The stress sensitization hypothesis: understanding the course of bipolar disorder.

Background: The influence of psychosocial stress on the course of bipolar disorder has been increasingly recognized. The authors tested hypotheses about both stress and early adversity "sensitization" on the course of bipolar disorder over a one-year period.

Methods: The participants were 58 adults (29 male and 29 female) with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder.

Expressed emotion versus relationship quality variables in the prediction of recurrence in bipolar patients.

Background: The expressed emotion (EE) construct has predicted clinical outcomes in schizophrenia and depression, but few studies have been conducted with bipolar patients. Moreover, there is a particular dearth of information regarding the prediction of depressive versus manic episodes in bipolar patients. Questions also remain about the utility of EE compared to other variables (perceived criticism, relationship negativity, and chronic strain in close relationships) that more directly evaluate interpersonal stress and about specific predictions of mania or depression.

Effects of stress and social support on recurrence in bipolar disorder.

Background: Limited research has examined the impact of social support on the course of bipolar disorder, although results suggest a probable link. This study examines prospectively the effects of stressful events and social support on episode recurrence in bipolar I disorder.

Methods: Fifty-two outpatients with bipolar I disorder recruited from an urban community were followed every 3 months for up to 1 year.

Age and ethnicity differences in storytelling to young children: emotionality, relationality, and socialization.

Research has shown that age and ethnicity are associated with individuals' motivations for emotional regulation and social interaction. The authors proposed that these age and ethnicity-related motives would be reflected in storytelling. Women representing 2 age and 2 ethnic groups (young adulthood, oldage, African American, European American) told stories to young girls.