A TEST OF THE PSYCHOSOCIAL VULNERABILITY AND HEALTH BEHAVIOR MODELS OF HOSTILITY - RESULTS FROM AN 11-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF MEXICAN-AMERICANS

Previous research has shown that interpersonal conflict and depression are cross-sectionally associated with hostility. Our objective was to determine whether hostility is longitudinally predictive of interpers onal distress and depression and to replicate previous research that s uggests that hostility is a risk factor for other health behaviors (e. g., smoking and excessive alcohol use) and psychosocial health problem s. We use data from the youngest generation of a three-generation, Ii- year follow-up study of Mexican Americans, that represent 251 Mexican Americans between the ages of 18 and 42 years. Our indicator of hostil ity was the irritability subscale from the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inven tory. After statistically controlling for marital status, language acc ulturation, education, age, and sex, irritability was found to predict subsequent heavy drinking, somatic symptoms associated with depressio n, psychosomatic symptoms, infectious disease, divorce, marital separa tion, ending a serious nonmarital relationship, not being married at t he follow-up, and more negative feelings associated with divorce, mari tal separation, and ending a serious relationship. Our research suppor ts theory and research suggesting that hostility is predictive of phys ical symptoms, poor health habits, and interpersonal conflict.