Test of a model of psychosocial resources, stress, and health among undereducated adults.

The purpose of this study was to test a model drawn from the modeling and role-modeling theory depicting relationships among psychosocial resources, perceived stress, and health for undereducated adults. A purposive sample of 171 adults enrolled at an urban adult education center completed several self-report measures: Modified Erikson Psychological Stage Inventory, Basic Need Satisfaction Inventory, Perceived Stress, and Positive Health Index. Based on a structural equation modeling analysis, psychosocial development and basic need satisfaction had significant direct effects on health, with the expected positive signs. Psychosocial development had the strongest direct effect on health and also had a strong direct effect on basic need satisfaction and an indirect effect on health. Support for the hypothesized model has important implications for nursing and other community-based care provider interventions regarding health, including strengthening psychosocial resources.