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Results for “Life Change Events”

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PubMed2006

What influence do major events in life have on our later quality of life? A retrospective study on life events and associated emotions.

BACKGROUND: To examine associations between global quality of life (QOL) and major life events. MATERIAL/METHODS: This was a retrospective study using the self-administrated expanded SEQOL questionnaire with questions on life events and connected emotions. Seven hundred forty-six people, 55-66 years old, from a representative sample of the Danish population participated. Global QOL was measured by SEQOL (self-evaluation of quality of life), containing eight global QOL measures: well-being, life-satisfaction, happiness, fulfillment of needs, experience of temporal and spatial domains, expression of life's potentials, and objective factors. RESULTS: Life events related to health such as restraints of movement or psychological illness showed a major association with the quality of life. Most other associations between quality of life and life events were intermediate or minor. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life cannot simply be determined by life events. Actual quality of life is determined by how all the events of life have been processed and integrated in the consciousness. The results seem to support the idea that global QOL can be efficiently improved by integrating the painful events of the past. Since several studies have shown correlations between QOL and health, it is likely that such an improvement in QOL will also cause improved health and ability.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Stressful events, work-family conflict, coping, psychological burnout, and well-being among police officers.

This study examined a research model developed to understand work attitudes and emotional and physical well-being. Data were collected from 828 police officers (including 738 men and 62 women) using questionnaires completed anonymously. Five groups of predictor variables identified in previous research were considered: individual demographic and situational variables, stressful events, work-family conflict, coping responses, and psychological burnout components. Considerable support for the model was found. Work attitudes and psychological well-being were more strongly predicted than were physical health and lifestyle behaviors.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1984

Stress factors in the development of coronary artery disease.

The epidemiologic evidence that stress contributes to cardiovascular disease is reviewed. No one characterization of stress has been associated with all manifestations of cardiovascular disease, yet specific characterizations have been associated with particular manifestations of disease. Type A behavior pattern is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and is correlated with the severity and progression of atherosclerosis demonstrated angiographically. Work overload with job dissatisfaction also predisposes to CAD. Socioeconomic disadvantage in a society of urbanization and industrialization increases the risk of hypertension and CAD, while chronic states of anxiety, depression, and helplessness are associated with angina and sudden death. Traumatic life events, especially involving loss of or threat to self-esteem, may precipitate sudden death in patients with preexisting CAD. There is evidence that the mechanism linking the experience of stress and the development of acute coronary events is exposure to sympathetic hyperarousal and a deficit in soothing. Research is needed to determine if work environments can be designed to minimize hyperarousal and provide protective outlets for individuals experiencing such arousal.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Stress factors in acute myocardial infarct: the role of physical exertion and unusual life events].

OBJECTIVE: It is controversial whether the onset of myocardial infarction is a "random" event or whether there are triggering factors of the disease. Previous reports on possible triggers were based on case studies or inadequately controlled studies. The TRIMM study (Triggers and Mechanisms of Myocardial Infarction) was designed to determine the influence of physical activity and other external factors on the acute risk of myocardial infarction. METHODS: At Klinikum Steglitz, Berlin, all consecutive patients with myocardial infarction were included. In the Augsburg area, all patients with myocardial infarction in a prospectively defined cohort (n = 330,000) were registered by monitoring 26 hospitals. Information on the circumstances and possible triggers of the disease was obtained by standardized interviews. The control group was matched for age, sex, precinct, and time of a control event. The statistical analysis included a case-control comparison of patients with control subjects and a case-crossover comparison comparing the average exposure to a possible trigger with the time of the last exposure prior to the onset of disease. RESULTS: From January 1989 to December 1991, 1194 patients (74% men, 61 +/- 9 years) were enrolled 13 +/- 6 days after myocardial infarction. During the initial three hours after awakening, the occurrence of myocardial infarction was almost threefold compared to other times of day. A multivariate analysis yielded a twofold risk of myocardial infarction during physical exertion, statistically independently of time of day. 7.1% of patients had engaged in exertional physical activity at onset of the event, as opposed to 3.9% of control subjects. The case-crossover analysis demonstrated a relative risk of 2.1 (1.6-3.1) of exertional physical activity within 1 hour prior to myocardial infarction. Patients whose average frequency of physical exertion was < 4 versus > or = to 4 times per week had relative risks of 6.9 versus 1.3 (p < 0.01). Unusual life events within 24 hours and 24 hours to 4 weeks prior to the event occurred with similar frequencies and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Physical exertion appears to increase the acute risk of myocardial infarction in patients with coronary heart disease, particularly in untrained individuals. Unusual life events, however, are of less importance for the acute risk of disease. These findings are important for further investigation of triggering mechanisms of myocardial infarction and for improving preventive strategies.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

