High Levels Of Stress Research Articles

Influence of postpartum depression on maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding practices among mothers in Abeokuta, Ogun state

BackgroundPostpartum Depression (PPD) is a severe mental health condition that adversely affects mothers and their infants. The influence of PPD on maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding practices has been scarcely reported in Nigeria. Therefore, we examined the prevalence of PPD, the associated factors, and the relationship with maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding practices in Abeokuta, Nigeria.MethodA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 600 mothers within the extended postpartum period (≤ 1 year) from three government-owned immunisation clinics at primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities in Abeokuta, Ogun State. PPD was assessed using the Edinburgh postnatal depression Scale (EPDS ≥ 13), and maternal-infant bonding was evaluated using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ ≥ 50). We also examined breastfeeding practices (i.e. the time to initiation by 30 min, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and early commencement of complementary feeding by 2 months). Data was analysed using chi-square and logistics regression models at a 5% significance level.ResultsThe prevalence of PPD was 21.8%, 95% CI (18.7–25.3). Factors associated with PPD were maternal age: 25–34 years [AOR = 0.52; 95% CI (0.29–0.90)]; ≥ 35 years [AOR = 0.44; 95% CI (0.20–0.96)], being married [AOR = 0.43; 95% CI (0.21–0.85)], perceived stress increased the odds of PPD: moderate stress level [AOR = 8.38; 95% CI (3.50–19.9)]; high-stress level [AOR = 47.8; 95% CI (8.65–263.7)] and self-reported history of emotional problems [AOR = 3.25; 95% CI (1.43–7.38)]. There was a significant direct association between PPD and poor maternal-infant bonding [AOR = 3.91; 95% CI (1.04–4.60)]. PPD reduces the odds of early breastfeeding initiation [AOR = 0.43; 95% CI (0.28–0.68)], but no association was found between PPD and exclusive breastfeeding [AOR = 1.07; 95% CI (0.07–1.67)].ConclusionThe prevalence of PPD was high in our study population and associated with poor maternal-infant bonding and late breastfeeding initiation but not with exclusive breastfeeding. Promoting maternal mental health to foster stronger mother-infant relationships and better breastfeeding practices has become crucial.

The impact of job stress on job satisfaction and turnover intentions among bank employees during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveThe main objective of this study is to explore the relationships among job stress, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions among bank employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on variations across different demographic characteristics.MethodsA cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 501 bank employees using the Job Stress Questionnaire (JSQ), the Simplified Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), and the Intention to Leave Scale (ILS). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses were used to test the research hypotheses.ResultsThe findings show that job stress is significantly negatively correlated with job satisfaction and positively correlated with turnover intention. Interpersonal relationship stress emerged as the strongest predictor of turnover intention, while job autonomy stress significantly influenced job satisfaction. Demographic factors, including age, income, and education level, moderated these relationships, with younger, higher-income, and more educated employees reporting lower stress and higher satisfaction. Employees with dependents reported higher stress levels, lower job satisfaction, and greater turnover intentions compared to those without dependents.ConclusionThis study underscores the importance of managing workplace stress and enhancing job satisfaction to reduce turnover intention, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions focused on improving interpersonal relationships and providing targeted support for older and lower-income employees are recommended to mitigate stress and improve retention rates.

Perception, attitude, and opinion of parents of cleft lip and palate patients treated with nasoalveolar molding (NAM): A cross-sectional questionnaire study.

The main goal of the nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is to mitigate the initial severity of the cleft, facilitating the subsequent surgical procedures. Nevertheless, the use of the appliance entails high stress levels for families. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions, attitudes, and opinions of parents whose cleft-affected children underwent treatment using the NAM technique. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on a cohort of relatives of infants born with cleft lip and palate who were treated with the NAM appliance. The parents completed a 59-item questionnaire that had been previously validated. The initial cohort consisted of 104 families. The level of satisfaction was high, and there was a direct correlation with early diagnosis. Satisfaction levels varied depending on the cleft type, with a decrease in cases of bilateral presentation. Satisfaction was influenced by the newborns' adaptation and the absence of complications. Parents who exhibited lower levels of satisfaction contemplated terminating the treatment. Parents expressed high satisfaction with NAM treatment, due to effective management and understanding. Bilateral clefts and delayed diagnosis can significantly impact satisfaction. These results emphasize the importance of personalized approaches to address challenges in NAM treatment, particularly in instances of bilateral clefts and delayed diagnoses.

Anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience among undergraduate nursing students at Al-Quds university: the impact of war started on October 7 in Palestine

BackgroundThe current outbreak of war in Palestine on the 7th of October 2023, heightened concerns about mental health and well-being of individuals, particularly undergraduate students in Palestine. Such traumatic experiences and political conflict did affect the social, economic, psychological, and academic status of university students in Palestine, in particular, nursing students. However, resilience is one of the moderators which may positively decrease the severity of those negative war-related symptoms.AimThe study aimed to examine the moderation effect of resilience on the relationship between sociodemographic and personal characteristics and depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate nursing students in Palestine.Design and methodsA quantitative, descriptive-correlational design utilized to investigate anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience among nursing students. A convenience sample of 325 nursing students recruited from Al-Quds University were asked to respond to a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsA total of 325 nursing students participated in this study. The analysis showed that the majority of the participants were experiencing extremely severe anxiety levels (43.7%, n = 142), while 25.5% (n = 83) were experiencing extremely severe depression and 14.5% (n = 47) were experiencing high-stress levels compared to 60% (n = 195) of the students were at their normal resilience level. There were statistically significant differences in the resilience based on sex (t323 = 2.994, p = .003). Knowing that males have higher resilience mean scores (M = 3.06, SD = 0.35) than females (M = 2.93, SD = 0.41) indicates higher resilience in males than females. After performing two steps of hierarchical regression, the results revealed that resilience negatively moderated the relationship between sociodemographics and depression, and anxiety.ConclusionThis study offers valuable insights into the mental health status of undergraduate nursing students in Palestine during the war. The results indicated that resilience is one of the pivotal moderators that may buffer anxiety and depression. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the diverse mental health needs of this population, considering the complex interplay of individual, demographic, and contextual factors. Future research should continue to explore these dynamics and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions promoting mental well-being during conflict.

Thriving minds, thriving workplaces: unleashing creativity through psychological wellbeing and psychological capital

PurposeThis study examines the complicated relationship between psychological wellbeing, joy at work, creative ability and the mediating influence of psychological capital, drawing insights from self-determination theory within the context of the banking sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized random sampling to gather comprehensive data from 465 banking employees. Following data collection, structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses formulated based on the collected data.FindingsFindings underscore a significant association between psychological wellbeing and both joy at work and creative ability within the banking sector. Moreover, the study elucidates that psychological capital acts as a crucial mediator, illuminating the pathway through which psychological wellbeing influences joy at work and subsequently enhances creative ability.Practical implicationsThis research offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing psychological wellbeing initiatives and nurturing positive work environments to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity and innovative contributions within the banking sector.Originality/valueThe application of self-determination theory as a theoretical framework provides a robust foundation for understanding the dynamics between psychological factors and workplace outcomes. The banking industry, often characterized by high stress levels and demanding work environments, stands to benefit substantially from interventions aimed at fostering psychological wellbeing. By cultivating positive mental health and capitalizing on joy at work, organizations can stimulate employee creativity ability, thereby fostering innovation and adaptive problem-solving capabilities crucial in the contemporary banking landscape.

Yoga Education in the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Exploration of its Significance, Effect, and Connectivity in Modern Societal Contexts

Abstract: This paper aims to present a theoretical model based on a synthesis of ancient knowledge and contemporary research, as well as to argue for the integration of yoga with education in the present educational system. Resilience and overall well-being have become increasingly important in today's hectic and demanding environment. This abstract explores the value of yoga instruction as a transforming tool for dealing with the various issues people encounter nowadays. Yoga is an age-old Indian discipline that combines physical postures called asanas, breathing exercises called pranayama, meditation, and moral teachings to bring the mind, body, and spirit into balance. Regular yoga practice provides many physical, mental, and emotional benefits that have been confirmed by scientific studies. With the current state of affairs marked by high levels of stress, sedentary lifestyles, and rising mental health problems, it is essential to integrate yoga instruction into regular classroom instruction. This abstract explores how yoga's focus on self-awareness, stress reduction, and mindfulness corresponds with the modern world's need for coping strategies against life's stresses. The abstract also looks at how yoga instruction might help people develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and a positive outlook. The practice is a flexible strategy for improving general well-being because it may be applied to different age groups and fitness levels. A proactive approach to addressing the growing health concerns and fostering a culture of self-care is the incorporation of yoga into educational curricula, businesses, and healthcare systems. Additionally, by highlighting the preventative qualities of yoga in healthcare, the abstract underlines the social and economic advantages connected to a population that is healthier and more robust. The way this work compares and contrasts the results-driven current research with the process-driven old knowledge makes it special. This makes it possible to develop a more thorough theoretical model of yoga in education in the present scenario.

