Rahe - Prediction of near future health change from preceding life changes

Question 0

Aim

Answer 0

To investigate if there is a positive correlation between life changes and future illness.

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

There is a large amount of evidence that shows changes (desirable or undesirable) can cause stress responses which can lead to illness. The data is usually retrospective and Rahe et al wanted to use a score to predict future health changes.

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

2463 Navy enlisted men on 3 Navy cruisers
Mean age 22.3
Participants came from varied backgrounds
Two of the ships were based in Vietnam the other in the Mediterranean sea.
Participants filled in a military version of the schedule of recent experience (SRE)
Each life change on the SRE was given a life change unit (LCU) to reflect the severity of the change, theses were formulated by American citizens
As each ship returned a research physician reviewed the on board medical records. They recorded the number, type and severity of all recorded illness

Question 3

Findings

Answer 3

Correlation was carried out on the individual’s LCU totals and the illness reported by each man. This shows a correlation of +0.118, this is a positive correlation that proves the greater the life changes the more likely you are to become ill.
The correlation was most apparent in cruisers 1 and 3. It was also more present in married enlisted men that young single sailors.
The relationships between LCU and illness were strongest in the boats with the easiest missions, this may have been because the elevated stress levels hid the effects of life changes.

Question 4

Conclusions

Answer 4

The findings suggest that the higher the LCUs relating to the six months before departure are associated with higher illness on board the ship. However the relationship can be hidden by stressful on board experiences because this increases the illness rate for the whole crew. The link is stronger for men over 21 that were married

Question 5

Methodology

Answer 5

Correlation - may be intervening variables

SRE not v.reliable
Participants recalling events from 2 years

Problems with SRE
Measurement of illness

Men in the navy - culture, gender biases

Lack informed consent
Confidentiality
Right to withdraw

Question 6

Alternate evidence

Answer 6

Gupta and Gupta - found that life events were significantly related to the deterioration of skin disorders.

Skillgate - found that two or more life changes experienced during 5 years were found to be associated with neck and shoulder pain.

Jacobs and Charles - found that the children who developed cancer had a higher life change rating than those of children being treated for non-cancerous illness.

Vidal - found no relationship between life changes and irritable bowel disease. Found that daily hassles have more of an affect than big life changes

Delongis - Found no relationship between life changes and illness but found a correlation between daily hassles and next day health problems.