Stressful life events, psychological symptoms, and psychosocial adjustment in Anglo, Black, and Cuban elderly

Abstract

The purpose was to compare psychological status between high and low stress groups in Anglo, Black, and Cuban cultures. High and low stress groups were significantly different particularly in regard to symptoms of somatization, depression, and anxiety. Cultural groups differed significantly on social participation and social dysfunction. Controlling for locus of control decreased some of the differences between high and low stress and controlling for social class diminished some of the differences in adjustment between cultures. The fact that symptoms differentiated high and low stress groups similarly in each culture suggests that reactions to such stresses as death and illness, which occurred frequently among these older persons, may be a common response that transcends cultural differences.