Abstract
M.A. (Psychology)
The purpose of this study was to determine whether psychological factors
contribute to the rejection of a transplanted kidney. After a review of
existing literature on the relationship between various psychological
factors and immunological system of the body, it was hypothesized that
psychological factors such as state- and trait anxiety, stress, locus of
control as well as hopelessness would affect immune responses, and therefore
contribute to the acceptance or rejection of a transplanted kidney.
In order to test the hypothesis, patients of the Johannesburg Hospital
undergoing haemodialysis and on the waiting list for kidney transplant
were tested. Out of the initial sample, 12 of these patients, who had
undergone a renal transplant, were used in the study. Out of the 12
patients, 6 patients had accepted the graft, while 6 patients had
rejected the graft. The tests used in the study were the Spielberger
State-Trait Anxiety Scale, Hopelessness Scale, Health Locus of Control
and the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale.
The analysis of the data indicated a significant difference in the mean
score for the two groups with relation to state anxiety, trait anxiety
and health locus of control. The results indicated that the higher the
state and trait anxiety, and the more internal the health locus of
control of the patient, the greater the chances that the graft would be
accepted.
The results of this study indicated that psychological factors do
contribute to the immune response of the body to a transplanted kidney.
This would imply that more research is necessary to establish influence
of various psychological as well as social variables in transplants and
medical immunology.