Showing papers on "Social stress published in 1988"

The impact of daily stress on health and mood: Psychological and social resources as mediators.

Abstract: This study examined daily stress processes among 75 married couples across 20 assessments during a 6-month period. The somatic and psychological effects of common everyday hassles were investigated. Overall, there was a significant relationship between daily stress and the occurrence of both concurrent and subsequent health problems such as flu, sore throat, headaches, and backaches. The relationship of daily stress to mood disturbance was more complex. The negative effects of stress on mood were limited to a single day, with the following day characterized by mood scores that were better than usual. Furthermore, striking individual differences were found in the extent to which daily stress was associated with health and mood across time. Participants with unsupportive social relationships and low self-esteem were more likely to experience an increase in psychological and somatic problems both on and following stressful days than were participants high in self-esteem and social support. These data suggest that persons with low psychosocial resources are vulnerable to illness and mood disturbance when their stress levels increase, even if they generally have little stress in their lives.

Coping with stressful events in older children and young adolescents.

Abstract: Both the capacity to generate alternative solutions to cope with stressful events and the strategies actually used to cope with interpersonal and academic stressors were examined in a sample of junior high school age youngsters. Subjects were moderately consistent in the generation and use of pToblem- and emotion-focused coping with the two types of events, and they adjusted the numbiT of problem-focused alternative solutions they generated to match their appraisals of the controllability of the cause of interpersonal stressors. The number of alternative solutions generated and strategies used for interpersonal stressors was related to both self-reports and maternal reports of internalizing and externalizing emotional/behavioral problems. Specifically, the problem-focused alternatives generated and strategies used were negatively related to emotional/behavioral problems, wherea s the emotion-focused alternatives generated and strategies used were positively related to emotional/ behavioral problems. Coping with academic stress was not related to emotional/behavioral problems. Self-reported emotional/behavioral problems varied as a function of the match between perceived control and-the generation of problem-focused alternatives for coping with social stressors but did not vary as a function of the match between perceived control and other coping strategies. Stressful events of both major and minor magnitude in the lives of children and adolescents are significantly related to youngsters' emotional and behavioral problems (see reviews by Compas, 1987b; Johnson, 1986). However, substantial individual differences exist in the levels of problems that are associated with stressful experiences. This variability is due in part to differences in the resources available and methods used by children and adolescents to cope with adverse events (Compas, 1987a). Prior studies of child and adolescent coping have shown that cognitive and behavioral efforts to alter sources of stress as well as attempts to regulate the negative emotions associated with stressful circumstances are important in reducing the negative effects of a range of stressful events, including interpersonal problems and achievement-related stressors (Compas, 1987a).

Masculine gender-role stress: predictor of anger, anxiety, and health-risk behaviors.

Abstract: We suggest that male gender-role identification affects whether specific situations are appraised as stressful. A questionnaire was developed to measure masculine gender-role stress (MGRS). Correlational data and multiple regression were used to validate the MGRS scale as a measure of gender-related stress in men, and compare its predictive utility with Spence's commonly-used measure of masculinity. Findings indicate that stress appraisal is gender related, that is, men experience more masculine-role stress than women. Further, the construct of MGRS was distinguished from the concept of masculinity. Finally, MGRS predicted increased anger, increased anxiety, and poorer health behaviors.

Social Class and Cardiovascular Disease: The Contribution of Work

Abstract: Low social class has been identified as a risk factor for coronary heart disease in highly industrialized countries. The authors discuss the social class concept in relation to psychosocial working conditions. Most of those psychosocial work characteristics that are of relevance to cardiovascular risk, namely, skill discretion, authority over decisions, and social support at work, are unevenly distributed across social classes--the lower the social class, the fewer the resources for coping with psychosocial stressors. Furthermore, biomedical risk factors for cardiovascular illness are also unevenly distributed across social class and associated with psychosocial work characteristics. The main conclusion is that part of the association between social class and cardiovascular illness risk may be due to differences in psychosocial work conditions. The psychosocial work conditions may affect the risk through either neuroendocrine mechanisms or lifestyle. Excessive tobacco smoking, for instance, may be enforced by poor working conditions.

