1. The Process of Social Stress: Stable, Reciprocal, and Mediating Relationships.
- Author
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McFarlane, Allan H., Norman, Geoffrey R., Streiner, David L., and Roy, Ranjan G.
- Subjects
SYMPTOMS ,SOCIAL networks ,PHYSICIANS ,ASSOCIATIONS, institutions, etc. ,LONGITUDINAL method ,DISEASES - Abstract
This paper reports on a prospective longitudinal study in which various aspects of the stress process were examined. Findings indicate that events perceived to be desirable and, therefore, presenting opportunities for gain or mastery were not stressful. Events that were neither desirable nor within control led to distress, symptoms, and physician visits. A longitudinal analysis demonstrated stability of both health and stress and their relationship to one another. While there was an association between stressful events and poorer health, a much weaker relationship was found in regard to change in health. Poorer health resulted in more stress. The stress-illness relationship was not mediated by either expectations of control or effectiveness of social supports. Locus of control predicted baseline levels of distress but showed no relation to change in distress over time or to symptoms. A reciprocal relationship was found between social supports and stressful events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 1983
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