Environmental triggers of pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid: a case control study.

Previous case-control studies have suggested that environmental factors including exposure to pesticides and organic materials, diet and medications have an important role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris. These studies lacked geographical population controls and had less than three controls per case. To identify environmental and occupational risk factors associated with the development of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP). Cases were patients with PV (n = 25) and BP (n = 29) recruited from 2009 to 2017. Controls for PV (n = 72) and BP (n = 84) were recruited from the general population via electoral commission matching, matched for age, sex, residential location, and ethnicity. Data about demographics, environmental exposures and occupational exposures, was collected using a structured questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression analysis was undertaken using SPSS software to identify significant variables. Significant factors associated with PV included the daily consumption of leeks (odds ratio (OR) 3.6; p = 0.025), mustard oil (OR = 4.4; p = 0.049), tomatoes (OR = 4.735; p = 0.032), multivitamins (OR 3.6; p = 0.009), alcohol (0.039), and calcium supplements (OR = 44, p < 0.001). Other associated factors included the number of lifetime sunburns (p = 0.019), high levels of mental stress (p < 0.001), and the use of lime household cleaning products (p < 0.001), Significant factors associated with BP included the daily consumption of green or herbal tea (OR = 3.7; p = 0.004), fish oil (OR = 5.7; p < 0.001), calcium supplements (OR = 6.1; p < 0.001), multivitamins (OR = 2.6; p = 0.043), and glucosamine (OR = 3.0; p = 0.046). The use of lime household cleaning products (p < 0.001) and high levels of mental stress (p = 0.007) were also associated with BP. Dietary factors containing thiol groups such as leeks, tomatoes, and mustard oil may be potential triggers for PV. High levels of mental stress, the use of supplementary medications such as calcium and multivitamins, and chemical cleaning products containing lime may be associated with an increased risk of developing both PV and BP. Lifestyle changes should be part of routine management for these patients.

Relationship of chronic low back pain intensity with functional activity, stress and quality of life in working-age adults

Background. Low back pain (LBP) is a global problem in the modern world. A detailed study of the relationship between pain intensity and the indicators with which it may be associated will allow optimising approaches to the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with chronic LBP. The purpose was to eva­luate the relationship between the intensity of chronic LBP and indicators of functional activity, stress and quality of life in subjects of working age. Materials and methods. A survey was conducted among 159 persons aged 18-65 years with LBP lasting more than 3 months. Using a Google-form, the participants were given a questionnaire that included socio-demographic, anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle data, bad habits, physical activity (PhA) and stress levels, quality of life, and impairment. The intensity of pain was measured at the first visit to a PhRM doctor using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results. The study involved 159 patients, 65.7 % women and 34.3 % men, with a mean VAS pain intensity of 46.5 ± 18.6 mm. A weak positive correlation was found between pain intensity and age (r = 0.30, p &lt; 0.001), but no significant relationship was found between pain intensity and anthropometric parameters. Subjects who smoke, have insufficient PhA and sleep disturbance had higher pain intensity scores (57.6 ± 15.2 mm (p = 0.04), 49.0 ± 18.8 mm (p = 0.12), 49.7 ± 19.9 mm (p = 0.002), respectively). Sitting time more than 6 hours had significant associations with pain intensity (p &lt; 0.001). A weak positive correlation was found between pain intensity on the VAS scale and stress le­vel (r = 0.24, p = 0.002), a moderate positive correlation between pain intensity and impairment (r = 0.36, p &lt; 0.001) and a mo­derate negative correlation between quality of life and pain intensity. ­Conclusions. There was a significant association between pain intensity and age, smoking, sleep disturbance, sedentary work for more than 6 hours, higher stress levels, impaired functioning and lower quality of life.

Nurses' strategies for coping with stress in the face of the influx of war refugees from Ukraine to Poland.

