Socioeconomic status, hostility and health

A number of studies have demonstrated an association between high levels of hostility, low socioeconomic status and adverse health outcomes. According to the psychosocial vulnerability model, the health of hostile individuals is at greater risk than that of non-hostile individuals, partly because the former are unable to cope with psychosocial stress situations (vulnerability model). It is also possible that psychosocial stress situations, in themselves, are predictors of hostile reaction patterns as inefficient coping strategies (mediator model). We tested these two models using hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modeling (LISREL8) and treating unemployment as an indicator of serious psychosocial risk. The random sample consisted of 4000 inhabitants of Finland from 18 to 64 years of age. The hypothesized vulnerability model of hostility in the relationship between unemployment, lack of social support and health outcomes was supported, although the level of vulnerability differed between the sexes. No mediating effects were found.