The Derogatis Stress Profile (DSP): quantification of psychological stress.

The Derogatis Stress Profile (DSP) is unique among the numerous measures of 'stress' in that it incorporates the interactional model of Lazarus and Folkman in a multidimensional structure. Derogatis has studied the psychometric properties of the DSP but its validity has not been demonstrated in the 'real world' nor has it been related to psychophysiological data. The present investigation was aimed at testing the validity of the DSP in these two areas. Forty-three men between the ages of 18 and 30 years completed the DSP, the Daily Hassles Scale (DHS), the Life Experiences Survey (LES), the Profile of Mood States (bipolar form), and the Jackson Personality Inventory (JPI). Participants were exposed to stressors in a laboratory setting as well as in the field while their heart rate was being monitored. Results supported the validity of the DSP, in part. The correlation between the DSP and JPI anxiety scores was significant as was the correlation between the DSP and the daily depression scores. The correlation between the Total Stress Score (TSS) of the DSP and DHS was significant as were the correlations between the TSS and LES scores. Moreover, the DSP scores were related to heart rate reactivity both in the laboratory and in the field.

To investigate stress in medical students, law students, and graduate students at McGill University using a well-validated measure, the Derogatis Stress Profile (DSP). The DSP was administered to the medical students in November and December 1994. For comparison, the DSP was also administered to the undergraduate law students and the graduate students. In November 1995 the DSP was administered to the first- and second-year medical students. Results were analyzed with a number of statistical methods. The response rates for the medical students, the law students, and the graduate students in 1994-95 were 70%, 96%, and 43%, respectively. The response rate for the first- and second-year medical students in 1995-96 was 57%. The medical students had subjective feelings of stress that are marginally above population norms, but their total-stress scores (related to environmental factors, personality mediators, and emotional responses) were below those of the general population, the law students, and the graduate students. Elevated depression scores in a minority of the students did not seem to be related directly to the stresses associated with medical school. The transition from basic science training to clinical training was associated with an increase in stress and depressed mood. Medical students are not greatly stressed relative to other groups, hence other explanations must be sought for the elevated levels of depression in some students. One situation in which stress appears to be particularly important is in the transition from basic science training to clinical training. Targeted interventions may be an effective way of dealing with this problem.

Stress-induced muscle hyperactivity has been proposed as a major aetiological factor in the production of pain in the muscles of mastication and the temporomandibular joints. In the present study, a total of fifty-two patients with joint or muscle pain were evaluated for stress with the Derogatis Stress Profile (DSP). The muscle pain group (n = 24) had higher clinician ratings of psychological factors, stress and chronicity. The muscle-pain group also had higher Environmental Stress scores on the DSP, more intense pain, and more activity impairment than the joint-pain group (n = 28). The results of multiple regression analysis suggest an association between pain, depression, and impairment of activity in the muscle-pain group but not in the joint-pain group. The overall results further suggest that muscle pain develops at 'normal' levels of stress.

Psychological test data, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Symptom Check List (SCL-90R) and the Derogatis Stress Profile (DSP), was analyzed for male veterans who had been previously diagnosed as suffering from either psychogenic or biogenic erectile dysfunction. Consistent with previous studies, there were no significant differences found between the two groups on the MMPI profile scores and the selected research scales. However, there were also no differences found on either the SCL-90R or the DSP, further questioning the use of objective psychometric instruments in discriminating the etiology of sexual dysfunction.

We measured depressive symptomatology of 134 outpatient veterans treated within a Behavioral Medicine Clinic utilizing three reliable instruments with depression subscales: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Derogatis Stress Profile (DSP), and Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Results indicate that although the instruments correlate significantly, they differ in sensitivity to depression and are clinically discordant. The MMPI classified a substantially higher number of patients as depressed than either the DSP or SCL-90-R. The present study argues that the discrepancy in clinical concordance and sensitivity of the three depression scales has considerable implications for psychologists concerned with the assessment and treatment of depression.

