Distress Reactions Research Articles

Maternal Accuracy and Behavior in Anticipating Children's Responses to Novelty: Relations to Fearful Temperament and Implications for Anxiety Development

Previous research has suggested that mothers' behaviors may serve as a mechanism in the development from toddler fearful temperament to childhood anxiety. The current study examined the maternal characteristic of accuracy in predicting toddlers' distress reactions to novelty in relation to temperament, parenting, and anxiety development. Ninety-three two-year-old toddlers and their mothers participated in the study. Maternal accuracy moderated the relation between fearful temperament and protective behavior, suggesting this bidirectional link may be more likely to occur when mothers are particularly attuned to their children's fear responses. An exploratory moderated mediation analysis supported the mechanistic role of protective parenting in the relation between early fearful temperament and later anxiety. Mediation only occurred, however, when mothers displayed high accuracy. Results are discussed within the broader literature of parental influence on fearful children's development.

Checkmate organizational stress

I changed stress, stress changed me, you can not separate stress form life and you can not separate stress from me, because stress became life and by that stress has influenced all life. But what is stress? I don’t know…. Stress represents one important problem not only from an individual perspective, but also from an organizational point of view. Last decades have known many stress researches but the nature of stress is still an open question. And because stress is everywhere and, as I said before, stress become life, the idea of this editorial is how we can ‘befriend’ stress and how can we turn it from a foe to an ally… In my previous work I have talked about stress from the perspective of eustress (positive stress) reactions versus distress (negative stress) reactions and this distinction will be the starting point here because it is particularly useful for both explaining the phenomenon of stress and for designing strategies that would optimize our stress reaction.

Epidemiological assessment in emergency settings: recommendations for enhancing a potentially useful tool

Theauthors identifyseveralfactors that have limited the utility of epidemiological assessments in emergency settings, such as a narrow focus on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an inattention to cultural variations in distress, and a failure to distinguish between normal distress reactions and actual disorder. Rather than rejecting epidemiology altogether, however, as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings do, recommendations are made for ways to enhance the usefulness of large scale mental health and psychosocial assessments in settings of armed con£ict and natural disaster.

Parenting and Children's Distress Reactivity during Toddlerhood: An Examination of Direction of Effects

AbstractDuring early childhood, harsh and emotionally negative parent–child exchanges are expected to increase children's risk for developing later conduct problems. The present study examined longitudinal associations between the quality of parenting responses and children's distress reactivity during children's second year of life. Forty‐seven mother–child dyads completed observational assessments of children's distress reactivity and mothers’ harsh and supportive parenting when children were 12 and 24 months of age. Results indicated that mothers’ contingent harsh parenting responses to children's non‐compliance when children were 12 months of age predicted increases in children's observed distress from 12 to 24 months, but children's level of distress at 12 months did not predict change in harsh parenting responses over the same time period. In contrast, supportive parenting contingent responses did not predict declines in children's distress reactivity, although children's distress reactivity predicted declines in mothers’ supportive parenting responses from 12 to 24 months. Results are discussed in terms of the implications of the quality of parent–child interactions as a point of entry onto developmental pathways of risk.

De prevalentie en het beloop van lichamelijke klachten na rampen

The prevalence and course of physical symptoms after disasters Recently, partly due to the health effects of the Gulf War and the aircraft disaster in the Bijlmermeer in Amsterdam, there is growing recognition that traumatic events can be related to physical symptoms that often remain medically unexplained. Several studies after different kinds of disasters have shown higher levels of physical symptoms among survivors compared to controls. After the fireworks disaster in Enschede, survivors reported significantly more physical symptoms compared to controls up to four years post-disaster. Several risk factors such as female gender, low socio-economic status and psychological problems have consistently been found in studies after disasters. The results from these studies suggest that elevation of physical symptoms is part of the distress reaction following traumatic stress. For that reason, research and post-disaster care should not focus solely on mental health problems among survivors. Future studies that provide insight into factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of physical symptoms, such as cognitions and psychological problems, will be valuable from both a scientific and therapeutic perspective.

