THE INFLUENCE OF LIFE STRESS, PERSONALITY, AND LEARNING HISTORY ON ILLNESS BEHAVIOR

Previous research has suggested that prior learning experiences and cu rrent reinforcement contingencies account for a substantial portion of the variance in illness behaviors. The present study examined the rol e of other variables (e.g., stimulus and organismic variables). Two hu ndred and sixty four college students completed questionnaires that in cluded the Life Events Survey, Hassles Scale, Hypochondriasis Scale (M MPI), Illness Attitude Scale, and a Medical Problems Survey. It emerge d that social learning variables accounted for significant portions of variance in symptom reporting behavior even after other demographic, current stressor, and personality variables were accounted for. The ad vantages of using behavioral assessment models for conceptualizing inf luential variables is highlighted and directions for future research d iscussed.