Current Stress Levels Research Articles

Mental Health and Meditation in a Post-Pandemic Perú: A Normative Study of Upper Primary School Children

In a post-pandemic Perú, problems associated with the mental health of children have been highlighted and effective methods of intervention have been discussed. This study sought to examine: 1) current levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in Perúvian school children; 2) how these levels compare to other children in Latin America and elsewhere; 3) whether these levels are different when covaried for school, age, gender, and grade level; and 4) whether there are any indications that depression, anxiety, or stress are lower when Perúvian school children practice Transcendental Meditation. For a group of 809 children from two schools using the DASS-21, findings indicate depression M = 6.79, anxiety M = 6.31, and stress M = 7.37. These data indicate somewhat elevated levels when compared to other pre-pandemic adolescents in Australia, Chile, China, and Malaysia, but were lower when compared to a group of similar-aged children at another school in China. Preliminary results also suggest lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress can be observed in children who practice Transcendental Meditation as part of the school curriculum. School, age, gender, and grade level did not predict these differences, although girls had higher levels than boys, a finding consistent with other research.

Impact of a Participatory Wellness Continuing Medical Education Program on Physician Burnout and Well-Being.

Examine the impact of a participatory wellness continuing medical education (CME) program on physician burnout, wellness, and well-being. Physicians attending a three-day wellness CME program. Self-reported questionnaires at baseline with paired analyses at 26-week follow-up. Compared to baseline, at 26 weeks there were decreases in burnout (P < .001, ES -0.68), red meat consumption (P = .02, ES -0.29), and current stress levels (P < .001, ES -0.50). There were increases in fruit/vegetable consumption (P < .001, ES 0.55), energy levels at work (P < .001, ES 0.60) and at home (P < .001, ES 0.66), quality of life (P < .001, ES 0.53), and confidence (P < .001, ES 0.89) and frequency (P = .01, ES 0.32) of counseling patients on wellness. Attendance at this participatory wellness CME program was associated with improved physician burnout, health behaviors in diet, stress, energy, quality of life, and wellness counseling.

Long-term impacts of COVID-19 on stress and depression among teachers: Differences by gender

This article explores the impact of changes in teaching modalities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of K-12 teachers, by gender, during the first year of the pandemic. Teachers from a random sample of K-12 schools in North Dakota and Minnesota were surveyed in April 2020, October 2020, and March/April 2021 about their current levels of stress and depression, as well as the frequency with which they experienced certain physical conditions. One-way analysis of variance and multiple regression were used to compare time points for each of the outcomes by gender. Female teachers were more likely to experience higher levels of stress than male teachers, while male teachers were more likely to experience higher levels of depression than female teachers, with spikes in stress and depression levels experienced by both males and females in Time 2. Additionally, physical symptoms were more likely to be experienced by female teachers, with Time 2 respondents overall reporting significantly higher proportions of physical symptoms than Time 1 or Time 3 respondents. Consistently experiencing heightened levels of stress and depression can lead to burnout for teachers. School districts need to monitor stress, especially among females, and depression, especially among males, to recognize the difference in experience for each gender in the teaching profession, as well as provide supports and resources to their teachers to help them in coping with these mental-health issues.

Thermal stress estimation of a constrained metallic plate using symmetric and antisymmetric Lamb wave group velocities

This paper presents a technique for estimating thermal-induced stress in constrained metallic plates using the group velocity of Lamb waves, the accuracy of which is crucial for assessing the structural integrity and serviceability of metallic structures. However, without the ability to gauge the current stress levels, obtaining such measurements is technically challenging. To overcome this, we propose a thermal stress estimation technique that uses changes in the group velocities of the fundamental symmetric (S0) and antisymmetric (A0) Lamb wave modes caused by thermal and stress variations. First, this study introduces a theoretical-based zero-crossing algorithm to measure the group velocities of S0 and A0 Lamb wave modes. Next, leveraging the acoustoelastic coefficients corresponding to the S0 and A0 modes, which are determined before the plate’s installation, this study generates the lines depicting the changes in group velocity induced by temperature variations (CT) for both the S0 and A0 modes. These CT lines are derived from the lines illustrating changes in group velocity due to thermal stress variations (CTS), which are obtained after plate installation. Ultimately, the generated CT lines can be used to estimate thermal stress throughout the entirety of the plate’s operational life span by isolating the distinct stress variation effects from the CTS lines. The numerical validation results show favorable accuracy in thermal stress estimation in a constrained plate subjected to temperature variation using both S0 and A0 Lamb wave modes, with average errors of 0.63 % and 0.91 %, respectively.

