The relationship between stress and physical health has posed many questions
for researchers. Most of their queries have focused on stressors such as divorce,
bereavement, and job loss. However, more recent work has examined the health
effects associated with extreme stressors, including war, sexual victimization,
disasters, and serious accidents. This volume continues along that path and
summarizes findings on trauma and PSTD in relation to three domains of outcomes:
healthstatus and disease, somatization, and utilization and cost. Contributors
examine the biology of stress and PTSD, and how trauma and PSTD could lead to
poor physical health through correlates such as depression, coping, and health
behaviors. They also present implications for clinical and health policy.
This volume provides a comprehensive summary of existing literature and a refreshing
look at current empirical work. It will stimulate research and support clinical
practice by
