The Role of Unconscious Emotion Regulation in Immune System Functioning: A Scoping Review

Unconscious emotion regulation (UER) plays a fundamental role in maintaining psychological balance and influencing physiological processes. Recent advances in psychoneuroimmunology suggest that UER can modulate immune functioning through complex brain–immune interactions. This scoping review explores current research on the relationship between unconscious emotional processes and immune system functioning. We map relevant studies across neuroscience, immunology, and affective science to identify theoretical models, neurobiological pathways, and potential clinical applications. The review highlights the importance of integrating unconscious mechanisms into mind–body medicine and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research in this emerging field.