Levels Of Life Stress Research Articles

(317) Increased neurogenic and inflammatory pain in healthy young adults with greater early life stress

Early life stress is a risk factor for chronic pain in adulthood, yet little is known about the underlying mechanisms. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate whether healthy individuals reporting high levels of early life stress would show enhanced spontaneous pain and neurogenic flare responses to topical capsaicin. Capsaicin temporarily induces localized spontaneous pain and neurogenic inflammation by engaging mechanisms involved in neuropathic and inflammatory pain. A total of 2,625 participants were prescreened for their early life stressful events using the Early Trauma Inventory Self-report-short form (ETISR-SF).

The Association between Stress Level in Daily Life and Age at Natural Menopause in Korean Women: Outcomes of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2010-2012.

BackgroundAlthough several risk factors associated with reduced age at natural menopause (ANM) have been investigated, the results are inconsistent. Excessive stress, which leads to elevation of stress hormones, can also negatively affect reproductive ability, including by accelerating menopause. However, a direct association between stress level and ANM has not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, the object of this study was to investigate the association between stress level and ANM in Korean women.MethodsStudy participants were Korean women between 40 and 70 years old who were in natural menopause during the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n=3,176). The level of stress in daily life was estimated based on data from the mental health topics of the survey. We used the t-test and one-way analysis of variance to analyze the correlation between stress level and ANM. Regression (β) coefficients calculated by multiple regression analysis were used to estimate various factors affecting ANM.ResultsWomen who experienced a high level of stress in daily life had a lower mean ANM than women with a low stress level (50.17±3.7 and 50.58±3.5 years, respectively), with a statistically significant correlation (P<0.05). This correlation was still observed after adjusting for age, body mass index, menstrual regularity, and personal income (P<0.05 for variables).ConclusionIn Korean women between 40 and 70 years of age who are in natural menopause, there is a statistically significant correlation between stress level and ANM. In particular, women who experience a high level of stress in daily life have reduced ANM.

A putatively functional polymorphism in the HTR2C gene is associated with depressive symptoms in white females reporting significant life stress.

Psychosocial stress is well known to be positively associated with subsequent depressive symptoms. Cortisol response to stress may be one of a number of biological mechanisms that links psychological stress to depressive symptoms, although the precise causal pathway remains unclear. Activity of the x-linked serotonin 5-HTR2C receptor has also been shown to be associated with depression and with clinical response to antidepressant medications. We recently demonstrated that variation in a single nucleotide polymorphism on the HTR2C gene, rs6318 (Ser23Cys), is associated with different cortisol release and short-term changes in affect in response to a series of stress tasks in the laboratory. Based on this observation, we decided to examine whether rs6318 might moderate the association between psychosocial stress and subsequent depressive symptoms. In the present study we use cross-sectional data from a large population-based sample of young adult White men (N = 2,366) and White women (N = 2,712) in the United States to test this moderation hypothesis. Specifically, we hypothesized that the association between self-reported stressful life events and depressive symptoms would be stronger among homozygous Ser23 C females and hemizygous Ser23 C males than among Cys23 G carriers. In separate within-sex analyses a genotype-by-life stress interaction was observed for women (p = .022) but not for men (p = .471). Homozygous Ser23 C women who reported high levels of life stress had depressive symptom scores that were about 0.3 standard deviations higher than female Cys23 G carriers with similarly high stress levels. In contrast, no appreciable difference in depressive symptoms was observed between genotypes at lower levels of stress. Our findings support prior work that suggests a functional SNP on the HTR2C gene may confer an increased risk for depressive symptoms in White women with a history of significant life stress.

Life Satisfaction and Stress Level among Working and Non-Working Women

The main aim of the present study was to examine the life satisfaction and stress among working and non-working women. A sample of 200 women (100 working &amp;100 non-working) was drawn randomly from the population. Life Satisfaction Scale by Alam &amp; Srivastava (1996) and stress scale by Singh (2004) were used for data collection. Mean, standard deviation, ‘t’ test and correlation were the statistics calculated. The results indicated that there was significant difference regarding life satisfaction and stress between working and non-working women. Results revealed that working and non-working women differed significantly on their life satisfaction (t=5.52).Working women were more satisfied with their life, on stress scale non-working women have higher level stress as compared to working women. A significant negative relationship was found between life satisfaction and stress.

Association between parent and child distress and the moderating effects of life events in families with and without a history of pediatric cancer.

Examined the associations between parental and child distress, and moderating effects of child exposure to life events, in families with and without a history of pediatric cancer. Children with cancer and their parents (N = 255) and healthy comparison dyads (N = 142) completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Children reported on the total number of stressful life events they had experienced. Correlations between parental and child symptoms were examined. Moderating effects of child exposure to life events were tested using multiple regression. Parent and child symptoms were significantly related only in the cancer group. Child exposure to life events attenuated this relationship. Moderation effects were significant at or below average levels of life stress. The experience of childhood cancer may strengthen the link between parent and child psychological functioning. However, child exposure to other life events may weaken this link.

