During the past twenty-five years, numerous research studies conducted in several fields have identified various psychosocial factors as predictors of health and mental health status. These include: (a) stress, (b) social support and social networks, (c) competence, (d) socioeconomic status and (e) coping.’-&dquo; For example, loss of a spouse (stress) may be related to depression for one individual and high blood pressure for another person, while a third person may experience no significant effects on his or her well-being. One factor that has gained prominence in the last decade as having a.
