Findings from a three-county epidemiologic survey of 2,029 randomly selected respondents are presented. The authors examine the relationship between stressful life events, sociodemographic factors and rates of psychological disorder. A specific analysis of low socioeconomic status as the key to increased number of stressful life events experienced and therefore explanatory of high psychological disorder in low status groups is detailed. In particular, through the utilization of multiple regression analysis, the authors explore the relative impact of stressful life events and sociodemographic factors upon high psychological disorder for various groups. Further, the authors suggest that in addition to recognizing SES as one of the best predictors to date of psychological disorder, the inclusion of a stressful life events inventory in epidemiologic screening efforts increases significantly the power of screening instruments to predict rates of psychological disorder. (Author)