Body and Social Behavior

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the influenza vaccine will shed important light on how the immune system responds to different positive and negative social experiences. Building on the nuanced animal literature showing that, while animals exposed to an inflammatory challenge show reductions in social exploration consistent with the sickness behavior of social withdrawal, they actually show increases in social engagement behavior during interactions with a cage mate or pair-bonded animal. The present study will examine if a mild inflammatory challenge (receipt of the influenza vaccine) leads to change in actual social behavior in interactions, specifically toward a stranger and separately, toward a close friend. This study will also build on foundational animal research showing that an inflammatory challenge leads to social defeat behaviors in animals.

Inclusion Criteria:18-35 years oldHave a same-gender friend willing to participate in the second study sessionExclusion Criteria:Are not a studentHave already received the annual influenza vaccine or had the flu this seasonReport current illness/sickness symptoms, including upper respiratory symptomsReport any major medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma)Use mood or immune altering medications (e.g., anti-depressants)Current regular nicotine/tobacco use (i.e., daily use of cigarettes or e-cigarettes)Have an allergy to eggsHave had COVID-19 in past two weeksCurrent or history of depression or anxietyHave had Guillain-Barre SyndromeAre allergic to vaccine or ingredients present in vaccineHave had an adverse reaction to a blood draw, including to needles or sight or bloodWeigh less than 110 poundsAre unwilling to be video/audio recorded during the social interaction tasksAre unwilling to be unmasked during the social interaction tasks