Physical Injury, Health, and Well-Being: Role of Stress Perception

Publication date: Available online 20 June 2018
Source:Injury
Author(s): Irit Heruti, Sigal Levy, Ronit Avitsur
ObjectivePhysical injuries are common occurrences that can have substantial implications for mental health and well-being. Ample studies indicated that increased levels of perceived stress is associated with increased prevalence of general health problems, as well as reduced health-related quality of life. Thus, the goal of the present study was to examine the long-lasting association between bodily injuries and general health. In addition, the role of stress perception in moderating the association between injury and general health was assessed.MethodsTwo-hundred and forty victims of past injury and 251 non-injured participants completed a self-report health inventory questionnaire assessing illness prevalence during the six-month period prior to the study. In addition, they completed the short-form Medical Outcomes Survey (MOS SF-36) questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale.ResultsVictims of past injuries reported higher incidences of illness, mainly upper respiratory infections and fever, compared to non-injured participants. In addition, injured participants reported poorer perceived health status, including reduced general health, physical functioning, and health beliefs. Perceived stress levels were similar in injured and non-injured participants, however, correlations between perceived stress and self-reported medical outcomes were stronger in injured participants compared to non-injured controls.ConclusionsPast physical injuries are associated with increased incidence of general health concerns and poorer health-related well-being. Moreover, injured individuals do not report increased stress perception; however, when stressed, injured individuals are more affected and health-related quality of life is reduced. Promoting well-being in individuals who have suffered a significant injury is, thus, a clinical necessity and a pressing social priority. This study highlights the role of stress perception in the association between physical injury and health, and may assist in providing better multi-disciplinary care for the injured.



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