---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The recently ill display similar biases…"
description: "\"“The recently ill display similar biases, possibly, Schaller theorizes, because their immune systems may still be run-down, so their minds compensate b..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a1e/kathleen-mcauliffe-29763_pregnant-women_the-recently-ill-display-similar-biases_2113549.jpg"
---

#  The recently ill display similar biases, possibly…

![“The recently ill display similar biases, possibly, Schaller theorizes, because their immune systems may still be run-down, so their minds compensate by ratcheting up behavioral defenses. In support of that contention, he points to a provocative study by evolutionary biologist Daniel Fessler and…” quote by Kathleen McAuliffe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a1e/kathleen-mcauliffe-29763_pregnant-women_the-recently-ill-display-similar-biases_2113549.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a1e/kathleen-mcauliffe-29763_pregnant-women_the-recently-ill-display-similar-biases_2113549.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a1e/kathleen-mcauliffe-29763_pregnant-women_the-recently-ill-display-similar-biases_2113549.jpg)

> ““The recently ill display similar biases, possibly, Schaller theorizes, because their immune systems may still be run-down, so their minds compensate by ratcheting up behavioral defenses. In support of that contention, he points to a provocative study by evolutionary biologist Daniel Fessler and colleagues, who showed that pregnant women become more xenophobic in the first trimester, when their immune systems are suppressed to prevent rejection of the fetus, but not in later stages of gestation, when that danger has passed.””

[Kathleen McAuliffe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathleen-mcauliffe/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

When immune function drops, people may become more defensive and xenophobic, as seen in pregnancy and illness, because the brain compensates for perceived vulnerability.

**In simple terms:** Weak immunity can trigger heightened social defenses.

Key Takeaway

Recognize health‑related bias in attitudes.

Themes

health psychology prejudice evolutionary biology

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

scientific reflective

When to use this quote

- hospital settings
- pregnancy counseling
- public health messaging
- stressful environments

Key Concepts

immune response behavioral adaptation social cognition

Questions to Reflect On

- How might stress, not immunity, drive xenophobia?
- Can awareness reduce defensive attitudes?

A Different Perspective

Bias may be overstated; cultural factors also shape prejudice.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Pregnant women](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pregnant-women/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Schaller Theorizes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/schaller-theorizes-4277788/) [Theorizes Immune](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theorizes-immune-4277787/) [Trimester Immune](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trimester-immune-4277786/) [Xenophobic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/xenophobic/) [Xenophobic Trimester](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/xenophobic-trimester-4277785/)

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