Conflict and stress in nontraditional families: impact on children.

Particular stresses and certain kinds of conflict appear to be associated with each of the different family styles under study. Responses to stressful events also differ distinctly by family style. Aspects of children's intellectual performance and social-emotional behavior are negatively affected by stress, but in some types of families children are found to be more buffered than in others.

Child↗

PubMed2002

Sex-specific predictors of suicidality among runaway youth.

Examined predictors of suicidality (ideation and attempts) among 348 adolescent runways (197 boys; 56% African American; M age = 16) using sex-specific models that tested the impact of the three domains of the Social Action Model: individual characteristics, interpersonal influences, and life events. Twenty-five percent of the girls and 14% of the boys had attempted suicide at least once. Male suicidality was mainly predicted by individual characteristics: identifying as gay, emotional distress, fewer conduct problems, and avoidant reasons for drug use. The interpersonal influence of suicidal friends also predicted suicidality. Variables from all three domains influenced girls: individual characteristics of lower age, lower self-esteem, and emotional distress; interpersonal influence of suicidal friends; and life events of having lived on the streets and assaults. Findings suggest some sex-specific interventions, but decreasing emotional distress and lessening the influence of suicidal friends may be useful for both boys and girls.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Access to the world after myocardial infarction: experiences of the recovery process.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a traumatic health event and at the same time a transition of vital importance in human life. The purpose of this study was to elucidate recovery patterns after myocardial infarction with regard to the content of patients' experiences. The study used a descriptive design and a qualitative method. Interviews with 16 men and women were performed, and data were subjected to a thematic content analysis. The recovery process had a pattern of ability, restraints, and reorientation. Through self-help and help from others, the mutual sharing of burdens, and clarifying restraints to recovery, the recovery process progressed toward reorientation. New values and motivation for change, as well as a new balance within the self and relationships were found. The MI had been integrated into life and, through the recovery process, patients' attitudes were better focused, leading to an enhanced quality of life.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1984

An evolutionary-based model of health and viability.

A model of health and viability, as influenced by a wide variety of psychosocial variables, is presented. This model is based on the principle that illness and death sometimes serve an evolutionary function by maximizing natural selection prospects of other group members. Thus, evolutionary viability within the social context (personal contribution to one's social network) is a crucial health factor; life events, life style determiners, control perceptions, and viability emotions are other important concepts within the model. This model points to the possibility that the full scope of clinical practice may require assisting patients in regaining a sense of viability; nursing may be particularly relevant to this need because of the opportunity for intense interpersonal contact with patients.

Attitude↗

PubMed1996

[Common knowledge of protective health factors--a qualitative study].

The present study investigates what "laypersons" feel are the factors responsible for their own health and for maintaining health. In a partially structured interview everyday knowledge on positive health factors was examined in 41 healthy adults. An analysis of the subjective feelings on causes of personal invulnerability, on conditions which help one maintain one's health into the future, and on the resources one has to deal with critical events in life reveals how diverse and complex the everyday knowledge of those persons is. The knowledge about protective health factors is unfluenced by a biopsychosocial understanding of health. The majority of those interviewed assume that one can control one's psychological and physical health through one's own efforts or by using one's own resources.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Nonuse of prenatal care: implications for social work involvement.