Cynical hostility and vulnerability to disease: social support, life stress, and physiological response to conflict.

Abstract: Previous research has indicated that high scores on the Cook and Medley Hostility (Ho) scale are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and other illness. Our study attempts to clarify this relationship by providing additional evidence concerning the construct assessed by the Ho scale, examining the level of physiological reactivity during interpersonal conflict in high- and low-Ho groups, and assessing the psychosocial profile associated with this characteristic. Extremely high and low Ho groups were selected from a pool of male undergraduates. Consistent with previous findings, high-Ho participants reported greater anger proneness and a more cynical, disparaging view of others than did low-Ho participants. The high-Ho group also tended to be more hostile and less friendly during role-played interactions involving high and low levels of interpersonal conflict, respectively. High-Ho persons also displayed greater diastolic blood pressure reactivity during interpersonal conflict. Finally, the high-Ho group reported less social support and more negative life events and daily irritants then did the low-Ho group. These results support the interpretation of the Ho scale as a measure of cynical hostility and are consistent with the hypothesis that it is related to disease by way of excessive physiological reactivity and a generally stressful, unsupportive social network.

Socioeconomic, family, and social stress correlates of adolescent antisocial and delinquent behavior.

Abstract: A total of 84 male and female adolescents were surveyed for SFS, family systemic functioning, and four types of social stress (Induced Transitions, Daily Hassles, Developmental Transitions, and Circumscribed Life Events) in relation to level of antisocial and delinquent behavior to determine the individual and cumulative effect of these psychosocial predictors. Univariate analyses indicated that perceived and Desired Family Cohesion, Daily Hassles, Circumscribed Life Events, and Developmental Transitions correlated significantly with reported antisocial and delinquent behavior, but SES and gender did not. Multivariate analyses affirmed that SES was of little use in understanding such behavior, at least among the general population, and that family functioning and social stress contributed interactively. Desired Cohesion was the most reliable indicator, with other family and stress variables' importance differing for males and females. These findings suggest that a family's ability to support each other and to harness that support to cope with transitions and stress during adolescence relates to a lower level of antisocial behavior.

Psychiatric disorder and illness behaviour in rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: A detailed physical and psychiatric assessment of 80 patients with definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis was performed using diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorder appropriate for those with physical illness. Seventeen (21%) patients had depression or anxiety severe enough to warrant treatment. The presence of pychiatric disorders was not related to the duration of the arthritis nor to 11 other indicators of its severity with the exception of grip strength (p less than 0.002) and Fries Functional grade (p less than 0.005). It was significantly related to the presence of social stress (p less than 0.05) and lack of social support (p less than 0.005). Those with psychiatric symptoms scored higher on an illness behaviour scale, indicating that they perceived their illness as very severe. These also worried excessively about it and failed to be reassured by the doctor. Such illness behaviour was displayed by some patients who had severe arthritis but lacked social support. In others the complaints were unfounded because their arthritis was mild. They also experienced much social stress and lacked social support. We conclude that psychiatric illness occurs in rheumatoid arthritis with similar frequency to that of other general medical patients. It is principally related to social stress and lack of support rather than severity of arthritis, and may lead to abnormal illness behaviour. Since lack of social support appears of prime importance in determining disability, its assessment is essential for the rehabilitation of the disabled patient with RA.

The association of health with stressful life changes, social supports, and coping.

Abstract: Cross-sectional associations of social stressors, social supports, and coping strategies with health status were explored in a self-selected sample of 157 white adults. Using a mailed questionnaire, stressful life changes were assessed by a 40-item version of the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, social supports were measured by a 13-item index, and health status was assessed by the 63-item Duke-UNC Health Profile (DUHP). Responses to a recent stressful event were categorized by method of coping and by focus of coping. In a multivariate analysis controlling for the effects of age, gender, and education level, higher 12 month life change score was related to lower composite DUHP score. The use of active-cognitive coping was directly associated and the use of avoidance-coping was inversely associated with health status. When interaction terms were included in the multivariate analysis, avoidance-coping potentiated the adverse health effect of stressors and weak social supports potentiated the harmful effect of avoidance-coping on health. The findings suggest that the propensity to engage in avoidant behavior in response to a stressful experience is associated with health impairment, particularly when social supports are weak.

