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Socioeconomic determinants of health: Stress and the biology of inequality

Open access
Brunner, Eric·1997·BMJ

Abstract

It is well established that health depends on socioeconomic circumstances, but the biology of this relation is not well described. Psychosocial factors operating throughout the life course, beginning in early life, influence a variety of biological variables. Research with non-human primates shows the effects of dominance hierarchy on biology, and similar metabolic differentials are evident in a hierarchy of white collar civil servants. The neuroendocrine “fight or flight” response produces physiological and metabolic alterations which parallel those observed with lower socioeconomic status. The biological effects of the psychosocial environment could explain health inequalities between relatively affluent groups.

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Metadata

Authors
Brunner, E.
Venue
BMJ
Publisher
BMJ
Published
1997-05-17
Volume
314
Issue
7092
Pages
1472
ISSN
  • 0007-1447 (ISSN-L)
  • 0959-8138
  • 1468-5833
OpenAlex
W1494331583
Cited by
446
References
3
FWCI
17.18
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
green
Licence
www.bmj.com/company/legal-information/terms-conditions/legal-information/tdm-licencepolicy (tdm)

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Brunner, E. (1997). Socioeconomic determinants of health: Stress and the biology of inequality. BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.314.7092.1472

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