Dysfunctional Coping Styles Research Articles

Cortisol, chronotype, and coping styles as determinants of tolerance of nursing staff to rotating shift work

ABSTRACT Hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis activity and cortisol patterns are likely to play a role in shift work tolerance, i.e., ability to adapt to shift work without suffering stress-related consequences. Yet, the evidence is scanty. Here, salivary cortisol output during night shifts and leisure days was assessed in fast-forward rotating shift work nursing staff (N = 30), and possible links with a series of variables – gender (30% male), age (M = 39.6, SEM = 1.57 y), years of service (M = 12.43, SEM = 1.48 y), BMI (M = 23.29, SEM = 0.66 Kg/m2), self-rated chronotype, sleep quality, and psycho-behavioral factors – were investigated. Main results show that cortisol output during night shifts: i) is larger in morning-oriented chronotypes, thus affected by the circadian misalignment between biological and working rhythms; ii) associates with dysfunctional coping styles at work; iii) positively correlates with diurnal cortisol secretion on leisure days, i.e., individuals with larger cortisol output during shifts display higher cortisol secretion on non-working days. Chronotype and psycho-behavioral factors explain most of the correlational weight linking cortisol output during the night shift and off-days. In conclusion, we confirm salivary cortisol testing as a suitable objective marker of occupational stress and propose it as a valuable index for monitoring shift work tolerance, in combination with chronotype. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of evaluating psycho-behavioral factors in professional settings, because these modifiable variables can be addressed with tailored psychological interventions to ameliorate poor job satisfaction, reduce work-related distress, and avoid chronic cortisol excess experienced by shift workers.

Facing distress in Coronavirus era: The role of maladaptive personality traits and coping strategies

The aim of the current study was to investigate the intersecting roles of dysfunctional personality traits and coping styles in relation to psychological distress during the Italian national lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants included 633 adults who completed questionnaires of maladaptive personality traits, coping styles, and psychological distress. Results indicated that all the maladaptive traits were associated with psychological distress with magnitude of associations strongest for Negative Affect and weakest for Antagonism. Maladaptive traits were also generally positively associated with avoidant/maladaptive and negatively associated with acceptance and positive reframing, forms of coping. A series of path analyses further demonstrated that coping strategies partially explained associations between maladaptive personality traits and psychological distress. All told, results suggest that during an unprecedented stressful time, associations between maladaptive personality traits and psychological distress may be, at least in part, explained by maladaptive coping strategies.

A systematic review: what factors predict Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in ambulance personnel?

Background:Ambulance personnel are frequently exposed to traumatic accidents, which makes them a high risk for poor mental health. High rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) have been found within ambulance personnel samples but no review has been completed to examine the factors that may be implicated in the development of these symptoms. This literature review provides an overview of the factors that predict PTSS in ambulance personnel.Methods:A systematic search strategy was conducted in April 2020 across the following four databases: PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL).Results:Eighteen papers were included in this review, and the predictive factors examined were grouped into four categories: coping style, personal factors, environmental factors and organisational factors.Conclusions:An array of factors across the four categories were implicated in the development of PTSS, but these tended to be indicated in only one or two papers. Evidence was found to suggest that dysfunctional coping styles, reduced levels of some personality traits, proximity and nature of the critical incident and high levels of organisation stress can all lead to PTSS. Further research is needed to support the reliability of findings.

"Everything Is Gonna Be Alright with Me": The Role of Self-Compassion, Affect, and Coping in Negative Emotional Symptoms during Coronavirus Quarantine.

Self-compassion has been associated with less distress, particularly when people face stressful and negative events. This study analyzed the mediation role of coping and affect in the relation between self-compassion and negative emotional symptoms during the quarantine decreed by Portuguese Health Authorities in the first phase of the coronavirus outbreak. A total of 428 Portuguese adults (75% women; Mage = 40.8, SD = 11.6) completed an online survey comprised by the Self-Compassion Scale (predictor); Short Version of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (outcomes); The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule; and Brief-COPE. These instruments were adapted to COVID 19’s epidemic. Parallel mediation analyses demonstrated that self-compassionate participants were at less risk of suffering from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress during the quarantine. Plus, the relation between self-compassion and depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms were mediated by negative affect and dysfunctional coping style, but only for symptoms of depression. The findings support coping strategies and affect as links between self-compassion and distress but also the importance of separately analyzing the role of self-compassion, negative affect, and coping on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Low self-compassion might increase negative affect, maintaining stress responses to face demanding events during the COVID-19 epidemic. Results were discussed in the context of the pandemic outbreak.

