It is widely believed that the family plays an etiologically significant role in somatization. Although research indicates many high symptom reporters come from dysfunctional homes, very little is known about the more specific aspects of daily family functioning that may heighten the risk of physical symptomatology at different developmental levels. Accordingly, we report findings on the relationship between ten dimensions of family-of-origin environment and physical health complaints in 933 children, adolescents, and young adults in junior high, high, and undergraduate school (grades 6–16). Results indicated that certain aspects of family life may combine to heighten the risk of somatic complaints for youth at different developmental levels. The implications of these findings are discussed and directions for future research are noted. Previous article in issue.
Findings suggested a buffering effect for leisure physical activity against physical symptoms and anxiety associated with minor stress. This effect was not found with depression. Additionally, there was no moderating effect for aerobic fitness on physical or psychological symptoms.
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The present investigation evaluates the relationship between HIV infection and victimization with regard to the interplay of these two factors as they relate to mental and physical health. Eighty eight inner-city low income African-American women who are HIV-infected and a demographically similar comparison group of women who were not HIV-infected were assessed for victimization experiences (rape, physical assault, robbery/attack) via interview.
Additionally, the psychological symptoms and health status correlates of victimization within the HIV-infected group are delineated. Results indicated that women in the HIV-infected sample were significantly more likely to report a victimization experience. Additionally, within the HIV-infected group, victims reported higher levels of global psychological distress, depressive symptomatology, and greater distress regarding physical symptoms than nonvictims. Furthermore, HIV-infected victims were diagnosed with higher rates of AIDS-defining conditions than HIV-infected nonvictims. These results underscore the importance of acknowledging the experience of violent victimization in the prevention and treatment of HIV infection in women.
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