Effects of Psychological Distress on Blood Pressure in Adolescents

Sally Weinrich, Martin Weinrich, Sally Hardin, Jim Gleaton, Daniel J. Pesut, Carol Garrison

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey measured relationships among blood pressure and measures of psychologic distress, family structure, and economic status in a sample of adolescents exposed to Hurricane Hugo. Spielberger's Anger Scale and Derogatis' Brief Symptom Inventory were used. Data analysis revealed 5% of the 1079 adolescents were hypertensive. Multiple regression analyses revealed the following predictors of higher diastolic blood pressure: African-American race, recipient of subsidized lunch, exposure to Hurricane Hugo, and higher anger-in scores in males. The effects of a catastrophic event such as a hurricane on blood pressure and the effects of introjected anger have implications for both health care consumers and providers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)57-65
Number of pages9
JournalHolistic Nursing Practice
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2000

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Blood pressure
  • Depression

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