Evidence has established a link between emotions and health but this link is not yet understood. The Deadly Emotions reviews this complex topic through the integration and interpretation of current research. Ernest Johnson suggests a potentially deadly role for anger, hostility, and aggression (AHA syndrome) in several health problems including heart disease, cancer, ulcers, and hypertension. He also explores the relationship between AHA syndrome and psychological problems such as depression, chronic stress, smoking, drinking, and child/spouse abuse. This up-to-date reference also examines recent literature on gender and ethnic differences in the expression of anger, and reviews psychological treatment approaches. Each of the volume's seven chapters represent an integration of research and clinical findings from a wide range of professionals. The author acts as organizer and interpreter of this array of research on the AHA syndrome's relationship with various diseases and psychological problems. The Deadly Emotions will be informative reading for professionals and students of psychology, psychiatry, medical psychology, psychosomatic medicine, and epidemiology.

The major purpose of this book is to examine the interrelationships among knowledge about the transmission of HIV/AIDS, condom use, drug use, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and other relevant factors that affect African-American males and females who engage in risky sexual behaviors. Another aim is to describe how these factors are differentially related to gender and the perceived susceptibility of being exposed to the AIDS virus and testing positive for AIDS. Data has been gathered from a young adult sample of African-American males and females. Information is presented in a readily accessible manner so the reader can understand the variability of risky sexual behaviors. The author offers factual information to draw conclusions that can be used to develop HIV/AIDS prevention programs specifically tailored for the African-American community.

The first chapter provides an introduction, rationale, and overview of the study. Basic information about the prevalence of AIDS among various African-American populations are presented. Then, Johnson describes information about the subjects, measures of sexual behaviors, drug use, attitudes about the use of condoms, knowledge about AIDS, and perceived susceptibility of being exposed to HIV/AIDS. Next, Johnson describes the sexual attitudes and behaviors of African-American males and females who are currently involved with multiple partners and those who have been previously treated for sexually transmitted diseases. He then describes the characteristics of African-Americans with HIV/AIDS. The epilogue summarizes the major findings and presents suggestions for AIDS prevention activities for African-American young adults.