Abstract: The new research developments of medical psychology indicate that emotional state and its associated physiological response affect the function of immune system directly. Positive emotional state increases the function of immune system, whereas negative emotional state decreases the function of immune system and increases people’s infectious possibility of diseases. Emotion regulation is related significantly with the function of immune system. Positive emotion regulation leads to enhancement of immune system, and negative emotion regulation results in reduction of immune system. Emotional disclosure can alleviate the negative effects of trauma or stressful events on immune system and promote the recovery and improvement of immune system, while inhibition of negative emotional experience can reduce the function of immune system and cause more serious physical or psychological health disease.

Key words: emotional state, emotion regulation, emotional disclosure, immune system