Theoretico-conceptual frameworks for psychoneuroimmunology

• Published in: Brain behavior and immunity integrative 2024-07, Vol.7, p.100066, Article 100066
• Main Authors: Jording, Colten, Hoffman, Steven A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: And neuroscience; Complementarity; Materialism; Mind-brain relation; Relation between psychology; Theoretico/conceptual foundations
• ISSN: 2949-8341; 2949-8341
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbii.2024.100066

This article examines the theoretico/conceptual foundations of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). A materialist/mechanist foundation appears to predominate in the field. We suggest that a complementarity framework might be a better lens for examining different neuro-immune and psychological connections, including psychological function and dysfunction as related to neurophysiological and immunological dynamics. Through this examination, it is hypothesized that PNI would best work with a complementarity foundation, as opposed to materialism, mechanism, or dualistic interactionism. At the very least, this examination gives us a deeper respect for showing the complexity of consciousness and health. An appropriate view of the mind-body relation should provide a sound theoretical framework for PNI research serving to bridge new dynamics between the neuro-immune and the psychological. •Theoretico/conceptual foundations of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI).•Relation between psychology and neuroscience (or mind and brain).•Materialism, mechanism, interactionism as frameworks for PNI.•Complementarity as the best framework for PNI.