Comparing Three Distinct Samples on Traumatic Events, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Dysfunctional Coping Styles

The purpose of this study was to compare three distinct United States (US) samples on traumatic events, dysfunctional coping styles and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The samples were: civilian (n = 97); non-combat military veterans (n=61) and combat military veterans (n = 91). An online survey was used to collect all the data. The average age across all participants was 29 years old. For the overall combined sample, three avoidance coping styles, venting, denial, and dark humor, were each positively related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Looking at differences between the three samples, the combat veteran sample had more traumatic events (TEs), with the most recent TE being longer ago, then the non-combat veteran and civilian samples. There were no sample differences in PTSD. However, the non-combat veteran sample had higher levels of denial, venting and dark humor in dealing with their most recent TE, than the other two samples. This research draws needed attention to helping non-combat military veterans cope in a more positive way with their most recent TE. Future research directions and study limitations are discussed.

Coping and Health-Related Quality of Life after Closed Head Injury

ObjectivesIn the present study the relationship between illness coping and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients after closed head injury (CHI) was analyzed. Furthermore, the study was performed to assess the relative significance of clinical, neuroradiological, psychosocial variables and coping activities after CHI. We hypothesized that the effect of a depressive coping style is significantly stronger than that of all other variables considered. Patients and MethodsThis cross-sectional study took place at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Neurosurgery of the University of Technology (RWTH) Aachen, Germany. Of a total of 98 patients 1-2 years after CHI living in the catchment area of the university hospital fulfilling the inclusion criteria 63 individuals (mean age 40.6 years; 46 males) with a mean of 17.6 months after CHI took part in the study. HRQOL was assessed by means of the Aachen Life Quality Questionnaire (ALQI) and illness coping by the Freiburger Fragebogen zur Krankheitsverarbeitung (FKV). ResultsThe patients complained most frequently of impairments in their HRQOL in the areas of free-time activities and social contact. The most intensely used coping activities were distraction and self-management, active problem-oriented coping and religion and looking for sense. Regression analyses revealed exclusively the depressive coping style as the most important predictor of subjectively impaired HRQOL explaining up to 44% of the variance. There was only a modest relationship between patient age and active problem-oriented coping (r = .43; p < .01). The degree of education was negatively associated (r= -.35; p < .01) with depressive coping. A moderate severity of the injury led to significantly more intense activities in the area of minimizing and wishful thinking as compared to a mild CHI (p < .05). ConclusionsIn patients after CHI rehabilitation measures should focus to the HRQOL areas of free-time activities and social contact. Specific psychological interventions are called for in order to tackle the obviously dysfunctional depressive coping style.

Metacognitive Training for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundA high number of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) do not receive cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention, which is the most effective treatment for OCD. Therefore, Metacognitive Training for OCD (MCT-OCD) was developed, which is a structured group therapy aiming at the modification of dysfunctional (meta-)cognitive biases, beliefs and coping styles. It can be administered by less trained personnel, thus may reach a higher number of patients.An uncontrolled pilot study (MCT-OCD pilot version) provided first evidence that the training is highly accepted by patients; OC symptoms decreased with a high effect size (η2partial = 0.50). The aim of the present study is to address the shortcomings of the pilot study (e.g., no control group) and to assess the efficacy of the revised version of the MCT-OCD in the framework of a randomized controlled trial.MethodsEighty patients with OCD will be recruited. After a blinded assessment at baseline (−t1), patients will be randomly assigned either to the intervention group (MCT-OCD; n = 40) or to a care as usual control group (n = 40). The MCT-OCD aims to enhance patients’ metacognitive competence in eight modules by addressing dysfunctional (meta-)cognitive biases and beliefs associated with OCD (e.g., intolerance of uncertainty). After 8 weeks, patients will be invited to a post assessment (t1), and then they will receive a follow-up online questionnaire 3 months following t1 (t2). The primary outcome is the Y-BOCS total score, and the secondary outcomes include the HDRS, OCI-R, OBQ-44, MCQ-30, WHOQOL-BREF, BDI-II, and subjective appraisal ratings of the MCT-OCD. We expect that OC symptoms will decrease more in the intervention group compared with the care as usual control group from –t1 to t1 and that treatment gains will be maintained until t2.DiscussionThe planned study is the first to investigate the MCT-OCD, a promising new treatment, in a randomized controlled trial. The MCT-OCD may help to overcome existing treatment barriers for patients with OCD.Trial registrationGerman Registry for Clinical Studies (DRKS00013539), 22.02.2018.

