Illness Behavior in Mid-Life Women. Executive Summary

摘要

This study investigated the relationship of specific social-psychological factors to illness behavior in a sample of mid-life women. Data were gathered through the use of anonymous mail questionnaires. The results of the analyses indicated that the quality of social supports as defined by the intimacy of relationships, life satisfaction, self-esteem, feelings of success, and the recent illness or death of someone close were significantly related to illness behavior. The findings suggest that these factors should be considered by health professionals attempting to understand or treat such behavior.