Same game, different worlds? General conditions, perceived stress, and associations between stress and past season injuries in elite female and male ice hockey players.

Ice hockey is played by women and men but the arena they play in may differ substantially. Potential differences in general conditions to play the sport may be associated to perceived stress, which has shown to be related to athletic injury in other sports. Therefore, this study aimed to describe and compare general conditions for playing ice hockey, stress levels, and the association between perceived stress and injury occurrence among elite female and male players. Prior to the 2022-2023 season all female and male players from the top ice hockey leagues in Sweden were invited to an online survey. Players provided information about their general conditions for playing ice hockey and reported perceived stress during the previous season on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10; sum score range 0-40) and current stress on the Single Item Stress Question (SISQ; scale range 1-5). Injuries during the previous season were self-reported on a modified version of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center - Overuse Injury Questionnaire. We received responses from 360 players (170 females and 190 males). Female players more frequently reported additional occupations besides ice hockey and less medical support during games and practices than male players (p < .001). General stress levels were significantly higher among female players (mean PSS score [SD]: 17.4 [5.6] vs 14.1 [5.6], p < 0.001; SISQ median [IQR]: 3 [2-3] vs 2 [1-3], p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant but weak correlation between past season injury and perceived stress (PSS score: rho 0.29; SISQ: rho 0.24). This correlation was stronger among males than females (PSS score: 0.38 vs 0.162; SISQ: 0.29 vs 0.16, p's < 0.05). Players with substantial injuries during previous season had higher previous and current stress levels than players without injury, a difference that was largest and statistically significant only among male players. General conditions for playing elite ice hockey are inequal for female and male athletes. Stress levels of elite ice hockey players were comparable to the general population. Experience of severe injuries during the previous season was associated to higher levels of perceived stress. This association is stronger among male players, which may be due to greater economic dependency.

“It’s the Best of Both Worlds!”: Investigating Bicultural Stress in Adult Bicultural Canadians

This study delves into the ecological factors that predict bicultural stress among bicultural adult Canadians while uncovering common themes surrounding their bicultural identity and developmental journey. A sample of bicultural Canadians (N = 147; 88% female, Mage = 20.72) participated in an online survey consisting of standardized self-report measures and open-ended inquiries about their bicultural experience. The study identified factors contributing to current levels of bicultural stress through regression analysis. Additionally, thematic analysis was conducted to explore participants’ narratives about their bicultural experiences. Participants were of diverse racial/ethnic Canadian backgrounds (Middle Eastern, n = 50; East and Southeast Asian, n = 22; South Asian, n = 27; Black, n = 21; multiple ethnicities, n = 22; Latin, n = 5). The regression results demonstrated that ethnic identity, family cultural socialization towards heritage culture, perceived discrimination, and generational status contributed to feelings of bicultural stress. Thematic analysis revealed a developmental trajectory encompassing participants’ realization of their bicultural identity, navigating bicultural stress, and cultivating an appreciation for their dual cultures. Findings suggest that bicultural individuals’ interactions with their social environment may develop their bicultural identity towards more positive outcomes as they approach adulthood.

The effect of a single-session heart rate variability biofeedback on attentional control: does stress matter?

Vagally mediated heart rate variability is an index of autonomic nervous system activity that is associated with a large variety of outcome variables including psychopathology and self-regulation. While practicing heart rate variability biofeedback over several weeks has been reliably associated with a number of positive outcomes, its acute effects are not well known. As the strongest association with vagally mediated heart rate variability has been found particularly within the attention-related subdomain of self-regulation, we investigated the acute effect of heart rate variability biofeedback on attentional control using the revised Attention Network Test. Fifty-six participants were tested in two sessions. In one session each participant received a heart rate variability biofeedback intervention, and in the other session a control intervention of paced breathing at a normal ventilation rate. After the biofeedback or control intervention, participants completed the Attention Network Test using the Orienting Score as a measure of attentional control. Mixed models revealed that higher resting baseline vagally mediated heart rate variability was associated with better performance in attentional control, which suggests more efficient direction of attention to target stimuli. There was no significant main effect of the intervention on attentional control. However, an interaction effect indicated better performance in attentional control after biofeedback in individuals who reported higher current stress levels. The results point to acute beneficial effects of heart rate variability biofeedback on cognitive performance in highly stressed individuals. Although promising, the results need to be replicated in larger or more targeted samples in order to reach stronger conclusions about the effects.