Voices of adolescent incest victims: A qualitative study on feelings about trauma and expectations of recovery

BackgroundIncest, is a serious social problem facing society and children/adolescents themselves. The purpose of this study is to explore the ways adolescents talk about and give meaning to their experiences of incest concerning cultural, ethnic factors relevant to southeastern of Turkey. MethodWe focused on in-depth interviews of five incest victims (14–16 years girls, from low socioeconomic status in southeastern of Turkey). ResultsFour key themes were constructed from the qualitative analysis:1. Unable to understand/Delayed meaning-making: Adolescents provided definitive information about the first abuse memory but they were also unable to understand what they had experienced so they delayed meaning making.2. Dysfunctional coping style with the incest: Adolescents told that they threatened the perpetrators in various phases of incest.3. Avoidance of eye contact by the perpetrator: We recognized that perpetrators avoided social contact with the victim. This theme evokes dehumanizing of women during incest.4. The urge to destroy happy memories: This theme presents data on the adolescents' expectations about recovery. ConclusionAccording to the themes, two fundamental therapeutic precepts could guide the treatment process for adolescent girl incest survivors: 1. Exploration of the delayed meaning making: Therapist could address dysfunctional family functioning and explain that it is normal for a child to be delayed in meaning making. 2. Recovery of the adolescent's lost self after semantic dehumanization in abuses: Therapist should help her to dispute irrational beliefs about worthlessness and to gain control of her body.

Association between habitual use of coping strategies and posttraumatic stress symptoms in a non-clinical sample of college students: A Bayesian approach.

The present study investigated the influences of coping styles on posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among a sample of non-clinical college students who were exposed to traumatic events. Ninety-nine college students participated in the study. However, the sample used in the analyses consisted of only 37 participants who fulfilled the DSM-IV criterion A for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. The PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version (PCL-C) and the Brief COPE were used to assess the participants’ PTSS and habitual use of coping strategies, respectively. Bayesian and frequentist correlations showed that emotion-focused coping style was negatively associated with PTSS, while dysfunctional coping style was positively related to PTSS. In the subsequent linear regression on both statistical framework, dysfunctional coping was the only consistent variable predicting more PTSD symptoms. The findings presented here show that lower use of adaptive coping (emotion-focused) and higher use of dysfunctional coping styles on a daily basis are associated to PTSS severity in a non-clinical sample of college students. According to the Bayesian approach, which permits more generalization of data, dysfunctional coping style is determinant to higher levels of PTSS. These findings add new data to the body of research that highlight the critical role of distinct coping strategies in the severity of PTSS.

Psychological mindedness as a mediator in the relationship between dysfunctional coping styles and depressive symptoms in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Psychological mindedness (PM) can partly explain depressive symptoms in caregivers of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This cross-sectional study examines PM in mediating the relationship between dysfunctional coping styles and depressive symptoms. One hundred fifty-five adult ASD caregivers completed the Malay version of Brief COPE, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Balanced Index of PM. Direct paths between dysfunctional coping style and depressive symptoms, between insight and depressive symptoms, and between dysfunctional coping style and all PM variables (insight and interest) were obtained. Multiple regression analyses revealed that insight, but not interest, significantly mediates the relationship between dysfunctional coping and depressive symptoms. PM can be enhanced via psychological interventions.

Relación entre los tipos de afrontamiento y el estrés cotidiano en preescolares

IntroductionTrianes and Morales (2010) report that children show a differential use of coping strategies according to the problem or situation. Frydenberg, Deans and O’Brien (2012) conclude that not all responses are effective for all situations, given that children are building their coping repertoire, over time. However, there is little research in this subject with preschoolers, so the objective of this study was to know if there is a relationship between the different areas of daily stress in preschoolers (family, school, social and fantasies) and the coping styles (emotional, dysfunctional, avoidance and functional) they use. MethodThe materials used were the Daily Stress Scales (Monjarás y Lucio, 2018), and Coping for Preschoolers. One hundred and fifteen preschoolers participated and correlations were analyzed. ResultsThere is a relationship between the different areas of daily stress and the emotional, dysfunctional and avoidance coping styles. No relationship was found between the different areas of daily stress and functional coping. Emotional and avoidance coping styles show the highest correlations with the different areas of daily stress. In accordance with Frydenberg (2017), coping styles cannot be classified universally as adaptive and maladaptive during the preschool years.

