Examined the effects of social support on the psychological well-being of rural elders. Surveys of 180 older adults living in northern Appalachia indicated that respondents had high levels of subjective well-being. There were no mean gender differences in perceptions of support, though the relative importance of various sources of supported…

Outlines a theory of human motivation that focuses on the unpredictability of life, innate and noninnate differences in individual characteristics, individual responsibility for actions, importance of a meaningful life, intrinsic physiologic rewards of behavior, gender differences in behavior, adult psychological maturation, and limitations of the…

Research has sought to establish a connection between positive psychological state and physical health and longevity. It has been suggested that persons with a sense of purpose or meaning in life are better able to withstand stress, and enjoy better health. To study the link between a sense of meaning and a sense of physical well-being, 28 college…

Worries of Dutch adolescents were studied and their most often reported health symptoms were ranked in a sample of 416 high school students. Gender differences were a question of degree rather than structure, and psychosocial well-being explained 77% of the variance in physiological status. Implications for health education are discussed. (SLD)

In a sample of adult subjects (Study One), the relative importance and efficacy of extrinsic aspirations for financial success, an appealing appearance, and social recognition were associated with lower vitality and self-actualization and more physical symptoms. Study Two replicated these findings in a sample of college students. (JPS)

Youth Surveys of the British Household Panel Study were used to examine the well being of adolescents. Well being is conceptualized as a multi-dimensional construct and models of gender and age differences were developed and tested. Confirmatory factor analysis found clear gender differences in self esteem, unhappiness, and worries. Many…

Although there is consensus in the mental health literature that women report more distress and depressive symptoms than men, it is not clear if this applies to all age groups. To examine the relationship of gender and distress among older adults, two methods were employed. First, a review was conducted of all random community surveys conducted…

Examines gender differences in body image and its relationship to depression-proneness and self-esteem. Findings indicate a preoccupation with body weight and appearance for both men and women, and a relationship between body satisfaction and depression-proneness. (FMW)

The objective of the study was to define psychological health from the individual perspectives of African-American women and men of different age groups, and to develop a global definition for all African-Americans. The findings suggest that characteristics of psychological health may be the same across race, although specific interpretations and…

Most research examining the relationship between sex role orientation and psychological well-being has been guided by either the congruence, androgyny, or masculinity model. The congruence model predicts that low self-esteem and high depression are consequences of gender/sex role incongruence. The androgyny model predicts that high self-esteem and…

Compared parents' problems and preschoolers' well-being in families of children living with their mothers or fathers in Denmark. Found close associations between strains on parents and child well-being. Parents who were not appreciated at work or unemployed were more likely to have conflicts with their children. Fathers had better jobs, less…

In this study, 375 adolescents from the junior high and high school of a Midwestern, semi-rural community were surveyed to investigate: (1) developmental and gender differences in strategies that adolescents use to cope with family, school, and peer stressors; and (2) the relation between coping strategies and outcome. The students were divided…