Daily Hassles

What kind of participants were used in DeLongis et. al?

100 participants from San Fran, aged between 45 - 65 years old, all well educated and earning a high income.

What did DeLongis, Anita et. al find in their study?

There is a significant relationship between daily stress and the occurrence of health problems such as cold, flu etc.

What did DeLongis et. al find from their study?

Both the frequency and intensity of hassles significantly correlated with overall health status and bodily symptoms. They found that uplifts had little effect on health and neither did life events.

What did DeLongis, Anita et. al study in 1988?

Examined daily stress among 75 married couples across 20 assessments during 6 months.

What are the strengths of DeLongis, Anita et. al?

It was over a 6 month period, long amount of time to come to valid conclusions.

What did DeLongis et. al study in 1982?

Looked at strains of daily life known as "hassles." Compared two measures - life events scale and their own made hassles scale, to see which was a better predictor of later health problems.

What are examples of daily hassles?

Losing things, physical appearances, too much to do, home maintenance, rising prices, health, weight etc.

What are the weaknesses of DeLongis et. al?

Not generalisable because they were all wealthy and well educated and so their "daily hassles" would be different to other peoples.

What are examples of uplifts?

Relating well to friends and family, completing a task, feeling healthy, sleeping well, eating out, nice message. These little things help with daily hassles.

What are the strengths of DeLongis et. al's study?

Tested over a year - more generally representative.

Why are daily hassles found to be more damaging than serious life events?

They are more frequent and they build up and become severe stress, even on their own, they lead to chronic stress.

What are the weaknesses of DeLongis, Anita et. al?

They were all married couples and so, have different stress levels as a couple because they may have more support from their partner, etc.

What did the participants have to do in DeLongis et. al?

They were asked to complete 4 questionnaires once a month for a year about hassles, uplifts, life events and health status.

What did DeLongis, Anita et. al find about participants with unsupportive social relationships and low self esteem?

They were more likely to increase in psychological problems and are very vulnerable to illness. Shows how important the support system is.