Evaluation of Occupational Stress among Software Professionals and School Teachers in Trivandrum

Background: Occupational stress has become a major and costlier problem in modern life. Software profession and teaching profession are two most discussing professions of the time. Objectives: The study was conducted to evaluate the professional life stress level among software professionals and school teachers in Trivandrum district of Kerala, India and to compare their stress levels. Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among 504 software professionals and 504 school teachers using a closed ended Professional Life Stress questionnaire which consists of 24 questions. Mann- Whitney test and Chi-square test were used for the comparison. Results: Out of 504 software professionals and 504 school teachers, for 23% of software professionals and 85% of school teachers, stress was Not a Problem in their life. 71% of software professionals and 15% of school teachers were in Moderate Stress level. For 6% of software professionals Stress was a Problem in their life. Conclusion: Both software professionals and school teachers were experiencing stress due to their occupation. The software professionals were suffering higher stress than school teachers.

Emotional well-being of Vietnamese immigrant women during the transition to motherhood: A descriptive cohort study.

This study investigated the health and well-being of Vietnamese foreign brides recently immigrated to southern Taiwan. Forty-four participants were recruited during pregnancy and 23 were followed-up at six weeks post-partum. Standardized measures completed during face-to-face interviews revealed high levels of life stress, poor general health, low social support, and difficulty caring for their infant amongst participants. Estimated prevalence of probable antenatal depression was 32%, and 26% for probable post-partum depression using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores of ≥ 13. Probable antenatal depression predicted postnatal depression. Pregnant immigrant women experienced a high level of difficult life circumstances and were significantly more likely to develop depressive symptoms after birth. Immigrant women with low social support during pregnancy were also more likely to report higher EPDS scores than well-supported women. Given these results, prevention and intervention activities are needed to promote maternal psychological well-being in disadvantaged women, especially immigrant brides.

Neurotrophic factors in women with crack cocaine dependence during early abstinence: the role of early life stress.

Neurotrophic factors have been investigated in the pathophysiology of alcohol and drug dependence and have been related to early life stress driving developmental programming of neuroendocrine systems. We conducted a follow-up study that aimed to assess the plasma levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT3) and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT4/5) in crack users during 3 weeks of early abstinence in comparison with healthy controls. We performed a comprehensive clinical assessment in female inpatients with crack cocaine dependence (separated into 2 groups: participants with (CSA+) and without (CSA-) a history of childhood sexual abuse) and a group of nonuser control participants. Our sample included 104 women with crack cocaine dependence and 22 controls; of the women who used crack cocaine, 22 had a history of childhood sexual abuse and 82 did not. The GDNF plasma levels in the CSA+ group increased dramatically during 3 weeks of detoxification. In contrast, those in the CSA- group showed lower and stable levels of GDNF under the same conditions. Compared with the control group, BDNF plasma levels remained elevated and NGF levels were reduced during early abstinence. We found no differences in NT3 and NT4/5 between the patients and controls. However, within-group analyses showed that the CSA+ group exhibited higher levels of NT4/5 than the CSA- group at the end of detoxification. Some of the participants were using neuroleptics, mood stabilizers or antidepressants; our sample included only women; memory bias could not be controlled; and we did not investigate the possible confounding effects of other forms of stress during childhood. This study supports the association between early life stress and peripheral neurotrophic factor levels in crack cocaine users. During early abstinence, plasmastic GDNF and NT4/5 were the only factors to show changes associated with a history of childhood sexual abuse.

Identity, Stress, and Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Undergraduates: Evidence for Interaction Effects

The present study examined sense of identity (assessed using the Identity subscale of the Psychosocial Maturity Inventory) as a moderator of associations between stressful life events, behavioral/emotional problems, and substance abuse in a sample of 187 college undergraduates (67% female). Correlations showed evidence for positive associations between life stress and behavioral and emotional problems, negative associations between identity and life stress/behavioral and emotional problems, and a positive association between identity and GPA. For three outcomes—anxious/depressed problems, thought problems, and aggressive behavior—identity moderated the association, such that individuals with a stronger sense of identity reported fewer problems even when experiencing high levels of life stress. Primary results remained significant when controlling for age, global self-worth, and broad personality variables, and did not differ by gender.

Perceived pregnancy stress and quality of life amongst Iranian women.

Background:Stress during pregnancy can result in critical negative outcomes on the mother, the fetus, the newborn, the child and even the adolescent. Quality of life has been recognized as a predictor of stress amongst pregnant women.Objectives:The first aim of this study was to investigate the role of quality of life in pregnancy stress rates. The second aim was to explore the relationship between maternal stress rate and the four domains of quality of life namely physical health, psychological status, social relationships and environmental conditions.Methods:The present study was a quantitative cross-sectional research. It was conducted on 210 pregnant women in all trimesters of pregnancy who attended a hospital located in the west of Tehran for prenatal care between August and October 2012. Two questionnaires of The WHO QOL–BREF and Specific Pregnancy Stress were given to respondents to complete. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS version 22 using one-way ANOVA and Spearman correlation and Lisrel 8.8 using statistical path analyzing to describe the direct dependencies among variables.Results:In the current study, we hypothesized that quality of life may influence the perceived stress during pregnancy. The mean age of the women surveyed was estimated 27±4.8 years. The ultimate result showed that there is a significant relationship between quality of life and pregnancy stress level (Pvalue<0.05, β=-0.16). In addition, we found a significant relationship, as well as direct correlation between the environmental domain in quality of life and the financial and environmental dimensions of specific pregnancy stress (Pvalue<0.05, r=-0.365, r=-0.181).Conclusion:Further investigations may be considered for extending the results to all pregnant women. Thus, further research across country would be required to validate the results of this study and to generalize the findings to wider population.

