e-journal

The Signaling Theory of Symptoms: An Evolutionary Explanation of the Placebo Effect

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Placebo research shows that the subjective quality of care and social support, as well as the patients’ expectations of treatment, influence therapeutic outcomes. However, this phenomenon, known as the placebo effect, does not usually cure the disease, but rather can provide symptomatic relief: It may soothe symptoms such as pain, swelling, or nausea that constitute part of an immune response. The function of this mechanism remains unclear. This article puts forward the Signaling Theory of Symptoms (STS) as a possible explanation. According to STS, discernible aspects of an immune response, such as pain, swelling, or nausea, not only serve a defensive and healing function but also a signaling function: symptoms signal the need for care and treatment to potential helpers. Once help and treatment are granted, the signaling function is fulfilled and the symptoms diminish. This mechanism may have been a significant advantage in preindustrial environments, when sufferers depended on extensive social support and personal
treatment. Nowadays, from the point of view of modern materialist medicine, the mobilization of social support no longer seems so crucial, and thus the placebo effect has been assigned a somewhat mysterious quality.

Keywords
placebo effect, signaling theory, evolutionary medicine, immune system, psychoneuroimmunology

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Ketersediaan

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Informasi Detail

Judul Seri

Evolutionary Psychology

No. Panggil

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Penerbit

U.S.A : SAGE., 2015

Deskripsi Fisik

Evolutionary Psychology 2015

Bahasa

English

ISBN/ISSN

DOI: 10.1177/1474704

Klasifikasi

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Tipe Isi

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Tipe Media

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Tipe Pembawa

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Edisi

2015: 1–12

Subjek

PSIKOLOGI

Info Detail Spesifik

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Pernyataan Tanggungjawab

Mutia/Agus

Versi lain/terkait

Lampiran Berkas

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