Which field studies the connection among the mind, brain, and immune system?

The connection among the mind, brain, and immune system is studied in the field of psychoneuroimmunology. This interdisciplinary field explores how psychological factors, such as stress and emotions, can influence neurological functioning and immune responses. Researchers in psychoneuroimmunology investigate how the brain communicates with the immune system through various pathways and mechanisms, shedding light on the bidirectional relationships between psychological well-being and physical health.

This field is significant because it provides insight into how mental health can affect physical health and vice versa. It emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to understanding health, integrating psychological, neurological, and immunological perspectives, which is critical in various therapeutic settings, including music therapy.

While neuroscience broadly studies the brain and nervous system, and behavioral psychology focuses on observable behaviors, neither specifically addresses the interplay with the immune system. Health psychology does consider the impact of mental and emotional factors on physical health, but it does not have the specific focus on the biological interactions that psychoneuroimmunology entails.