Russian military's incursion into Ukraine sparked the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. As Ukraine's neighboring country, Poland became the primary destination for these refugees. Ukrainians staying in Poland under the EU's Temporary Protection Directive receive humanitarian support similarly to asylum seekers, but the legal pathways, length of stay and integration processes differ significantly as the Directive provides for more immediate, collective protection without the complexity of individual asylum applications. The influx of war refugees generates extremely complex situations that health personnel, especially nurses, must face on a daily basis. Identify whether and to what extent the emergence of a large number of patients with war-related experiences constituted a source of stress for nurses, and how Polish nurses coped with this issue. A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2022 in Białystok, Poland. It included 473 certified nurses working in hospitals affiliated with the District Chamber of Nurses in Białystok. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire and Mini-COPE inventory (Polish version of Carver'a BriefCOPE inventory were used in the study. The average stress level among nurses was moderate, with nearly equal proportions of nurses experiencing low, medium, and high stress levels. Nurses who had contact with refugees in the last six months and/or helped them, did not present an increased level of stress - on the contrary, this level was lower. Nurses who helped refugees at work more often used a planning strategy in stressful situations, and less frequently reacted to stress using humour, religion, denial or venting. The greater workload and more frequent contacts between Polish nurses and Ukrainian war refugees were a factor increasing work fatigue, but, paradoxically, at the same time reducing the level of stress in a situation giving the feeling of a duty well fulfilled. Empowering nurses through greater autonomy and fostering supportive work environments, especially in crisis situations like the care of war refugees has a positive impact on coping with stress.

Role of Cortisol in Cognitive Impairment (Alzheimer’s Disease)

As people grow older, their chances of facing cognitive impairment tend to rise, and this probability fluctuates in relation to their age. Research has pointed out that 21.04% of individuals between 60 to 69 years old encounter cognitive issues, a percentage that escalates to 23.91% for those aged 70 to 79, and peaks at 32.65% in the elderly population over eighty. This condition primarily stems from factors like high stress levels and hypertension, conditions often associated with the hormone 'cortisol.' Prevent cognitive decline, individuals can take initiative-taking steps such as supporting a balanced diet, emphasizing physical well-being, controlling blood pressure, and incorporating other beneficial practices that collectively reduce the risk. Despite the straightforward prevention methods, the complexities of contemporary lifestyles often lead people to overlook these crucial aspects. In this study, our focus aims to delve into the impact of the 'cortisol' hormone on mental health conditions (AD), how it functions and is secreted within the body, and suggest strategies to prevent such challenges in a rapidly evolving societal landscape.

The Measurement of Job Stress Levels on Study Concentration in Students Who Study While Working (Case Study: Gunadarma University Postgraduate Students)

The concentration of studies is very important to support students in understanding the theory and understanding the concepts during learning activities so this needs to be noted so that students can achieve good learning outcomes. Studying while working will certainly cause serious problems to the process of activities on campus and at work. Problems that often occur are piling up tasks, difficulty managing time, fatigue, disputes between colleagues and superiors, a toxic work environment, limited rest time, being expelled from university, and experiencing a delay in graduation. These can trigger job stress for students because they have to do two activities in their daily lives. This study aims to find out the effect of job stress levels on study concentration in working students. In addition, this study analyzes the factors that influence job stress and study concentration. The method used is quantitative analysis with a non-probability sampling technique with a purposive sampling technique. The analysis of data carried out was a Chi-Square test and t-test. Based on the results shows that students who study while working have a very high level of job stress which causes a decrease in learning concentration in students. In addition, several factors influence job stress and study concentration, namely gender, age, type of work, and length of work duration. This research contributes to providing an overview and consideration to students about students who study while working.

Effectiveness of psychoeducation interventions for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: an integrative review

