Reactivity to Stress: When Does a History of Medical Adversity Foster Resilience Versus Vulnerability?

Young adults with (or without) a history of medical or physical disorders (MPDs) were exposed to repeated laboratory stress. The effects of MPD status on habituation (as measured by changing levels of cortisol) were found to be moderated by the extent to which respondents reported “attachment feelings” in their relationships (as measured by the Social Provisions Scale). Students in the MPD group who reported attachment feelings showed (a) cortisol increases during their first exposure to a laboratory stressor; and (b) cortisol decreases during a second exposure to the same stressor 1 week later. No equivalent benefit was found for students who lacked this medical history. Findings suggest the extent to which medical adversity—under the right interpersonal circumstances—promotes resilience.     

Consumer purchasing behaviour: an investigation of the UK mature women's clothing market

There is a lack of information on the shopping behaviour of the mature consumer. This generation is economically secure and has the disposable income to provide retailers with additional sales. The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the ways in which female consumers aged over 45 purchase fashion clothing and to explore their shopping preferences. The methodology of the study was designed in two phases: the first consisted of an exploratory qualitative examination in which 15 consumers were interviewed using a semi‐structured format to elicit the main issues, and the second was a survey issued to 150 respondents. The findings confirm that retailers are more interested in targeting the fashionable young consumer and have a lack of understanding of the needs of the mature market. This is particularly significant when associated with the demographic changes forecast for the next decade when mature consumers will become increasingly important to the fashion industry. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.