Mechanisms of Psychosocial Effects on Health: The Role of Social Integration, Coping Style and Health Behavior

Abstract

To analyze the mechanisms by which psychosocial factors affect health, this research investigated social integration and indicators of coping style and their relation to health behaviors and health status. The analysis was conducted using the results of a 1977 survey of 854 household interviews from a multi-stage probability sample of adult residents of Washtenaw County, Michigan. Physical-health status was evaluated by two indices: Self-rated global health and self reports of chronic disability. Mental health was assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Overall, the effects of the psychosocial factors were stronger for mental health than physical health. Social integration was shown to have direct effects on both physical and mental-health status. Internal locus of control was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Chronic conditions were primarily affected by age, sex, and health behavior. Evidence from the path analyses suggested that part of the health benefit that women accrue from social integration and an active coping style is related to better health behavior. This mediation effect was not found for men.

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