Morry Edwards, Ph.D.
This workshop will present a basic understanding of the immune system and a
review of the latest research in the exciting frontier of interaction among mind
and nervous system, endocrine system and immune system known as
psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). Factors that modulate feedback in these three
systems will be discussed. The different cells and components of the immune
system will be described and the different processes of immune function
explained. Immune system "uppers" and "downers" will also be
revealed. An overview of recent research in PNI and especially cancer will be
given. Research considerations will be explored. The contributions of
psychosocial factors to cancer onset and progression will be critically
analyzed. The role of hope and sense of meaning or coherence are central to
optimum functioning despite this catastrophic disease and will be explored. This
course will also examine some of the application of PNI studies with
self-regulation strategies to clinical work in oncology.
Morry Edwards, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who has specialized in
treating people with cancer and other chronic illnesses for over twenty-two
years. He is a long time certified biofeedback practitioner and AAPB member who
has concentrated on psychoneuroimmunology. He is currently a Staff Psychologist
at Borgess Medical Center and Director of Psychological Services at the West
Michigan Cancer Center in Kalamazoo, MI. He also consults with Cancer Treatment
Centers of America