Assuming leadership roles in veterinary student governance or club activities could be considered an added stressor for students because of the impact on time available for personal and academic activities. The study reported here evaluated the effects of participation in a leadership program and leadership activity across two classes of veterinary students on measures of stress, using the Derogatis Stress Profile (DSP), and on veterinary school academic performance, measured as annual grade-point average (GPA) over a three-year period. Program participants and their classmates completed the DSP three times across the first three years of veterinary school. On average, participating students reported self-declared stress levels that were higher and measured DSP stress levels that were lower than those of the general population. Students were more likely to assume elected or appointed leadership roles while in their first three years of the veterinary degree program if they participated in the optional leadership program and demonstrated lower stress in several dimensions. Some increased stress, as measured in some of the DSP stress dimensions, had a small but statistically significant influence on professional school GPA. The study determined that the most important predictors of students' cumulative GPA across the three-year period were the GPA from the last 45 credits of pre-veterinary coursework and their quantitative GRE scores. The results of the study indicate that neither participation in the leadership program nor taking on leadership roles within veterinary school appeared to influence veterinary school academic performance or to increase stress.

Purpose: To determine whether client referrals to a clinic that specializes in the assessment and treatment of food intolerance might benefit from psychological interventions for management of stress, in addition to dietary manipulation. Design: A correlational design was employed, with stress status compared to published normative data. Materials and Methods: Stress status was assessed in 47 consecutive new patients in the Allergy Nutrition Clinic, referred for management of putative adverse reactions to foods. Stress was measured with the Derogatis Stress Profile (DSP®). The scorer was blind to patient identity and clinical presentation. The DSP is a well-validated instrument that yields a Total Stress Score, and three ''Domain Scores'', comprised of emotional responses, environmental events and personality mediators. Further subscales are embedded within the Domain scales. Results: The results showed no elevation on any of the stress variables measured by the DSP in the subjects relative to the normative sample. A number of subjects actually scored significantly below normal on personality factors related to psychological disturbances (for example, time pressure, driven behaviour, low relaxation potential). None of the subjects showed elevations on indices of anxiety, depression or hostility. A subgroup of clients with predominantly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms engaged in fewer relaxing activities compared to clients without gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The individuals with IBS symptoms of gradual onset scored highest for overall stress on the DSP. Conclusions: It is concluded that only a small subgroup of individuals with IBS-like symptoms referred to the Allergy Nutrition Clinic might benefit from psychological intervention for stress management in addition to dietary management. The low DSP scores in those with symptoms in other organ systems, suspected to be because of adverse reactions to foods, indicate that the psychological factors measured by the DSP are not contributing significantly to their presenting morbidity.KeywordsFood IntoleranceGastrointestinal Symptoms And StressIrritable Bowel SyndromeFood Allergy ClinicDerogatis Stress Profile DspManagement Of Adverse Reactions To FoodsFood Sensitivity And Stress

This article reviews five instruments that measure some aspect of stress. The instruments are: Kindler's Personal Stress Assessment Inventory, Derogatis's Stress Profile, Folkman and Lazarus's Ways of Coping Checklist, Maslach's Burnout Inventory, and Pareek's Organizational Role Stress Scale. These instruments are very different and, therefore, will serve different purposes in communication research. Currently, several of the instruments report that considerable research needs to be done to test the validity and reliability of the instruments in different contexts.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore the associations between periodontal diseases, psycho-neuro-immunologic variables like stress and depression by estimating salivary cortisol (CORT), salivary Chromogranin- A (CgA), and salivary C-reactive protein (CRP). Methodology: A total of 100 patients were included in the study and categorized into two groups which included 50 in control group (healthy individuals) and 50 recall periodontal patients. Psycho-neuro-immunologic variables like stress and depression were assessed through the Derogatis Stress Profile (DSP) and Centre of Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D). Periodontal parameters like plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels were recorded. Saliva samples were collected for estimation of stress markers such as cortisol, Chromogranin- A, and C-reactive protein. Results: Stress, depression and stress markers were correlated with measures of periodontal disease. In addition, oral care neglect during periods of stress and depression was associated with attachment loss and PD >5 mm. Stress markers and CRP levels were also significantly higher in subjects with stress patients when compared to healthy individuals. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that stress might be associated with periodontal disease through psychologic and behavioral mechanisms. Our result strengthens the suggested hypothesis of association between psychologic factors and markers of periodontal disease.

