Psychoneuroimmunology and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection Revisited

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Abstract
In the May 1992 issue of theArchives, Perry et al1reported on the relationship between psychosocial and immune variables in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) seropositive individuals. This is the secondArchivesarticle devoted to this area that did not find significant associations on the whole.1,2We are impressed by the efforts involved in the generation of these two studies. However, we are concerned that the conclusion of Perry et al1suggesting no relationship between psychosocial and immune variables is premature. Thus, we raise the following four points. First, there was no discernible theoretical rationale interrelating the broad set of psychosocial and psychiatric measures assessed and driving the statistical hypotheses tested. In other reports, a theoretically driven psychosocial model interrelating stressful life events, social support, and coping style has demonstrated associations with psychological distress,3sures,4-11and clinical health status.11,12prior studies in