The relationship between coping styles and depression among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Nigeria, West Africa

Abstract Background Caring for a child with cerebral palsy (CP) is an arduous task and the over-reliance on specific coping strategies may predispose caregivers to depression. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the different types of coping strategies and presence of depression in caregivers of children with CP. Methods One hundred and thirty two participants were recruited into the study. Their coping styles were measured using the Brief COPE inventory while depression was assessed with Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results The prevalence of current depressive episodes among the participants was 20.5%. Depression had a strong negative correlation with active coping (r = -0.415), planning (r = -0.432), and positive reframing (r = -0.594), and a weak negative correlation with humor (r = -0.239). But a strong positive correlation with use of instrumental support (r = 0.421) and self-blame (r = 0.448), and a moderate positive correlation with denial (r = 0.313), and behavioral disengagement (r = 0.308). Both emotion–focused (r = -0.361) and problem-focused (r = -0.576) coping style had a strong negative correlation with depression. While dysfunctional coping style had a strong positive correlation with depression (r = 0.489). Discussion Emotional and problem focused coping style were found to more protective against depression than dysfunctional coping styles among care givers of children with CP.

Effect of cognitive behavior therapy combined with exercise intervention on the cognitive bias and coping styles of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients.

BACKGROUNDIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive system disease with a high incidence rate and is common in women. The cause of IBS remains unclear. Some studies have shown that mental and psychological diseases are independent risk factors for IBS. At present, the treatment of IBS is mainly symptomatic treatment. Clinically, doctors also use cognitive behavioral therapy to improve patients' cognitive ability to diseases and clinical symptoms. In recent years, exercise therapy has attracted more and more attention from scholars. Improving the symptoms of IBS patients through psychosomatic treatment strategy may be a good treatment method.AIMTo explore the effects of an intervention of cognitive behavioral therapy combined with exercise (CBT+E) on the cognitive bias and coping styles of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D); and to provide a theoretical reference for the management of IBS.METHODSSixty IBS-D patients and thirty healthy subjects were selected. The 60 IBS-D patients were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was treated with the CBT+E intervention, while the control group was treated with conventional drugs without any additional intervention. The cognitive bias and coping styles of the participants were evaluated at baseline and after 6 wk, 12 wk and 24 wk using the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ), Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS) and Pain Coping Style Questionnaire (CSQ) instruments, and the intervention effect was analyzed using SPSS 17.0 statistical software.RESULTSAt baseline, the scores on the various scales showed that all subjects had cognitive bias and adverse coping styles. The IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) scores, ATQ total scores, DAS scores and CSQ scores of the two groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Compared with baseline, after 6 wk of the CBT+E intervention, there were significant differences in the ATQ scores, the dependence and total scores on the DAS, and the catastrophization, distraction and prayer scores on the CSQ (P < 0.05). After 12 wk, there were significant differences in the scores for perfectionism on the DAS and in the scores for reinterpretation, neglect and pain behavior on the CSQ in the experimental group (P < 0.05). After 24 wk, there were significant differences in the vulnerability, dependence, perfectionism, and total scores on the DAS and in the catastrophization, distraction and prayer scores on the CSQ in the experimental group (P < 0.01). The IBS-SSS scores were negatively correlated with the ATQ and DAS total scores (P < 0.05) but were positively correlated with the CSQ total score (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONIntervention consisting of CBT+E can correct the cognitive bias of IBS-D patients and eliminate their adverse coping conditions. CBT+E should be promoted for IBS and psychosomatic diseases.

Struggling with Happiness: A Pathway Leading Depression to Gambling Disorder.

