Daily Hassles and Health Among Persons with Severe Mental Disabilities.

The present study investigated the impact of daily stress or hassles on the physical and psychological health of persons with severe mental disabilities. The results suggest that the most frequently reported hassles were financial concerns, loneliness, boredom, crime, concerns about accomplishments, problems with verbal and written expression, and declining health. High levels of stress were related to both increased somatic and psychiatric symptomology, indicating that the association found between hassles and adaptational outcomes in general population samples can be generalized to those with psychiatric disabilities. Implications of the results include a continued emphasis on rehabilitation programs focusing on strategies that help these individuals cope with the stresses of their daily lives.