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus occurs in approximately 15–17% of pregnant women worldwide and causes high mortality and morbidity for mothers and infants. Pregnant women who are newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus experience higher levels of stress and anxiety than pregnant women without this condition. Thus, it is important to identify effective interventions to help pregnant women cope with the additional stress and anxiety associated with pregnancy-related complications.AimThis integrative review aimed to synthesise evidence on the effects of educational interventions for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus regarding knowledge, self-efficacy, self-care behaviour, anxiety, depression, and birth outcomes.MethodsAn integrative review of articles published between 2009 and 2024, written in English and Arabic. The review followed the Whittemore and Knafl’s 5-stage process framework.ResultsFrom the 922 abstracts identified using search terms, 16 articles were eligible for this review. Psychoeducational interventions were provided for (1) informational support: information about gestational diabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus, blood glucose monitoring, exercise management, diet management, and stress; (2) motivational support: setting individual goals, enhancing health behaviours, and motivational messages; (3) emotional support: expression of feelings, enforcement of self-management, and sharing of experiences; and (4) relaxation techniques: breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness. In this review, only two studies entirely focused on reducing stress and anxiety through cognitive-behavioural stress management training and mindfulness training. The effects of the interventions on self-efficacy, knowledge, depression, anxiety, and birthing outcomes were inconsistent due to variations in intervention designs and duration. However, consistent positive outcomes were found in self-care behaviours.ConclusionThis integrative review found informational and motivational support were frequently used by pregnant women. In contrast, emotional support and relaxation techniques were rarely used. Psychoeducational interventions may enhance self-care behaviours, improve self-efficacy, and reduce stress and depression for women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Nurses and midwives play an essential role in providing holistic care through comprehensive psychoeducational interventions for pregnant women.

Shear creep deformation of rock fracture distrubed by dynamic loading

The long-term stability of jointed rock masses is usually dominated by fault activation, which may be triggered by the dynamic disturbance generated by blasting during mining activities, leading to the occurrence of disasters such as landslides in open-pit and rockbursts in deep mining. The initial stress and dynamic disturbance are key factors that strongly affect the shear creep behavior of rock fractures. In this work, the shear failure instability of rock fractures of sandstone under creep-impact loading was experimentally investigated by using a creep-impact test machine, which allows for applying creep loading and an additional dynamic disturbance on rock fractures. Three stages of shear creep deformation, creep strain rate, and time-to-failure are examined under different creep stress levels and impact energies. Experimental results show that the tangential and normal creep rates increase with the increase of creep stress and impact energy, but the increment of tangential creep rate is higher than that of the normal creep rate. The time-to-failure of the creeping specimen is shortened under high creep stress and large impact energy, while the time-to-failure after the last dynamic disturbance of the specimen is determined by the total impact energy and creep stress level. By using high-speed photography, it is found that the failure types of rock depend on the magnitude of impact energy and creep stress level; that is, rock mainly slides with low stress levels and shears off with high stress levels. In addition, under different impact energy and creep stress levels, the variation of height is between 0.38 and 0.52, while the defined fracture factor, which describes the degree of failure of serrations, is between 0.30 and 0.54. The findings can provide deep insight into the fault sliding mechanism caused by mining activities, which provides theoretical support for the safe mining of ore in fault fracture zones.

Development and Validation of the Emergency Medical Technicians Occupational Stress Scale

Introduction. The population of interested workers for this study included Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the United States. This group of workers was chosen because of the nature of their work, which requires their presence at the scenes of life and death situations. Certainly, their work conditions can have an effect on their psychological well-being. Yet, the work of these workers, with all of its stressors, has not been adequately studied through the use of appropriate measuring instruments. Emergency Medical Technicians are not unknown in occupational stress research. This report discusses previous studies on EMT workers and occupational stressors and explains the curative process through the development and validation of an EMT Occupational Stress Scale. The report also highlights the psychometric investigation of this scale. Paramedics/EMTs face increased risk of physical and psychological stress due to the nature of their work. It is crucial to understand the stressors affecting their well-being in order to develop appropriate management strategies. Research suggests that EMTs may lack preparation for their roles, requiring additional training in empathy and emotional intelligence. The relationship between stressors experienced and clinical service provided needs further investigation. Standardized measures of stress for paramedics/EMTs are lacking and more comprehensive instruments are needed. This report aims to develop a comprehensive stress scale specifically for EMTs/paramedics, addressing validation concerns and incorporating environmental stress within a larger theoretical framework. Methods. This study was This study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach to develop and validate the Emergency Medical Technicians Occupational Stress Scale. The scale was pilot tested with a sample of EMTs to ensure reliability and validity. by the ethics committee and is based on a literature review. The Canadian EMT Job Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to measure organizational stress levels of EMTs. The questionnaire was reviewed by professionals and academics, resulting in the inclusion of five new items. The final item list consisted of 58 questions. Permission was obtained. Results. The outcomes and findings obtained from the comprehensive study conducted on the Development and Validation of the Emergency Medical Technicians Occupational Stress Scale have shed light on significant discoveries pertaining to the intricate realm of stress levels experienced by our dedicated EMT professionals. Conclusion. The rapidly evolving scope of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) practice has placed increasing demands on the relatively small professional community that consists of EMTs and paramedics. An Occupational Stress model was developed to examine interpersonal work stressors unique to the EMT role, and a measure was developed to assess the construct. Initial results suggest that the OSM is an accurate, reliable, and potentially valuable assessment tool. High levels of interpersonal stress may influence the EMTs to cope with their daily activities by seeking outlets for tension and depression through increased use of alcohol, legal drugs, and caffeine. Alcohol is used more frequently than other legal drugs are to modify interpersonal stress symptoms. The EMTs are in a prime position to help each other identify these symptoms when arising and offer assistance. Staff stress management programs are essential in solving and preventing occupational stress. A move toward prevention rather than reaction to such stress, which for many results in alcoholism, drug addiction, or job related emotional illness, will serve to preserve the health of the EMTs. The medical community has a vested interest in the health of these dedicated professionals. Not only does such prevention attempt to manage the human tragedy of alcoholism, legal drug addiction, and job related emotional illness, but it also prevents the more tangible, but no less important cost factors to the EMT.