Examination of an Interactive-Educational Intervention in Improving Parent and Child Distress Outcomes Associated With Pediatric Radiation Therapy Procedures

Although radiation therapy is a non-invasive and painless form of cancer therapy, distress reactions often occur among children and parents undergoing these procedures. This randomized 2 group clinical trial (N = 80) reports on the efficacy of a pediatric interactive-educational intervention regarding both parent and child distress outcomes. As predicted, parents in the intervention condition experienced greater reductions in trait anxiety, t(78) = 1.68, p < .05; and rated the intervention as significantly more effective in reducing pediatric procedural distress, as compared to parents in the control condition, t(78) = 1.74, p < .05. These findings suggest that interactive-educational interventions designed to reduce pediatric distress may generalize to parents, and highlight the importance of including parents in pediatric procedural interventions.

Acute stress in parents of children newly diagnosed with cancer

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and subclinical symptoms of acute stress (SAS) may be a useful framework for understanding the psychological reactions of mothers and fathers of children newly diagnosed with a pediatric malignancy. Mothers (N = 129) and fathers (N = 72) of 138 children newly diagnosed with cancer completed questionnaires assessing acute distress, anxiety, and family functioning. Demographic data were also gathered. Inclusion criteria were: a confirmed diagnosis of a pediatric malignancy in a child under the age of 18 years without prior chronic or life threatening illness and fluency in English or Spanish. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used to examine predictors of SAS. Fifty-one percent (N = 66) of mothers and 40% (N = 29) of fathers met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for ASD. The majority of the sample reported experiencing at least one SAS. General anxiety, but not family functioning, was a strong predictor of SAS in both mothers and fathers even after controlling for demographic characteristics. Immediately following their child's diagnosis of cancer, most mothers and fathers experience SAS, with a subsample meeting criteria for ASD. More anxious parents are at heightened risk of more intense reactions. The findings support the need for evidence-based psychosocial support at diagnosis and throughout treatment for families who are at risk for acute distress reactions.

First Responders: Mental Health Consequences of Natural and Human-Made Disasters for Public Health and Public Safety Workers

First responders, including military health care workers, public health service workers, and state, local, and volunteer first responders serve an important role in protecting our nation's citizenry in the aftermath of disaster. Protecting our nation's health is a vital part of preserving national security and the continuity of critical national functions. However, public health and public safety workers experience a broad range of health and mental health consequences as a result of work-related exposures to natural or man-made disasters. This chapter reviews recent epidemiologic studies that broaden our understanding of the range of health and mental health consequences for first responders. Evidence-based psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions for posttraumatic distress reactions and psychiatric disorders are outlined. Finally, the application of public health intervention models for the assessment and management of distress responses and mental disorders in first-responder communities is discussed.

Molluscicidal activity of crude water leaf extracts of Alternanthera sesselis on Bulinus (phy) globosus

Evaporated and unevaporated extracts were prepared from both dried and fresh leaves sample and subjected to a 24 h static bioassay. A reference molluscicide niclosamide (Baylusicide) was used as standard and rainwater as untreated control. Reaction of the snails on coming in contact with the test medium is either shock or distress. The distress reaction started with retraction of tentacles and ended in some cases with death. Shock reaction results when snails are immersed in a more concentrated crude water extract which usually resulted in the death of the snails. Statistical analysis of average mortality figures by the use of probit gave LC50 of 40.42 (35.15 – 46.47) for the unevaporated crude water while the evaporated crude water extract had LC50 of 48.07 (42.81 – 54.28) for the dried leaf extract. For the fresh leaves the unevaporated crude water extract had LC50 of 32.57 (27.15 – 39.08) and evaporated crude water gave 45.00 (39.09 – 51.79). This results show that the molluscicidal properties of the leaf extract was dose dependent as mortality increases with the relative increase in concentration of the extract. Furthermore, the bioavailability of the active component is more in the fresh leaves sample when compared to the lethal concentration values of the dried leaves extract and the potential of the crude water extract in integrated schitosomiasis control is discussed. Key words: Alternanthera sesselis, crude water extract, molluscicidal activity, bioavailability, schistomiasis control.