A number of studies have suggested that depressive mood might lead to the development and/or maintenance of a gambling disorder (GD). The pathways by which such relationships are fostered may involve deficits in emotional regulation capacity and dysfunctional coping styles. This study aims to explore the role played by depressive symptomatology and the regulation of positive emotion in GD. We administered the South Oaks Gambling Inventory (SOGS, Lesieur and Blume in Am J Psychiatry 144(9):1184-1188, 1987), the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21, Lovibond and Lovibond in Manual for the depression anxiety stress scales. Psychology Foundation, Sydney, 1995) and the Kill-joy Thinking subscale of the Ways of Savouring Checklist (WOSC, Bryant and Veroff in Savoring: a new model of positive experience. Lawrence Erlbaum, Mahwah, 2007) to a sample of pathological gamblers (n = 91) and a sample of community participants (n = 105). The pathological gamblers scored higher on the DASS-21 subscales and obtained higher scores on the Kill-joy Thinking subscale of the WOSC compared to the controls. Moreover, the SOGS scores positively correlate with the DASS-21 subscales, and with the Kill-Joy Thinking measure. Finally, it is evident that Kill-joy Thinking fully mediates the relationship between depressive symptomatology and GD severity. Our results further confirm the roles of depression, anxiety and stress in GD. Moreover, this is the first study to explore the mediating role of dampening processes in the relationship between depression and GD. Future lines of research are also discussed.

The Relationship between Positive Psychological Capital and Coping Styles: A Study on Young Adults

The concept of psychological capital can be defined as an individual’s positive psychological resource, which consists of four components which are self-efficacy/confidence, hope, optimism, and resilience. Positive Psychological Capital (PsyCap) is a recently developed higher order construct applied in the context of organizations, which has been hypothesized to aid employees cope with stress effectively in workplace increasing their psychological and physical well-being. Coping strategies refer to the specific efforts, both behavioural and psychological, that people employ to master, tolerate, reduce, or minimize stressful events by using rational, detached, emotional and avoidance coping. This study aims to explore the nature of Positive Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and Coping styles among male and female young adults and the relationship between PsyCap and Coping styles. Data were collected by using Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) & Coping Styles Questionnaire (CSQ), administered on 100 participants aged between 18 - 25 years, from different colleges of Kolkata, using stratified simple random sampling method. Results indicated the following: 1) Hope and Resilience are significantly higher among female young adults than their male counterparts. 2) Detached and Avoidance coping style are significantly higher among male young adults & emotional coping style is significantly higher among female young adults. 3) Positive correlations exist between all the dimensions of PsyCap and functional coping style and negative relationship exists between dimensions of PsyCap and dysfunctional coping style. The study implies the effective use of PsyCap to promote positive outcomes, fostering development in young adult population.

Early onset substance abuse disorders and addictive diseases in old age

During the past 20 years substance-related and addictive disorders in old age have markedly increased and this increase is going to continue. It is quite common to make adistinction between early onset (EO) and late onset (LO) of these disorders. EO-addicts are in a more disadvantageous position due to constitutional and psychosocial burdens and the cumulating harmful medical, mental and social consequences of addiction place them at a further disadvantage during the course of the disorder. In old age they are at a disadvantage compared to others of the same age with LO addiction problems because of more and more severe chronic medical conditions, psychiatric comorbidity, less personal and social resources, dysfunctional coping style, and social problems. They present with lower treatment adherence and the treatment is difficult due to the combination of typical addictive behavior, psychiatric comorbidity, somatic diseases and in many cases also cognitive impairment. Treatment goals must be mostly individually defined and abstinence is rarely arealistic goal. Even the treatment has to be carried out mostly individually and often unconventionally. This article gives a review of the characteristic features of the course, presentation and adverse consequences of addictive disorders in EO addicts who have reached old age. The article covers alcohol, prescription drugs, illicit drugs and smoking as well as behavioral addictions.

Gender differences in coping styles of patients with depression: A comparative study

The present study was undertaken to investigate the gender differences in coping styles of patient with depression. Three types of coping styles were measured: problem focused, emotion focused and dysfunctional copings. The sample consisted of 101 participants (Male = 61, 60.4%) and (Female = 40, 39.6%) diagnosed with depression who were selected through convenience sampling technique from different hospitals of Dhaka city. Depression scale (DS), adapted Bengali version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and adapted Bengali version of COPE scale were used to assess different variables for the present study. Results of the study indicated that male patients were tending to use more problem focused coping styles than females and female patients were tending to use more dysfunctional coping style than male. There was no gender difference found in the groups on emotion focused coping style. Based on the findings developing a better therapeutic intervention to treat depression, was discussed.&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 27(2): 145-154, 2018 (July)