Effect of a single-session mindfulness-based intervention for reducing stress in family caregivers of people with dementia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCaregiver stress can pose serious health and psychological concerns, highlighting the importance of timely interventions for family caregivers of people with dementia. Single-session mindfulness-based interventions could be a promising yet under-researched approach to enhancing their mental well-being within their unpredictable, time-constrained contexts. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a blended mindfulness-based intervention consisting of a single session and app-based follow-up in reducing caregiver stress.Methods/DesignThe study is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with two arms (intervention versus an education session on dementia care) and assessments at baseline, 8 weeks, and 6 months. The eligibility criteria include: family caregivers aged 18 years or older; providing care for an individual with a confirmed medical diagnosis of dementia for at least 3 months prior to recruitment, with a minimum of 4 hours of daily contact; and exhibiting a high level of caregiver stress. The intervention comprises a 90-minute group-based session with various mindfulness practices and psychoeducation. Participants will receive a self-practice toolkit to guide their practice over a duration of 8 weeks. Sharing activities will be implemented through an online social media platform. The primary outcome is perceived caregiving stress. The secondary outcomes include depressive symptoms, positive aspects of caregiving, dyadic relationship, trait mindfulness, and neuropsychiatric symptoms of care recipients. The feasibility outcomes include eligibility and enrollment, attendance, adherence to self-practice, and retention, assessed using mixed methods.DiscussionThe study will contribute to the evidence base by investigating whether a single-session mindfulness intervention is effective and feasible for reducing caregiver stress among family caregivers of people with dementia.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06346223. Registered on April 3, 2024.

Implementing Schwartz Rounds in children's social care: Enablers and barriers

Summary Children's social care services can be a challenging place to work, with staff regularly reporting higher stress levels relative to the general population and other public sector settings. Thus, it is important to provide staff with good support. Previously, we completed a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of Schwartz Rounds (SRs) and reported a series of non-statistically significant differences between intervention and comparison groups. We also undertook a process evaluation, to identify enablers and barriers to the successful implementation of SRs in children's social care. Findings Compared with studies of SRs in healthcare settings, we identified several similar enablers, such as senior management buy-in and effective administrative support, and some similar barriers, such as high workloads and poor publicity. We also identified specific enablers and barriers for social care settings, including the synergy between existing practice models and SRs, the nature of trauma in social care compared with healthcare, and some related to the different nature of organisational and workload pressures. Applications Understanding the differences between SRs in healthcare and social care will be useful for local authorities who may want to support their staff via the provision of SRs. They should also be useful in any future definitive evaluation of SRs for social care by helping to maximise the possibility for a successful implementation.

"It Isn't What I Had to Do, It's What I Get to Do": The Experiences of Black Family Caregivers Managing Dementia.

Black family caregivers of persons with dementia experience high levels of stress that can negatively affect caregiver health outcomes and reduce caregiving capacity. However, Black caregivers tend to report low levels depressive symptoms or other negative health effects. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to identify factors that contribute to resilience among Black family caregivers. Using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique to complete thematic analysis, a team of five coders examined transcript data from three focus groups of Black current and former family caregivers (n = 17) of persons with dementia. We identified three primary factors that contributed to caregiver resilience including access to supportive environments, adaptability, and planning skills. Caregiver resistance to reporting depressive symptoms may be attributed to the strong Black woman schema. Findings from this study may be used to develop future culturally responsive interventions that support caregivers and promote family health.