Molluscicidal activity of crude water leaf extracts of Alternanthera sesselis on Bulinus (phy) globosus

Evaporated and unevaporated extracts were prepared from both dried and fresh leaves sample and subjected to a 24 h static bioassay. A reference molluscicide niclosamide (Baylusicide) was used as standard and rainwater as untreated control. Reaction of the snails on coming in contact with the test medium is either shock or distress. The distress reaction started with retraction of tentacles and ended in some cases with death. Shock reaction results when snails are immersed in a more concentrated crude water extract which usually resulted in the death of the snails. Statistical analysis of average mortality figures by the use of probit gave LC50 of 40.42 (35.15 – 46.47) for the unevaporated crude water while the evaporated crude water extract had LC50 of 48.07 (42.81 – 54.28) for the dried leaf extract. For the fresh leaves the unevaporated crude water extract had LC50 of 32.57 (27.15 – 39.08) and evaporated crude water gave 45.00 (39.09 – 51.79). This results show that the molluscicidal properties of the leaf extract was dose dependent as mortality increases with the relative increase in concentration of the extract. Furthermore, the bioavailability of the active component is more in the fresh leaves sample when compared to the lethal concentration values of the dried leaves extract and the potential of the crude water extract in integrated schitosomiasis control is discussed.

Responding to Workplace Terrorism

Summary The behavioral health response to the September 11th, 2001, attack at the Pentagon illustrates the principles of a public health approach to the emotional and behavioral consequences of terrorism. This model applies public health principles and consultation. It addresses resiliency, illness, distress, and risk behaviors to maximize return to health and work productivity. In this approach, multidisciplinary teams conduct a program of health surveillance, health education and informational briefings at sites within the workplace and to key leaders. The composition of these teams would differ in other civilian settings and should include an integrated response from security, employee assistance, human resources, communications, and leadership. However, the principles of the approach would remain consistent: identify individuals and populations at high risk for post-attack distress reactions or illness, integrate family support into workplace support, promote individual and community resilience, and refer individuals as necessary for further assessment and treatment.

Clusters of Event Reactions Among Recipients of Project Liberty Mental Health Counseling

This study aimed to determine a pattern in the frequency with which individuals who manifested distress reactions resembling diagnostic syndromes of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder accessed services provided by Project Liberty. Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to 31 reactions to stress (event reactions) shown by 465,428 recipients of Project Liberty counseling, to determine how well event reactions mapped onto traditional diagnostic criteria. Service recipients were tracked when they first sought Project Liberty counseling during the 27 months after the attacks. Those who reported three or more reactions associated with these clusters were characterized as having possible diagnosable conditions. Strong consistent clusters corresponding to traumatic stress and depressive symptoms emerged, with 26 percent, 16 percent, and 8 percent of service recipients rated as having possible PTSD, major depressive disorder, or both, respectively. Taken together, this group constituted over 40 percent of service recipients served by Project Liberty almost every month throughout the 27 months of its existence. Event reactions, as reported by Project Liberty crisis counselors, many of whom were nonclinicians, mapped coherently onto diagnostic syndromes, suggesting that a checklist of such reactions may be useful to disaster counselors as a cost-effective screening and planning instrument. The steady entry over time into Project Liberty counseling by a substantial number of individuals experiencing high levels of distress underscores the need for providing long-term access to mental health services postdisaster.