This study investigates the difference between perceived everyday individual stress and levels of family health. Subjects completed the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES III), the Derogatis Stress Profile, and a personal data form. Quota sampling of 121 subjects was used to obtain 25 subjects in each of three groups: balanced, mid-range, and extreme family types. Individuals identified as members of mid-range families reported less overall stress than balanced or extreme family members. Significant differences appeared between the balanced and mid-range groups. Balanced individual family members reported slightly higher levels of stress than extreme family members.

Fifty-three consecutive patients referred for rhinoplasty within the National Health Service by their General Practitioner were evaluated prospectively to determine the psychological impact of this procedure. The patients were independently assessed before surgery, and then 1 week and 4 months after the surgery using the Derogatis Stress Profile, a Self-Esteem Inventory, an Introspectiveness Inventory and a range of questions relating to their expectations of the surgery. Photographs were taken at their initial visit and at 4 months after surgery. These were rated at random order by 28 independent lay people. Pre-operatively, the surgeon also documented his objectives and later assessed how well he had achieved them. Surgical intervention had strong effects in improving self-esteem ratings. These effects became more marked from the first post-operative assessment to those at four months making it likely that this is a real effect of surgery.

Patterns of stress in schizophrenia

Effects of social support, stress, and level of Illness on caregiving of children with AIDS

To compare admission data and academic performances of medical students younger and older than 25, and to qualify older students' experiences and perceptions in medical school. The authors reviewed 1988-1991 data for applications to the McGill University Faculty of Medicine. Data included GPAs and MCAT scores, as well as ratings for reference letters, autobiographical statements, and interviews. For those same years, the authors measured students' academic performances in the preclinical and clinical years. The authors compared the data by students' age: "younger" students, aged 17 to 24; and "older" students, aged 25 and above. All enrolled students took the Derogatis Stress Profile, and the older students participated in focus groups. The older applicants had lower GPAs and MCAT scores, but higher interview and reference letter ratings. For older accepted students, basic science course scores were lower than those of younger students, but clinical scores did not differ significantly between the groups. The two groups had similar stress levels, although older students tested lower in driven behavior, relaxation potential, attitude posture, and hostility. In focus groups, the older students spoke of learning style differences, loss of social support, and loss of professional identity. Different scores in admission criteria suggest that McGill uses different standards to select older medical students. Older students admitted under different criteria, however, do just as well as do younger students by their clinical years. A broad-based study of admission criteria and outcomes for the older student population is warranted.

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the effect of a 12-week low intensity dance exercise intervention in the treatment of hostility subscale, anxiety subscale and depression subscale among overweight women working in Malaysia in an attempt of Sports for all. Forty subjects were recruited from both government and private sectors in Malaysia. Subjects were between the ages of 40 and 55 years, who have had a diagnosis of total stress score above the mean, were not enrolled in any exercise program or were physically inactive over the period of one year (sedentary) overweight (Body Mass Index above 25) and have had a cardiovascular endurance score below the mean. Subjects were randomly assigned to a 12-week low intensity dance exercise of Aero mass, an intervention or a conventional aerobics dance exercise as the control group. A pretest-posttest control research design was utilized. Both groups met for 50 minutes, three times a week (36 sessions). The Transactional Approach Multidimensional (Derogatis Stress Profile) examined the hostility, anxiety and depression response sub-scale. Statistical analysis included (group x time) repeated measures ANOVA to determine between and within group mean differences. The hypotheses of the study received significant support. There were statistically significant differences between*group effect (between treatment and control groups) on the combined dependent variables: F (4, 35) = 20.79, p < .01, eta square = .790. An inspection of the mean scores indicated that treatment group reported an improvement for Hostility sub-scale (M = 47.70, SD = 3.34), Anxiety sub-scale (M = 35.65, SD = 3.64) and for Depression sub-scale (M = 35.65, SD = 2.58). It is concluded that low intensity dance therapy exercise intervention of Aero mass had contributed greatly to the positive findings concerning physical health and psychological well-being among overweight women in Malaysia.