October 2, 2000

Health Happenings
Mean People Suck! Have Stronger Immune Systems

Recent evidence suggests that men who are moderately aggressive have stronger immune systems. According to scientists from Penn State and the University of Nebraska, "this is the first time that a connection has been made between aggression and immunity in humans."

The researchers explain that aggressiveness was seen throughout history as being vital for gaining access to food, protecting the young, battling predators, and fighting other communities over resources and territory. Engaging in aggressive behavior, however, has a high likelihood of leading to trauma, wounds, and exposure to new diseases. Men who have been in occasional fights or have been in trouble with the law, either as an adult or a youth, have immune systems that may be ready to marshal a more rapid and intense response to pathogens associated with disease or injury.

Men reported on 12 different acts of aggression ranging from playing hookey twice a year or more to engaging in fights involving weapons. Those engaging in

• 2 aggressive acts were 30% more likely to have a stronger immune system than those reporting no aggressive acts were;
• 5 aggressive acts were 7% more likely to have a stronger immune system than those reporting 3 aggressive acts were;
• 8 aggressive acts were 4% more likely to have a stronger immune system than those reporting 6 aggressive acts were.