Perception and experience of types of social stress and self-image among adolescents

Abstract: Eighty-four 16–18-year-old male and female volunteers were sampled to test the relationship of ratings and experience of four types of social stressors (developmental transitions, induced transitions, daily hassles, and circumscribed events). Also the relationship of self-image as measured by the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire to each type of stressor was studied. Contrary to previous research, we did not find correlations between ratings and experience, and observed minimal gender differences in ratings, experience levels, and psychopathology. Several differences in impact were found when stressor types were differentiated. Apparently, developmental transitions are least stressful for adolescents and daily hassles are most influential on their self-image. Gender differences were noted in the perceived change required by types of stressors and the manner in which stressors impacted on self-image. These results suggest that it is important to distinguish type of Stressors by type of adjustment process required, and that previously reported gender differences are less a matter of global differences or affects of specific Stressors than a matter of variations in perceived adjustment required and aspect of functioning impacted.

The role of social factors in affective disorders: a review.

Abstract: A number of researchers, dissatisfied with traditional models of affective illness, have developed multidimensional systems models that more accurately reflect how genetic, biological, and social factors may interact to increase vulnerability or resilience to stressors and illness. The role of five social factors in this process--demographics, early childhood experiences, life events, social support, and families--is reviewed. Serious methodologic difficulties hamper the study of social factors in affective illness, prompting the authors to suggest that researchers develop a new research paradigm that attempts not only to quantify social factors but to understand their meaning to the individual.

Environmental stress, reactivity and ischaemic heart disease.

Abstract: This article provides an overview of work in two areas of biobehavioural research: the effects of environmental stress and the role of psychophysiologic reactivity in the development of ischaemic heart disease. Attention is given first to evidence that low socio-economic status, low social support, and occupational settings characterized by high demands and low levels of control over the job are associated with increased coronary risk. Also discussed is a promising animal primate model of social stress and its role in development of coronary atherosclerosis. Next, we discuss physiological responsiveness (reactivity) to emotional stress, which is being studied as a marker of processes involved in the development of cardiovascular disease. Stress and psychophysiological reactivity constitute promising targets for research on biobehavioural antecedents of coronary disease and for clinical intervention studies. However, further evidence is needed before these variables can be regarded as proven coronary risk factors.

Violent crime and its relation to subjective social stress indicators: the case of Israel

Abstract: Although the effects of objective social stressors on violent crime have been studied extensively, the effects of subjective perception of stress factors have been neglected in criminological research. The present study investigates the relationship between the subjective perception of external stress factors and homicide and robbery rates, within a stress model according to which the probability of violence as a reaction to stress will increase when social support systems fail or malfunction. In the present context, subjective perception of social stress is conceived as expressions of worry or dissatisfaction regarding cardinal life domains such as the economic, security, or political situation. Support systems are defined here in terms of national solidarity, which is expressed as positive (or improved) attitudes regarding the relations between various segments of the population. The data regarding the subjective indicators were derived from continuing surveys of representative samples of urban Israeli population during the years 1967–1985. Fourteen stress indicators and two solidarity indicators were included. The periods covered range from less than 4 years to more than 16 years. The theoretical model was generally supported by the findings: both homicide and robbery were found to be related to most of the stress indicators as predicted. The two solidarity indicators were in line with the model in respect of robbery but not homicide. The consistency of the findings with the model is particularly noteworthy in view of the great variation among the independent variables regarding the number of observations and periods of time covered. Some theoretical implications of the findings are discussed, and suggestions are made for future research.

