Research on psychoneuroimmunology: tai chi as a stress management approach for individuals with HIV disease

Robins, Jo Lynne W.; McCain, Nancy L.; Gray, D. Patricia; Elswick, R.K.; Walter, Jeanne M.; McDade, Elizabeth

doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2005.03.002

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Volume 19, Issue 1 , Pages 2-9, February 2006

Research on psychoneuroimmunology: tai chi as a stress management approach for individuals with HIV disease

Jo Lynne W. Robins, RN, ANP, PhD
- Integrating Wellness, Inc., Richmond, VA 23235, USA
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Corresponding author. Richmond, VA 23235, USA. Tel.: +1 804 323 0312.
Nancy L. McCain, RN, DSN, FAAN
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
D. Patricia Gray, RN, PhD
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
R.K. Elswick Jr., PhD
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
Jeanne M. Walter, RN, MS, FAAMA
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
Elizabeth McDade, MFA, CRM
- Circle Communications, Ashland, VA 23005, USA

Received 4 November 2004; received in revised form 24 January 2005; accepted 23 March 2005.

Abstract

Psychoneuroimmunology is a framework for mind–body practice and research that combines cutting-edge scientific exploration with holistic philosophy to appreciate and understand stress responses. The rapidly growing research literature provides a foundation for building an integrative stress management model with the potential to positively influence the stress–disease relationship and, ultimately, health outcomes. This article introduces a novel tai chi intervention and provides quantitative and qualitative data from a randomized clinical trial indicating its effects on psychosocial variables in individuals living with various stages of HIV disease.