Screening fathers for postpartum depression in a maternal-child health clinic: a program evaluation in a midwest urban academic medical center

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) impacts fathers as well as mothers, and is estimated to affect between 8 and 13% of fathers. Paternal PPD is a risk factor for worsened quality of life, poor physical and mental health, and developmental and relational harms in the father-mother-child triad. There are no current recommendations for PPD screening among fathers. Paternal PPD screening was piloted in an intergenerational postpartum primary care clinic.MethodsThe pilot was carried out in an intergenerational postpartum primary care clinic located at a Midwest urban academic safety net health system from October 2021 to July 2022. Fathers actively involved in relationships with mothers or infants receiving primary care in the clinic were approached with mothers’ permission. A novel survey instrument was used to collect demographic/social data, as well as mental health history and current stress levels; an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was also administered. Screenings were completed by social workers; data were collected in REDCap and descriptive statistics were calculated in SAS.Results29 fathers were contacted and 24 completed screening (83%). Mean age was 31 years (range 19–48). Most (87%) identified as belonging to a racial or ethnic minority group. Fathers self-reported low rates of stress and preexisting mental health conditions, but 30% screened positive for PPD on EPDS (score of ≥ 8, or suicidal ideation). Gaps in health care were found, as one-quarter (26%) of fathers were uninsured and half (54%) did not have a primary care provider. After screening, two requested mental health services, and three established new primary care with a physician.ConclusionsParticipation was high in a PPD screening pilot for fathers in a primary care setting. This small sample of fathers demonstrated significant peripartum mental health challenges unlikely to have been identified otherwise. For some participants, engaging in PPD screening was an effective tool to prompt their subsequent engagement with general health care. This pilot is a step toward incorporating the health of fathers into models for supporting the health of families. Expanding screening for paternal PPD into routine primary care is necessary to reach more affected fathers.

Testing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a potential moderator of the association between current chronic stress and cardiovascular reactivity

Motivated by mixed findings regarding the relationship between chronic stress and cardiovascular reactivity, the current study aimed to investigate whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) serve as a potential moderator of the association between current chronic stress and cardiovascular reactivity. Incidence of ACEs, levels of current chronic stress, and heart rate (HR) reactivity to a mental arithmetic stress task were measured in 111 participants (age = 20.83, 76 % female, 66 % White). ACEs were measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and current chronic stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale. Moderation analyses were conducted with HR reactivity as the outcome and ACEs as the moderator. Results indicated that a greater amount of current chronic stress was significantly associated with relatively blunted HR reactivity (β = −0.25, p = 0.03) even after controlling for sociodemographic variables. Exposure to ACEs was not significantly related to HR reactivity, (all p ≥ 0.66), and there was no significant interaction between current chronic stress and ACE exposure in predicting HR reactivity, (all p ≥ 0.44). These results show that current chronic stress is associated with relatively blunted HR reactivity and that exposure to ACEs does not moderate the relationship between chronic stress and cardiac stress reactivity.

The impact of social support and emotion dysregulation on COVID-19 depressive symptoms.

Stress resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to psychological consequences, such as depressive symptoms, for individuals worldwide. Outbreaks and pandemics are known to accentuate stressors or generate new ones owing to health-related worries, reduced mobility, and social activity due to quarantine, and sudden life changes. Although post-lockdown U.S. research findings suggest a greater risk of depression among 18- to 25-year-olds, familiarity with technology and virtual socializing may offer college students some protective effect, warranting research with such groups. The current study thus explored emotion dysregulation (ED) and perceived social support (PSS) as potential mechanisms for the relationship between COVID-19 stress and depressive symptoms among students at a southern university in the United States. Participants (N = 489) completed a cross-sectional survey assessing their current levels of COVID-19 stress, ED, PSS, and depressive symptoms. Path analysis showed that PSS buffered the effect of ED on depressive symptoms. The results support the explanatory role of ED in the relationship between COVID-19 stress and depressive symptoms. The perceived social connection may be an essential factor for psychological outcomes during periods of stress and isolation, particularly for those reporting high ED.