Enigmatic Death Due to 'Social Stress' A Problem in the Strategy of Research

Abstract: During a social encounter, an animal falls down and dies without evident cause. How should we try to understand such a phenomenon? We may attribute it to an emotion, such as fear or humiliation. At the other extreme, we may try to reduce it to physiology – say, malfunction of hormones or the nervous system. We may relate it to the social structure of the species, or to effects of crowding and their ecological implications. It is also, in biology, usual to ask about the evolution of a trait: hence we may find ourselves examining the survival value of death.

Stress coping and social support in individuals hypothesized to be at high-risk for psychotic disorders

Abstract: Karwacki, Stephanie Bibianna, M.A., June, 19.88 Psychology Stress, Coping, and Social Support in Individuals Hypothesized to be at High-Risk for Psychotic Disorders Director: David A. Schuldberg, Ph.D.

Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Cardiovascular Reactivity to Social Stress

Abstract: Briefly describe tha purpose, research design, and site of tha proposed research activity. Reducing c a f f e in e consumption may be e f f e c t iv e in a t t e n u a t in g ca rd iovascu la r r e a c t i v i t y to s t r e s s . This study w i l l examine the e f f e c t s of c a f f e in e consumption on blood p ressu re r e a c t i v i t y to a group of labora to ry s t r e s s ta sk s developed to approximate s t r e s s in the n a tu ra l environment. r S ubjec ts w i l l be assessed under c a f fe in e and no c a f f e in e s t a t e s while being p resen ted with in d iv id u a l s t r e s s o r s . These s t r e s s o r s ( r o l e p lays) w i l l be presented in the i n i t i a l a s s e s s ­ ment and fo llow ing phases of the study . Novel s t r e s s o r probe t r i a l s w i l l help d i s c lo s e any g e n e r a l i z a t io n e f f e c t s to s i t u a t i o n s not s p e c i f i c a l l y used in i n i t i a l assessm ent. A p e r s e s s io n a l t e r n a j r i n g t r e a ta e n t des ign ac ross s u b je c t s w i l l be u t i l i z e d . C a ffe ine w i l l be in troduced randomly in a double-b lind schedule with each sub jec t being exposed to the same amounts o f c a f f e in e over time. The research s i t e w i l l be the Behavior Medicine Laboratory Wood H a l l , Western Michigan U n ivers i ty , where equipment to monitor p h y s io lo g ica l r e a c t i v i t y i s lo c a te d . {EEEiWSfclSTTM "<3F 3USJ2CT5: Briefly describe sae auoj act population (e.g., age, sex* prisoners, people in. aeatal institutions, etc.). Also indicate the source of subjects. Eight to twelve s u b je c t s in te r e s te d in ob ta in in g b e t t e r awareness of what e f f e c t c a f f e in e consumption has on t h e i r ca rd io v asc u la r systems w i l l p a r t i c ip a t e in t h i s study . Previous resea rch does in d ic a t e th a t reducing c a f fe in e consumption could a t te n u a te ca rd io v asc u la r r e a c t i v i t y to unp leasan t s o c ia l s i t u a t i o n s . S ub jec ts w i l l be r e c ru i t e d by means of pub lic adve r t isem en t , from*the community. SUBJECT SELECTION: How will tha subjo cos be selected? Apprcxiaacely new aany subjects vill be involved in the research? The follow ing in c lu s io n c r i t e r i a w i l l be used: 1) r e a c t i v i t y to lab o ra to ry s t r e s s o r s (mean blood p re ssu re change of 102 from r e s t p e r io d s ) , 2) e v a lu a t io n of consuming no more than 300 mg. c a f f e in e d a i l y , 3) agreement to a b s ta in from a l l sources of c a f f e in e fo r 24 hours p r io r to each s e s s io n , 4) agreement to make no major changes in d i e t o r e x e rc is e over the course of the re se a rch s tudy . S ub jec ts who d isp lay blood pressu re read ings g r e a te r than 160w?Hg ( s y s t o l i c blood p re ssu re ) and 95mmHg. ( d i a s t o l i c blood p ressu re) w i l l be excluded from tne study Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.