A qualitative study of reasons for nonuse of prenatal care was conducted over a 10-month period in 1988 and 1989. Through personal interviews with 44 women who did not obtain prenatal care, four categories of reasons for nonuse were identified: (1) the women's lifestyles differed from mainstream society; (2) the women believed prenatal care was important, but stressful events in their lives took priority; (3) the women attempted to receive care but were discouraged, turned away, or given poor information by service delivery system personnel; and (4) the women did not want the baby. These reasons clearly indicate a need for social services intervention.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

Psychopathologic features among drug addicts and homosexuals with HIV infection.

Personal and familial psychopathological histories and information about early losses were collected and the results of the locus of control test and tests for psychological responses were determined for a series of ninety-two HIV-infected subjects (58 drug addicts; 26 homosexuals; 8 heterosexuals, partners of drug addicts). A higher percentage of drug addicts reported past histories of attempted suicide than the homosexuals. Early loss events were more frequent for homosexuals than for drug addicts. There was a higher psychopathological risk for asymptomatic HIV seropositivity in homosexuals, drug addicts who had attempted suicide, subjects that acknowledged that they have serious illness and subjects with external coping mechanisms rather than internal.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Psychosocial factors in the etiology of breast cancer: review of a popular link.

Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring type of cancer in women in the western world. The etiology of a large proportion of breast cancers is still unexplained, and the possibility that psychosocial factors could play a role is not ruled out. Already in pre-Christian times, it was assumed that psychological factors might play a significant role in the development of breast cancer. However, studies have failed to produce conclusive results. There is still a lack of knowledge on the relationship between breast cancer development and psychosocial factors such as stressful life events, coping styles, depression, and the ability to express emotions. The results of this review show that there is not enough evidence that psychosocial factors like 'ways of coping' or 'non-expression of negative emotions', play a significant role in the etiology of breast cancer.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1977

Psychosocial factors and myocardial infarction.

Two questionnaires totalling 370 questions were used to compare 61 male patients who had survived a first myocardial infarction with a group controlled for age and social status who had not had an infarction. The questionnaires included the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, providing a measure of 15 personality variables, the Anxiety and Depression Sub-Scales of the MMPI, and the Cochrane and Robertson Life Events Inventory, as well as originally-designed questions based on known risk factors. Significant differences were found in several dimensions of personality as well as in the family histories of myocardial infarction and in certain life styles. The patient group showed a greater sense of independence, greater difficulty in relaxing, and a sence of personal inferiority. Suggestions are offered for the modification of life styles in susceptible individuals as a possible aid to prevention.

Aggression↗

PubMed1997

Psychosocial variables in female vs male patients with stable angina pectoris and matched healthy controls.

AIM: This study was set up to evaluate psychosocial risk factors in patients with stable angina pectoris, with particular attention to gender differences, as this has previously been studied mainly in relation to myocardial infarction in males. MATERIAL: Seven hundred and sixty-seven patients (236 women) were studied. They were selected from the 809 patients included in the Angina Prognosis Study in Stockholm (APSIS), and 50 matched healthy subjects. METHOD: Data were gathered by structured psychosocial interviews on inclusion into the APSIS study. RESULTS: Patients with stable angina pectoris experienced significantly more stressful events, and suffered more frequently from disturbed and psychosomatic symptoms than healthy controls. At work they experienced less skill discretion and less control. The patients had higher rating scores for hostility and lower levels of self-rated overall well-being. With regard to gender differences, women were more likely to suffer from the strain of work, psychosomatic symptoms, disturbed sleep and stressful events than male patients. Females rated less type A-behaviour and hostility than males. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that previously known psychosocial risk factors for acute myocardial infarction are more common in patients with stable angina pectoris than in controls, and differ between female and male patients.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The social condition of a cohort of peasant farmers in rural community in southwest Nigeria.