Correlations between childhood trauma and depression, anxiety, and stress levels in nurses

AimsThis study aims to determine correlations between childhood trauma and depression, anxiety, and stress levels in nurses. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses in Turkey from August to September 2022. A total of 395 nurses were included in the study. Data were collected through an online survey using a personal information form, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21). ResultsThe mean score of the CTQ-28 total scale was 51.6, and emotional neglect was the most common type of abuse. The prevalence of moderate-to-extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress was 34.7 %, 42.2 %, and 18.3 %, respectively. Emotional abuse and emotional neglect subscales of the CTQ were independently related to all three DASS subscale scores. ConclusionThis study revealed that the emotional abuse and neglect experienced in childhood are related to the nurses' current stress, anxiety, and depression levels.

Veterans Team Recovery Integrative Immersion Process (Vet TRIIP) Yoga: Benefits and Factors Related to Participation

Veterans Team Recovery Integrative Immersion Process (Vet TRIIP) is a community-based, nonprofit organization that uses complementary and integrative approaches to alleviate the symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress and chronic pain to create healthy, happy, and productive lives for veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers. One of the services provided is weekly yoga classes. This study evaluated the benefits and other related factors associated with the participation in the Vet TRIIP yoga program. Vet TRIIP yoga participants completed surveys in which they rated their pain and stress levels before and after each session. A subgroup of participants was interviewed about their motivations, perceived benefits, barriers to participation, and feedback of the program. The participants reported significant decreases in pain and stress levels after yoga. Motivators for participation included current pain and stress levels and recommendations by healthcare providers and Vet TRIIP staff. Perceived benefits were improved physical and mental wellbeing. Misconceptions about yoga that may hinder veterans from participating include gender, socioeconomic, and religious biases along with the physical demands of the practice. The participants were satisfied with the format of the program. These findings highlight the impact of Vet TRIIP in the community to address chronic pain and posttraumatic stress among veterans, service members, and caregivers. Entities like Vet TRIIP should be supported. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of community-based programs supporting veterans. Collaborations between academia and community programs are encouraged to advance scientific understanding of chronic pain and stress co-morbidities and the role of complementary and integrative approaches.

Food Insecurity and Stress Among Rural Residents in South Carolina: The Moderating Influences of Household Characteristics, Neighborhood Social Environment and Food Environment.

Food insecurity is linked with poor physical and mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression and stress. Rural residents in particular face unique challenges obtaining healthy food; the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the relationship between food insecurity and mental health outcomes. This study examines the relationship between food insecurity and stress, and the moderating influence of household characteristics, neighborhood social environment and food environment on this relationship, using a sample of 630 rural South Carolina (SC) residents during COVID-19. Two measures of stress were used in this study: current levels of stress and changes in stress since COVID-19. Results showed a gradient pattern between food insecurity and stress: rural residents with high food insecurity were 6.1 times more likely and those with moderate food insecurity were 3.4 times more likely to report higher level of general stress than those with low food insecurity; rural residents with high food insecurity were 3.3 times more likely and those with moderate food insecurity were 2.0 times more likely to report greater increase in stress after COVID-19 than those with low food insecurity. Neighborhood social environment and food environment provided a buffering effect on the relationship between food insecurity and stress. A stronger social environment after COVID-19 and higher levels of easiness in food access mitigated the negative impacts of food insecurity on stress. Efforts to ameliorate food insecurity should address these broader contextual variables, involving community-level factors.

Drinking from an empty glass: A mixed-method analysis of counselling psychology trainees’ stress and barriers to self-care

Results from a recent BPS and NSP survey (2020) confirmed psychological practitioners are an at-risk group for their overall wellbeing. While most research to date focuses on clinical psychologists, limited research exists on counselling psychologists (CP), and more specifically trainee CP who are at an optimal time in their career to learn stress management and explore self-care strategies before entering the professional world. A mixed-methods study was therefore conducted with (n= 45) U.K. based CP trainees to explore 3 main objectives; (1) to measure trainees’ current levels of stress, (2) to understand trainees’ experience of using self-care tools in their own lives, and (3) to explore specific facilitators and barriers to support for trainees, if any.Initially, the Perceived Stress Scale-10 item (PSS-10), was used to measure current levels of trainee stress. 71.1 per cent of the sample scored in the moderate stress range. Following this (n= 10) trainees participated in follow-up semi-structured interviews. Using thematic analysis 4 main themes emerged; 1. Practising what we preach, 2. Individual differences, 3. Training Structure, and 4. Competing demands. In this article, we focus on the most prominent subthemes which are key barriers as noted by the majority of participants: from Theme 3-Placement hours, and from Theme 4-Influence of finances. Overall, this paper concludes that despite the moderate stress level amongst this population, there is still an attempt by trainees to apply self-care to their own lives but with key facilitators and barriers in this respect.

