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If professions are characterized by their monopolization of esoteric knowledge, autonomy in work performance, and authority over clients, then "deprofessionalization" is measured by the degree to which these characteristics are diminished or lacking for the members of a profession. Physicians' monopoly of knowledge has been recently challenged by computer technology and the public's rising educational level; their authority has eroded as patients adopt a more questioning attitude toward medicine; and their autonomy has lessened with the growth of group practices, peer review and cost-containment measures. Current evidence is insufficient either to retain or reject the physician deprofessionalization hypothesis; more time is needed before the erosion of medicine's authority can be assessed.

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the attenuating effects of physical, psychological, and social resources on the relationship between stress and mental health among the oldest old. Physical resources include perceived health and independence in functional and instrumental activities of daily living, while psychological resources include mastery, self-esteem, and coping. Social resources are measured by frequency of social interaction and size of the social network. Among the 124 women and 31 men (M = 89 years), greater independence in IADLs and greater perceived control of events significantly attenuated the adverse effects of strain on psychological well-being.

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