This study focused on the psychosocial condition of a cohort of rural farmers, highlighting the social condition of their children, their life style, life events in the past year, the extent of their involvement in farming, the sufficiency of material sustenance from their products, their unmet needs and social aspirations, difficulties encountered in farm work, satisfaction with farming, and psychological distress. In 1992, 186 farmers were interviewed during health education visits at farm villages in Idere town, Oyo State. There were 161 (87%) males and 25 (13%) females mean age 49.9 (sd 11.7) years: who were illiterate, mainly polygamous, with 4-6 children per household. Only two families had a child each in institutions of higher learning. The general picture that emerged was that of a peasant, hardworking (six-day per week) farmer who relaxes with a game of cards in the evenings. His greatest problem is that of transportation and hiring extra hands for work. He is impressed by the yield from his farm. Compared with urban junior civil servants, the farmers had significantly lesser life events and GHQ-12 (psychological symptoms) scores. They had unmet social needs and were not satisfied with their condition of living. Meeting some of the basic needs of these farmers will boost their morale, enhance yield, and lower prices of food for the general population.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder in the community: the 1996 Detroit Area Survey of Trauma.

BACKGROUND: The study estimates the relative importance of specific types of traumas experienced in the community in terms of their prevalence and risk of leading to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS: A representative sample of 2181 persons in the Detroit area aged 18 to 45 years were interviewed by telephone to assess the lifetime history of traumatic events and PTSD, according to DSM-IV. Posttraumatic stress disorder was assessed with respect to a randomly selected trauma from the list of traumas reported by each respondent, using a modified version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, Version IV, and the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview. RESULTS: The conditional risk of PTSD following exposure to trauma was 9.2%. The highest risk of PTSD was associated with assaultive violence (20.9%). The trauma most often reported as the precipitating event among persons with PTSD (31% of all PTSD cases) was sudden unexpected death of a loved one, an event experienced by 60% of the sample, and with a moderate risk of PTSD (14.3%). Women were at higher risk of PTSD than men, controlling for type of trauma. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of PTSD associated with a representative sample of traumas is less than previously estimated. Previous studies have overestimated the conditional risk of PTSD by focusing on the worst events the respondents had ever experienced. Although recent research has focused on combat, rape, and other assaultive violence as causes of PTSD, sudden unexpected death of a loved one is a far more important cause of PTSD in the community, accounting for nearly one third of PTSD cases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

The family stress and support inventory (FSSI).

The Family Stress and Support Inventory (FSSI) is a new self-report family assessment instrument that is theoretically grounded in sociological and family stress theory and designed to provide a brief, reliable, valid, quantifiable, and global assessment of the intrafamilial stress and support variables. With reference to clearly defined constructs, the respondents rate on a continuum of 1-10 the amount of stress and support that they feel from each individual family member. Scale analysis and psychometric evaluation were completed on a randomly selected sample of 382 people chosen from family practice clinics throughout Minnesota and the University of Minnesota faculty and staff. The test-retest correlations are r = .78, p = .00 for the FSSI Support scale, and r = .68, p = .00 for the FSSI Stress scale. Correlation with social desirability is negligible (r = -.01, p = ns for FSSI Support; r = .11, p = .02 for FSSI Stress). The FSSI Stress scale demonstrates moderately high concurrent validity with the Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes (FILE), another family stress measure (r = .50, p = .00), indicating that both assess similar, but not identical, family stress dimensions. The correlation between the FSSI Support scale and the Family Inventory of Resources for Management (FIRM), another measure of family resources, however, was only r = .10, p = .05, indicating that these two measures evaluate different family support dimensions. The FSSI has many potential applications in family medicine research and clinical care where the intrafamilial stress and support variables must be quantified.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1992

The Type A belief system: relationships to hostility, social support, and life stress.

Certain core beliefs may underlie the Type A behavior pattern, predisposing individuals to health problems and impaired interpersonal relationships. Previous studies have revealed that the Type A Cognitive Questionnaire (TACQ), a self-report measure reflecting these beliefs, is indeed related to emotional distress. The current study assessed the TACQ's relationship to aspects of the interpersonal environment, including perceived social support and stressful events. It also investigated the TACQ's relationship to subtypes of hostility (ie, cynicism and paranoid alienation). Subjects were 111 college undergraduate volunteers. As hypothesized, the TACQ was significantly related to poor quality of social support and to greater perceived life stress. The TACQ appeared more strongly related to cynicism than to paranoid alienation. Findings were generally more pronounced for males. The discussion suggests that Type A beliefs may predispose individuals to health problems through impaired interactions with their interpersonal environment.

Achievement↗