Adolescent boys’ experiences of stress – a focus group study

BackgroundThe number of adolescents reporting that they are stressed has more than doubled among both boys and girls. Most focus is given to girls because they typically not only report higher levels of stress but also feel stressed more frequently than boys do. However, studies have confirmed that boys’ experience of stressors is the same, implying that genders are equally prone to experiencing stress. Although male and female adolescents appear to experience stress in a similar way, how they cope with these stressors might differ. This study focused on boys’ experiences of stress and how they cope with it.MethodEight focus groups were conducted with 39 adolescent boys aged 12–19 years enrolled in four schools in southern Sweden. The data was analysed inductively with conventional content analysis.ResultsThe analysis resulted in three categories: Stress perception – time as a key factor, Identifying stressors and levels of stress, and Silent struggles and distractions. The boys had experienced considerable stress in their lives, despite their limited understanding of the concept. Their coping skills focused on engaging in sports or distracting themselves from stressors while relying less on social support from peers, school staff, or family.ConclusionsAdolescent boys might need assistance in identifying stress and clearly voicing their specific concerns. They should also be provided with spaces that are free from stigmatization and judgement. Parents, teachers, and school nurses should be equipped with the appropriate tools and education on how to discuss stress and mental health in general with adolescent boys to prevent possible negative long-term consequences for both their physical and mental health.

Promoting motivation and reducing stress in medical students by utilizing self-determination theory - a randomized controlled trial in practical psychiatry courses.

Medical students experience high levels of stress and related mental health problems. Students' autonomous and controlled motivation and their mental well-being are interconnected. This study aimed to investigate whether an innovative teaching concept based on self-determination theory (SDT) could improve students' motivation and thereby reduce their stress levels, ultimately providing a healthier framework for learning. In a week-long practical psychiatry course for medical students, a new didactic concept was implemented in half the groups (n = 73) and compared with the preexisting concept (n = 75) as a randomized controlled trial (RCT). To promote the SDT-target factors of perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness, the methods used included team building, exclusively positive feedback, group discussions, and choice in task distribution. Significant group differences in motivation, stress, performance, and their relationships were analyzed through t-tests, multiple linear regression analyses, mediation analyses, and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) using questionnaires collected before (t0) and after (t1) the course, and students' exam results (t2). In the innovation group (n = 53), intrinsic motivation/interest (d = 0.41; p = .019) and perceived choice/autonomy (d = 0.33; p = .048) were greater than in the control group (n = 52). While autonomous regulation remained stable, the innovation group showed reduced controlled regulation (d = -0.36; p = .033) and reported significantly lower stress (d = -0.55; p = .003). The observed changes in motivation collectively mediated the stress reduction. However, students in the innovation group achieved lower exam scores, which seemed to result from the absence of critical feedback, but not from the observed differences in motivation or stress. This study demonstrated that enhancing intrinsic motivation through SDT-based teaching can effectively reduce stress in medical students. Exclusively strengths-based positive feedback may have hindered exam performance, but optimizing educational concepts to promote motivation and reduce stress will be a valuable step toward improving medical students' mental well-being.

A novel approach to peer support for academic researchers.

Academic researchers experience high levels of stress, isolation and loneliness, which compromise their well-being. There is a particular need to address these issues amongst early career and postgraduate research staff. 'Spaces for Listening' is an initiative to increase active listening and provide peer support. To assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential impacts of Spaces for Listening in an academic setting. Early career and postgraduate researchers from a large university in the UK were invited to attend 'Academic Spaces for Listening' (ASfL). Five ASfL sessions (including in-person and Chinese language) were held. A mixed-methods study using online survey and in-depth interviews was conducted. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed using principles of thematic analysis. The qualitative and quantitative findings were integrated at the interpretation phase. A total of 25 participants attended an ASfL session, 22 of them completed the survey and 6 participants participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants were very satisfied with the session content (68%, n = 15), organization (68%, n = 15) and delivery (68%, n = 15). Four themes were identified from qualitative analysis: (i) the 'Academic Spaces for Listening' (ASfL) experience; (2) impact of ASfL; (3) potential challenges of ASfL and (4) ASfL in the future. Interpersonal connectedness was an important outcome for participants during the session. Participants showed interest in the future of ASfL. Implementing Spaces for Listening in an academic setting is feasible and was well received by participants. The initiative may fill a gap in the social interactions amongst academic researchers.