was identified for CD56(+) cells (NK cells), with repressors and high distress participants demonstrating lower percentage of NK cells than low distress participants. At Time 1 repressors demonstrated significantly higher percentage of CD56(+)CD69(+) cells (activated NK cells) than high and low distress participants. From Time 1 to Time 2, repressor participants showed a significant decline in the percentage of activated NK cells. Repressors demonstrated attenuated decline in salivary cortisol compared to low distress participants. Health implications for disaster recovery are discussed.