Individualism and immune function: Are asthma and allergies partly a function of an overly constricted self?

Relations of individualism/collectivism to asthma and allergies were examin ed in two studies. I proposed that a narrower psychological identity (indiv idualism)might be associated with an overactive immune system. In Study 1, average individualism levels across 15 countries correlated significantly p ositively (.50) with national asthma rates. Pollution and crowding levels w ere unrelated to national asthma rates. In Study 2, higher levels of person ality individualism were associated with higher numbers of allergies among college students even with some other individual difference factors control led. Potential mechanisms behind, and potential implications of, these resu lts are described. Some suggestions for further research on this topic are given.