Germany vs. Austria: country-specific differences in becoming parents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background Becoming parents can be a big challenge, but how is this experience affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its measures? Methods Between 18.05.2021 and 01.07.2021, we conducted an online-survey to gain insight into becoming parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany and Austria. The sample mentioned in this report consists of biological mothers living in Austria (n = 952) and Germany (n = 1012) who gave birth between the 16th of March 2020 (the beginning of the first lockdown in Austria) and the time of completion of the study. The mothers’ current stress levels were assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and postnatal depression symptoms were quantified with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Furthermore, we included questions to measure perceived social support and pandemic-related stress. Results Current stress levels (U = 555677.50, z = 5.90, p &amp;lt; .001) and postnatal depression symptoms (U = 546354.00, z = 5.15, p &amp;lt; .001) were significantly higher in the German sample as compared to the Austrian sample. Yet, Austrian mothers reported higher social support as compared to the German mothers (U = 387834.00, z = -7.48, p &amp;lt; .001). Furthermore, we found higher levels of perceived social support to be associated with lower current stress levels (rs = -.40, p &amp;lt; .001). On average, perceived stress was moderately high in both samples (MGermany = 18.58, SDGermany = 6.60; MAustria = 16.76, SDAustria = 6.57). Conclusions Stress levels and depression symptoms seem to be high and prevalent due to the pandemic and it is highly indicated to take action such as supporting families in need and emphasising social support in order to reduce mental health problems of parents as well as their children in the aftermath of the pandemic. Key messages • Findings underpin the protective role of social support against psychological distress in new parents and show the high strain at current. • Action needs to be taken in order to support parents and children at risk.

Occupational Stress among Nurses in Referral Hospitals in Botswana: Controlling the Risk to Health

The prevalence of occupational stress among nurses is an endemic problem. This study was undertaken on an academic journey to determine the current levels of occupational stress among nurses in referral hospitals in Botswana. The study used a cross-sectional design aimed at determining the prevalence of occupational stress among nurses in selected referral hospitals. The study was carried out in three referral hospitals, namely- Princess Marina hospital, Nyangabgwe referral hospital, and Sabrana psychiatric hospital. Purposive sampling was used to select the nurses as well as management with the required and relevant experiences. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to get responses from nurses and the management in referral hospitals. The data was sourced from different departments/ units in the referral hospitals. From a total of 98 study participants, 43.8 percent of nurses reported stressful irritable/angry at work. Less than one-third, 30.6% of respondents, reported that they were sometimes not able to sleep due to the fact they normally have to work in different departments/units in referral hospitals. Results from the study show that respondents are very often not coping with what they had to do and are not able to control important things (like work may be) in their lives, respectively statistically significant (p = 0.021&lt; 0.05) and (p = 0.038 &lt; 0.05. A significant percentage of respondents reported occupational stress that is influenced by environmental factors like working in different departments and pressure from work. Keywords- Endemic, Nurses, Occupational stress, Prevalence, Purposive sampling, Stress.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Funeral Directors after the First Wave of COVID-19 in Belgium

(1) Background: Studies have shown that healthcare workers have an increased chance of developing post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, funeral directors have not yet been studied, despite facing many of the same possible causes of PTSS as healthcare workers. (2) Methods: An online survey was spread to directors of funeral home organization DELA in Belgium (n = 287). The validated scale PCL-5 was used to assess PTSS. Additionally, fear of being infected, fear of infecting family or friends and demographic factors (age, gender, living situations, work experience) were asked. Respondents were asked to indicate if they thought of the COVID-19 period when completing the PCL-5. In addition, with a self-made question, respondents were also asked to compare their current stress-levels with those before COVID-19. (3) Results: 107 respondents were included in the study. Thirteen respondents were above the threshold for possible PTSD-diagnosis, but only four fulfilled the criteria of completing the PCL-5 with COVID-19 in mind. PTSS-scores were significantly associated with a fear of being infected (p = 0.006). Almost a majority (49.5%) of the respondents felt more stress during the period of completing the survey than the period before COVID-19, though 33.6% felt no change. (4) Conclusions: Though the PTSS-symptom rates were lower than for healthcare workers, this study does show that there should be attention for the mental health of funeral directors in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Perceived stress and salivary biomarkers in educators: comparison among three stress reduction activities

