Emotional distress in men with life-threatening illness

This descriptive survey explored the relationship of health status, functional status, stressful life events, stress resistance resources and emotional distress in 60 men with life-threatening illness (N = 30 with cancer and N = 30 with AIDS). Sixty-two percent met CES-D criteria for clinical depression. This study's results supported the hypotheses that poorer functional status and greater negative stressors are associated with both higher levels of hopelessness and depression. Twenty-four patients constituted a group with severe emotional distress. This group was significantly different from the less vulnerable group with poorer functional status (KPS), a greater number and severity of negative stressors, less satisfaction with social support, and less hopefulness.