Affective and cognitive reactivity to mood induction in chronic depression

BackgroundChronic depression (CD) is strongly associated with childhood maltreatment, which has been proposed to lead to inefficient coping styles that are characterized by abnormal affective responsiveness and dysfunctional cognitive attitudes. However, while this notion forms an important basis for psychotherapeutic strategies in the treatment of CD, there is still little direct empirical evidence for a role of altered affective and cognitive reactivity in CD. The present study therefore experimentally investigated affective and cognitive reactivity to two forms of negative mood induction in CD patients versus a healthy control sample (HC). MethodsFor the general mood induction procedure, a combination of sad pictures and sad music was used, while for individualized mood induction, negative mood was induced by individualized scripts with autobiographical content. Both experiments included n = 15 CD patients versus n = 15 HC, respectively. Interactions between affective or cognitive reactivity and group were analyzed by repeated measurements ANOVAs. ResultsGeneral mood induction neither revealed affective nor cognitive reactivity in the patient group while the control group reported the expected decrease of positive affect [interaction (IA) affective reactivity x group: p = .011, cognitive reactivity x group: n.s.]. In contrast, individualized mood induction specifically increased affective reactivity (IA: p = .037) as well as the amount of dysfunctional cognitions in patients versus controls (IA: p = .014). LimitationsThe experiments were not balanced in a crossover design, causal conclusions are thus limited. Additionally, the differences to non-chronic forms of depression are still outstanding. ConclusionsThe results suggest that in patients with CD, specific emotional activation through autobiographical memories is a key factor in dysfunctional coping styles. Psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at modifying affective and cognitive reactivity are thus of high relevance in the treatment of CD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and its predictors in emergency medical service personnel: a cross-sectional study from Karachi, Pakistan

BackgroundEmergency medical service (EMS) personnel who work to provide emergency medical care at the scene and during transportation are exposed to various kinds of stressors and are particularly susceptible to developing stress-reactions. This study assesses symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and its predictors among the personnel of a selected EMS in Karachi, Pakistan.MethodsData were gathered from 518 personnel working in an EMS setting from February to May 2014. Participants were screened for post-traumatic stress symptoms using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Demographic and work-related characteristics, coping styles and the social support systems of the participants were assessed. Linear regression was used on the IES-R to identify predictors of post-traumatic stress symptoms.ResultsThe mean score of the IES-R was 23.9 ± 12.1. EMS personnel with a dysfunctional coping style (β = 0.67 CI 0.39 – 0.95), anxiety, and depression (β = 0.64 CI 0.52 – 0.75) were more likely to have increased severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Age was found to have an inverse relationship with stress symptoms (β = −0.17 CI 0.33 – -0.023), indicating the susceptibility of younger EMS personnel to stress.ConclusionThe EMS personnel in this setting were found to have a moderate level of post-traumatic stress symptoms. The significant predictors of post-traumatic stress symptoms in this EMS population were age, coping style, and levels of anxiety and depression. These predicting factors can be a potential avenue for interventions to improve the mental health of these frontline workers.

The relationship between depression, anxiety, personality traits and coping strategies of patients with euthyroid Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Background and objectivesWe aimed to investigate the depression and anxiety levels and to explore the coping strategies and personality traits of patients with euthyroid Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT). MethodsThe study population consisted of 108 outpatients with euthyroid HT. The participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI), and the Coping With Problems Experienced Inventory (COPE). ResultsDepression scores were negatively correlated with emotion-focused and problem-focused coping style scores. Emotion-focused and problem-focused coping style scores were negatively correlated with neuroticism, and positively correlated with openness scores. Emotion-focused coping style scores were also positively correlated with agreeableness scores. Dysfunctional coping style scores were negatively correlated with conscientiousness scores. Higher agreeableness and anxiety scores as well as lower neuroticism scores were predictive of emotion-focused coping style scores. Problem-focused coping style scores were predicted by lower depression scores. Dysfunctional coping style scores were predicted by lower conscientiousness scores. ConclusionsThe present study points the importance of taking personality features and individual coping strategies into account when evaluating patients with HT. Determining the personality features and coping strategies might be useful for identifying patients in need of particular counseling and support.