Life Events, Resistance Resources, and Health Status in Social Caseworkers

Authors

Prudie L. Orr, Frayser-Millington Mental Health Center
Richard H. Dana, University of Arkansas

Abstract

Social case workers (N=318) participated in a longitudinal study designed to explore the relationships among life stress, possible "resistance" resources, and subsequent physical illness. Life stress was measured by the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ) while intra- and interpersonal traits and perceived community resources were measured using the Eysenck Personality Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Interpersonal Checklist, and portions of the Community Adaptation Schedule. Ten months later frequency of subsequent physical illness was measured by the Physical Health Status Questionnaire. Increased frequency of physical illness was associated with life changes in the work sphere and with greater hostility and inappropriate overreaction in interpersonal interactions.

Recommended Citation

Orr, Prudie L. and Dana, Richard H. (1982) "Life Events, Resistance Resources, and Health Status in Social Caseworkers," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 9: Iss. 2, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1525
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol9/iss2/6