Clusters of Event Reactions Among Recipients of Project Liberty Mental Health Counseling

This study aimed to determine a pattern in the frequency with which individuals who manifested distress reactions resembling diagnostic syndromes of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder accessed services provided by Project Liberty.Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to 31 reactions to stress (event reactions) shown by 465,428 recipients of Project Liberty counseling, to determine how well event reactions mapped onto traditional diagnostic criteria. Service recipients were tracked when they first sought Project Liberty counseling during the 27 months after the attacks. Those who reported three or more reactions associated with these clusters were characterized as having possible diagnosable conditions.Strong consistent clusters corresponding to traumatic stress and depressive symptoms emerged, with 26 percent, 16 percent, and 8 percent of service recipients rated as having possible PTSD, major depressive disorder, or both, respectively. Taken together, this group constituted over 40 percent of service recipients served by Project Liberty almost every month throughout the 27 months of its existence.Event reactions, as reported by Project Liberty crisis counselors, many of whom were nonclinicians, mapped coherently onto diagnostic syndromes, suggesting that a checklist of such reactions may be useful to disaster counselors as a cost-effective screening and planning instrument. The steady entry over time into Project Liberty counseling by a substantial number of individuals experiencing high levels of distress underscores the need for providing long-term access to mental health services postdisaster.

Toddlers' Empathy‐Related Responding to Distress: Predictions From Negative Emotionality and Maternal Behavior in Infancy

This study focused on the predictive contributions of infants' temperamental negative emotionality (proneness to fear, anger), sex, maternal responsivity, and their interaction on toddlers' empathy‐related responding to distress in 3 contexts. Ninety‐eight infants and their mothers participated in a longitudinal study. When the infants were 10 months of age, mothers completed assessments of infant temperamental anger and fear, and maternal behaviors were observed in a free‐play setting. At 18 months of age, toddlers' empathy‐related responding to the distress of a stranger, a crying baby doll, and the mother was assessed. A series of hierarchical and logistic regressions were performed, and results indicated that infant fear predicted higher concerned awareness toward adults and higher personal distress reactions toward the mother. In addition, maternal responsivity predicted higher concerned attention and lower personal distress reactions toward the baby doll and mother. Findings also revealed several interaction effects to predict toddlers' empathy‐related responding to distress.

Probe into the Correlativity between Behaviour of Head Nurse and the Reaction of Nurse on Work Stressors

There is correlativity between behaviour of head nurse and occurrence of both work stressors and distress reaction in nurse.Studies found a head nurse can buffer the effects of a demanding work environment on staff nurses by the appropriate leadership style.Presumably,this is a main way by which head nurses can reduce work stress among their staff.It's important for improving the quality and efficiency of nursing.

The body matters: Psychophysical impact of retiring from elite sport

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to assess the relation between the perception of bodily changes after retirement from elite sport and physical self and global self-esteem, in retired elite athletes. Methods Sixty-nine French retired elite athletes answered the 6-item Physical Self Inventory, and questions related to bodily difficulties experienced after retirement, and reasons, moment and nature of retirement. Results Correlation analysis revealed that the difficulties experienced with the body were negatively related to global self-esteem, physical self-worth, perceived physical condition, sports competence, and bodily attractiveness. Regression analysis revealed the mediating role of physical self-worth between the difficulties experienced with the body and global self-esteem. Conclusion As well as social and professional changes, bodily changes might also be a source of potential distressful reactions. These findings complete existing knowledge, having a particular emphasis on the potential difficulties resulting from the bodily dimension among former elite athletes.

Child Adaptational Development in Contexts of Interparental Conflict Over Time

This multi-method study sought to identify parameters of developmental change and stability of child reaction patterns to interparental conflict in the context of family relations in a sample of 223 6-year-old children and their parents followed over the course of one year. Consistent with the sensitization hypothesis, interparental withdrawal and hostility each consistently and uniquely predicted child distress reactions to conflict even after analytically controlling for parental warmth. Associations were found across multiple domains of child responding (i.e., overt negative affect, subjective negative affect, internal representations) and both concurrent and prospective, autoregressive analyses. Results of the autoregressive path analyses indicated moderate stability in each of the domains of conflict reactivity over the 1-year longitudinal period.

