The hypothesis that the experience of health is hierarchically organized such that gratification of physical health needs must precede gratification of mental health needs was tested in the research described in this document. It was reasoned that because the nondisadvantaged have possessed greater resources for the gratification of health needs, mental health symptoms would be more salient for this group and thus better able to explain variance in both mental and physical illness. On the other hand, it was reasoned that physical health symptoms would be more salient and thus better able to explain variance in both mental and physical illness for the disadvantaged. The hypothesis was supported by the study's results, which indicate income group differences in patterns of relationships among health variables. It is suggested that this finding implies important differences in the validity of health measures across income groups. The research is related to existing findings in medical sociology. Suggestions for the directions of future study are offered. (Author/GC)