ABSTRACT Background: The teaching profession is a potentially stressful occupation with up to 30% of all novice teachers leaving the profession and annual teacher turnover is higher when compared with turnover of all other occupations. This study investigated the effects of a one-time stress reduction activity (meditation, yoga, or aerobic exercise) in university and K-12 educators who were part of one-day seminar on Stress Reduction. Methods: Participants (N = 26) self-selected their stress reduction activity, completed a demographic questionnaire, educator stress self-assessment tool, and visual analogue scales indicating current stress levels. Salivary cortisol and amylase levels were measured before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after completion of the stress reduction activity. Results: Three (time) by three (activity) mixed factorial ANOVAs were computed for salivary analytes. The ANOVA for cortisol revealed a significant interaction (F (4, 66) = 3.60, p = .01). Comparisons showed significant differences with the aerobic exercise group having significantly higher cortisol levels at the 30-minute post-activity level when compared to the meditation (p < .05, Cohen’s d = .74) and yoga groups (p < .05, Cohen’s d = .52). Conclusion: Overall, the one-time activity of meditation and yoga showed lowered salivary cortisol levels at 30-minutes post-activity when compared to aerobic exercise activity. Additional research to examine the effects of stress reduction on educators in the work setting is needed.

Life among Chinese fibromyalgia patients: a cross-sectional study.

This study is to examine the impact of age on the clinical characteristics, fibromyalgia-related symptom severity and quality of life (QOL) among Chinese fibromyalgia patients. A packet of questionnaires on demographics, medical history, and severity of six major symptoms of fibromyalgia (i.e., pain, fatigue, sleep quality, depression, stress, and QOL) was completed by 124 Chinese patients. The patients were stratified into three groups by age (32 (25.8%) "young" patients, ≤ 39years; 73 (58.9%) "middle-age" patients, 40-59years; and 19 (15.3%) "older" patients, ≥ 60years). Analysis of covariance was conducted and adjusted for body mass index and symptom fibromyalgia duration. The majority of patients in this study were women (107, 86.3%), and the mean age was 49.4years (SD 10.8years). Pairwise comparisons among the three age groups found that the young and middle-aged patients were significantly more troubled than the older patients by their symptoms in several categories: morning tiredness (P ≤ 0.012), depression (P ≤ 0.002), anxiety (P ≤ 0.004), mental health index (P ≤ 0.002), and mental component summary score (P ≤ 0.017). The middle-aged patients reported more trouble than the older patients with regard to social functioning (P = 0.008), emotional roles (P = 0.012), depression (P = 0.012), and sleep quality (P = 0.017). The young patients exhibited the highest levels of current experienced stress (young vs. old, P = 0.013). This study has identified that middle-aged Chinese fibromyalgia patients exhibited less compromise of their QOL than did their older peers. This discrepancy begs a logical explanation and deserves further study. Key Points • This is the first clinical study to show the potential effect of age on fibromyalgia patients in China. • Characteristics, symptom severity, and QOL differ in different age groups. • The younger patients are, the worse their quality of life.

How Childhood Socioeconomic Status Impacts Adult Food Preference: The Mediating Role of Stress and Trait Appetite.

Prior research has shown that adults who were raised in a low socioeconomic status (SES) environment are more likely to desire energy-dense foods. Research has also shown a positive correlation between current stress levels and the desire for energy-dense foods. We hypothesized that stress and trait appetite mediate the relationship between childhood SES and the desire for low and high-energy-dense foods. In this study, 311 adults participated in an online experiment in which they were shown images of five food items from each of the six major food categories (vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, meat/poultry, and sweets) and rated how desirable each food item is. Next, we asked a series of questions that identified the participant’s sex, early childhood socioeconomic conditions, and current stress level. We also identified whether the participants had a trait or state eating personality. A path analysis was used to confirm the hypothesis that stress plays a mediating role between SES and food preference, and that an orderly relationship exists between these variables. The results show the hypothesis was supported and that the results were statistically significant. Specifically, the results show that the desire for low and high-energy-dense foods is indirectly influenced by one’s early childhood environment, and that food desirability is mediated by both stress and trait appetite. In addition, this analysis showed that in some situations, stress can both increase and decrease the desire for high-energy-dense foods. These findings also contribute to our understanding of how environmental conditions (safe and harsh environments) affect appetite and the desire for low and high-energy-dense foods. It also provided a deeper understanding of how these food choices can be adaptive under different ecological conditions.