Life events and physical illness.

This paper reviews research on the role of stressful life events in the aetiology of physical illness. Particular attention is given to the methodological problems involved in the identification and measurement of life events. There has been insufficient sound research for firm conclusions to be drawn but prospective studies make it clear that assessment of life events will lead to a more complete understanding of how psychosocial factors interact with bodily functioning. Future research studies will need to be based on an interactional model.