Psychosocial stress and social support are associated with prostate-specific antigen levels in men: results from a community screening program.

Perceived stress and satisfaction with social support were assessed in 318 men participating in a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening program. We predicted that high stress would be associated with high PSA and high social support with low PSA. We also predicted a Stress x Support interaction (buffering). Hypothesized main effects were confirmed and were not explained by recency of previous rectal examinations or current urinary symptoms. There was no evidence of buffering. Stress and social support were not associated with results of digital rectal examinations. These findings raise the possibility that psychosocial factors promote prostate disease through direct physiologic pathways. However, it is also possible that the data reflect effects of stress on health-related behaviors or that stress scores were affected by participants' anticipation of prostate problems on the basis of prior PSA tests or symptoms.     

Book reviews

Friedman, M.I., Tordoff, M.G., & Kare, M.R. (Eds.) (1991). Chemical senses, Volume 4: Appetite and Nutrition. New York: Marcel Dekker Inc. Pp. 491. ISBN 0-8247-8371-9. $150.

Smith, J.A., & Boyd, K.M. (1991). Lives in the balance: The ethics of using animals in biomedical research. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Pp. xvi + 352. ISBN 0-19-8547447. £19.50.

Davis, H. and Balfour, D. (Eds.) (1992). The inevitable bond. Examining scientist-animal interactions. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Pp. 399. ISBN 0-521-40510-6. £45.00.     

A Fluid Demos for a Hypermigration Polity

Res Publica - In this paper I will hold that it is desirable to ensure people be included within the borders and the political community both, but I will point out the potential incompatibility of...     

Effects of Socioeconomic Status,Parental Stress,and Family Support on Children’s Physical and Emotional Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Child and Family Studies - In the current study, we conduct an exploratory study on children’s emotional and physical health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The direct and...