Facial disfigurement in patients with head and neck cancer: The role of social self-efficacy.

This study investigated the moderating role of social self-efficacy (i.e., the belief that one is capable of exercising control over the reactions and openness of other people) with respect to the link between facial disfigurement and psychological and n = 76) as well as their physicians. In line with the hypotheses, the results revealed that the degree of facial disfigurement, as judged by patients as well as their physicians, was positively related to psychological distress and distress in reaction to unpleasant behavior of others, but only when patients did not feel self-efficacious in social encounters. Furthermore, social self-efficacy mitigated the positive link between facial disfigurement as judged by patients and social isolation.

Acute psychological reactions in assault victims of non-domestic violence: Peritraumatic dissociation, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression

The aims of this study were to investigate acute and subacute post-traumatic reactions in victims of physical non-domestic violence. A Norwegian sample of 138 physically assaulted victims was interviewed and a questionnaire was completed. The following areas were examined: the frequency and intensity of acute and subacute psychological reactions such as peritraumatic dissociation (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety and depression; the relationship between several psychological reactions; the relationship between psychological reactions and level of physical injury, perceived life threat, and potential of severe physical injury, and the relationship between psychological reactions and socio-demographic variables. The following distress reactions were measured retrospectively: PD, PTSD, and anxiety and depression. Thirty-three per cent of the victims scored as probable PTSD cases according to the Post Traumatic Symptoms Scale 10 (PTSS-10); the corresponding Impact of Event Scale-15 (IES-15) score identified prevalence of 34% respectively. Forty-four per cent scored as cases with probable anxiety and depression, according to the Hopkins Symptom Check List 25 (HSCL-25). Severity of perceived threat predicted higher scores on all measures of psychological reactions. There were no statistically significant differences between acute and subacute groups on PD, PTSS-10, IES-15, IES-22 and HSCL-25 according to measured means (and standard deviations) and occurrence of probable cases and risk level cases. The results showed no connection between severity of physical injury and caseness. The acute psychological impairment that results from assault violence may have a deleterious effect on the mental health of victims.

Impact of bereavement among relatives in Italy and Sweden after the Linate airplane disaster

Objectives: Victims of major disasters are at risk for development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study was to compare two groups of bereaved relatives from Italy and Sweden, and to examine the role of psychosocial support and psychological reactions 18 months after traumatic bereavement. Methods: In all, 153 bereaved relatives of deceased victims in the Milano/Linate aeroplane crash were assessed by a questionnaire. Reactions of psychological distress were measured by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Results: In the whole group, 53.2% showed symptoms indicating that they might meet the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. The frequency was higher among the Italian relatives (58.7%) compared with the Swedish relatives (42.6%). Females showed more signs of post-traumatic reactions compared with males in the total population, as did spouses and parents within the Italian group. The general health status, measured by subjective evaluation, was significantly affected in both groups as a result of the disaster. A significant recovery after 18 months was reported, although not to the pre-accident level. The Swedish relatives had a pattern of using more psychotherapy compared with the Italians, among whom it was more common to use medication for both anxiety and sleeping problems. The need for psychotherapy and medication was related to higher scores on IES-R. Conclusions: (1) Traumatic losses deeply affect bereaved relatives. Health is affected and a large group of these relatives develop strong symptoms of post-traumatic stress. (2) Swedish bereaved relatives seem to be more apt to ask for professional help, e.g. psychotherapy, while in Italy it is more common to rely on family, friends and medication. (3) Acute organized psychosocial support in the aftermath can possibly facilitate for victims to handle a traumatic loss but it does not prevent the development of strong post-traumatic reactions. Future investigations may show how it is possible to optimize the help with more specific interventions of support and treatment.