The role of psychosocial factors in human disease: lessons from animal models.
Studies with humans have identified certain psychosocial characteristics that are associated with increased risk of developing life-threatening illnesses, as well as biological and behavioral mechanisms whereby risk is mediated. In this paper I review research wherein the use of animal models increases our understanding of the mechanisms acting in humans, using research on psychosocial risk factors and the "SES gradient" as examples.
Williams
R B
RB
Behavioral Medicine Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
D006801:Humans; D012919:Social Behavior; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology