Abdelaziz Elmadani

New Jersey City University, USA

Abstract Title:Chronic stress responses in the brain and body weaken the immune system

Biography:

Dr. Elmadani earned a doctorate in counselor education and supervision from the University of North Carolina Charlotte, a master’s degree in counseling and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from New Jersey City University. He is a Certified Professional School Counselor and a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NY. Dr. Elmadani has experience as a supervisor in working with groups and individuals with severe mental health disorders. He also has experience working in school counseling and higher education settings as a school counselor and college advisor. He worked as a counselor educator and program director for mental health counseling programs.

Research Interest:

The rapid changes in today’s world are significantly impacting individuals' well-being. The rise in societal crises, including tensions, wars, terrorism, poverty, and job market instability, is contributing to increased stress and emotional instability. Many individuals experience a chronic stress response in their brain and body, which weakens their immune system, making them more vulnerable to mental and physical illnesses. This vulnerability also increases susceptibility to the long-term effects of diseases, behavioral challenges, and addictive disorders.

The combined impact of chronic stress and risky behaviors inflicts substantial harm on the body and exacerbates social issues. Stress hormones such as epinephrine, adrenaline, and cortisol are consistently activated under prolonged stress. For instance, when we think of something stressful, cortisol levels rise. As cortisol rises, secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA)—a critical component of immune defense—declines, leaving us more susceptible to infections. This connection demonstrates how excessive worry can lead to physical illness.

This presentation aims to increase awareness and understanding of the effects of stress on well-being. Our goal is to emphasize the importance of recognizing well-being indicators and the critical role of social and emotional support. For example, fostering family support, nurturing relationships, ensuring physical protection and safety through appropriate regulations, and providing developmentally appropriate opportunities can serve as essential building blocks for cognitive, motor, language, emotional, and social skills development.

 

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Viena TD, Banks JB, Barbu IM, Schulman AH, Tartar JL. Differential effects of mild chronic stress on cortisol and S-IgA responses to an acute stressor. Biol Psychol. 2012 Oct;91(2):307-11. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2012.08.003. Epub 2012 Aug 13. PMID: 22910371.