Chronic minor stressors and major life events experienced by low-income patients attending primary care clinics: A longitudinal examination

Isabel C. Scarinci, Steven C. Ames, Phillip J. Brantley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Chronic minor stressors and major life events were assessed from 129 randomly selected low-income patients attending primary care medical clinics. Participants reported experiencing an average of 15 chronic minor stressors in a 12-month period. The most common chronic minor stressors were reported in the areas of finances and domestic activities. Participants also reported these stressors as the most intense. The t tests revealed that female participants reported significantly (p = .05) more chronic events than males. The most common major life events were reported in the areas of vegetative symptoms (i.e., major change in sleeping and eating habits), financial status, illness, and interpersonal relationships. The most stressful life events were changes in vegetative symptoms, family illness, and interpersonal relationships. The t tests revealed that employed participants reported significantly (p < .05) more positive life events than did unemployed participants. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)143-156
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine
Volume22
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

Keywords

  • Chronic minor stressors
  • Low socioeconomic status
  • Major life events
  • Minor stressors
  • Primary care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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