This study predicted that individuals diagnosed as having higher levels of stress, based upon DSM-III-R, Axis IV ratings, would also be diagnosed as having more severe forms of mental illness. Conversely, it predicted that individuals with higher premorbid health ratings, according to DSM-III-R, Axis V, would be diagnosed as having less severe forms of mental illness. Highly significant correlations were found between stress ratings and severity of disorder. Significant inverse relationships were also found between Axis V ratings and disorder severity. Additionally, several other demographic variables were significantly correlated with severity of disorder.

Especially during the last century the health of school children has been a problem of deep concern. Many physical examinations have been given by numerous organizations with the intention of discovering organic disorders that might be detrimental to a child's normal social life. As a result of such study, humanity has generally come to recognize the social and economic costs of ill-health and has embarked on remedial and preventive campaigns to improve the well-being of children. Foundations have been endowed. Free clinics have been established to serve those families whos incomes prohibit them from securing medical services otherwise; county, city and school nurses and doctors have been employed in districts throughout the country to render treatment and give advice. Health educational campaigns have been conducted and organized health units and agencies have been instituted. Of late, socialized medicine has gained in populatrity as a means of enabling certain unfortunate persons to benefit from expert services. All of these efforts which have been directed mainly in the interests of school children have brought to light many interesting facts relevant to physcial conditions that threaten good health. Few doubt the value of knowing what evil effects diseased tonsils or teeth, diseased heart, curvature of the spine, defective feet, or other physical disorders may have upon the health of the child. Nor do most people question the importance of having these physical handicaps removed or corrected so that one may come nearer functioning to his normal capacity. It is generally recognized today that not only the welfare of the individual but the future of civilization depends greatly upon the health of its citizens. Purposes of this study are threefold: (1) to ascertain certain existing social, economic and educational conditions found among seventh and eighth grade children of Brigham City grouped according to physical rating; (2) to compare the groups with respect of these certain conditions; and (3) where it seems justified, to compare the findings in this project with those disclosed by other research studies. Inasmuch as this is relatively a new field of research many of the comparisions with outside studies are indirect rather than of direct significance.