Early life stress and tumor necrosis factor superfamily in crack cocaine withdrawal

BackgroundBoth early life stress (ELS) and substance abuse, especially cocaine, have robust effects on the inflammatory system. Considering the role of the tumor necrosis factor system in inflammatory signaling and its association with ELS, the aim of the study was to compare plasma levels of TNF-alpha, its soluble receptors and ligands during early abstinence of crack cocaine. MethodsThis study included 24 crack cocaine-dependent women with (CRACK-ELS) and 20 without (CRACK) a history of ELS. A healthy control group (HC), containing 25 participants, was included to provide reference values. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) retrospectively assessed childhood maltreatment history of patients. Plasma levels of TNF-alpha, TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), soluble receptors TNFRI (sTNFRI) and TNFRII (sTNFRII) were assessed on the 18th day of treatment. ResultsThe CRACK-ELS group had higher TNF-alpha and lower TWEAK levels compared to the CRACK and HC groups. sTNFRII was increased, but only in comparison with the crack cocaine group and the controls. TRAIL levels were slightly higher in the CRACK-ELS group, while no differences were found for sTNFRI levels. Also, TNF-alpha plasma level was positively predicted by abstinence severity and childhood maltreatment severity, and TWEAK was negatively predicted by childhood maltreatment severity. ConclusionsThis is the first study to evaluate the newly secreted tumor necrosis factor superfamily ligands, TWEAK and TRAIL, during crack cocaine abstinence, supporting the association between early life stress and peripheral pro-inflammatory levels.

간호학과 대학생들의 생활 스트레스 정도에 따른 식습관, 건강관련습관, 우울, 섭식장애 및 영양소섭취량의 차이 조사

본 연구의 목적은 간호학과 대학생들의 생활 스트레스 정도에 따른 식습관, 건강관련습관, 우울, 섭식장애, 및 영양소섭취량의 차이를 비교, 조사하는 것이다. 전체 대상자 282명의 생활 스트레스 총점 평균은 61점이었고, 평균을 기준으로 스트레스가 높은 군과 낮은 군으로 나누어 식습관, 생활습관, 우울, 섭식장애 및 영양소섭취량의 차이를 SPSS 통계 package를 이용하여 분석하였다. 스트레스가 높은 군이 낮은 군에 비해 결식 또는 과식 빈도, 섭식장애, 우울 점수가 유의하게 높았으며 운동을 하지 않는 경우가 많았다. 영양소 섭취량은 두 군 사이에 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 없었으나 두 군 모두 비타민 <TEX>$B_2$</TEX>, C와 엽산, 칼슘과 철, 칼륨 및 식이섬유소 섭취량이 권장섭취량 또는 충분섭취량보다 매우 부족했다. 이러한 결과를 통해 생활 스트레스는 바람직하지 못한 식습관과 섭식장애, 우울을 일으켜 영양소 섭취량과 건강에 영향을 미칠 수 있으므로 간호학과 대학생들을 위한 스트레스 상담 및 건강프로그램 개발 및 중재가 필요하다는 것을 알 수 있었다. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stress level and dietary and health-related habits, depression, eating disorder and nutrient intake according to the life stress level among nursing college students. The mean score for life stress was 61. A total of 282 subjects participated in the study and were divided into two group: high stress group(HS) and low stress group(LS). The data were analyzed with t- and <TEX>$x^2$</TEX>-test using the SPSS statistical package program. The scores for depression and eating disorder of HS were significantly higher than those of LS. HS were more frequent in skipping, overeating meals and having no exercise than LS. There was no difference in intake of nutrient, but in both group, intakes of vitamin <TEX>$B_2$</TEX> and C, folate, calcium, iron and potassium were very deficient. Therefore, development of counseling and education program to decrease stress and to maintain health of nursing student is recommended.

Effects of yogic exercises on life stress and blood glucose levels in nursing students.

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the effects of yogic exercises on life stress and blood glucose levels in nursing students. [Subjects and Methods] The study was a randomized controlled trial. Twenty-seven undergraduate nursing students were randomly selected, with 12 assigned to an exercise group and 15 assigned to a control group. The yogic exercises intervention was undertaken for 60 minutes one day a week for 12 weeks. It consisted of physical exercise (surya namaskara) combined with relaxation and meditation (shavasana and yoga nidra). Life stress was measured by the Life Stress Scale for College Students, and postprandial blood glucose levels were measured with a digital glucometer. [Results] The exercise group measurements were significantly decreased in both life stress and postprandial blood glucose levels compared with the control group. [Conclusion] These findings indicate that yogic exercises would reduce life stress and lower postprandial blood glucose levels in nursing students.

Perceived Influence of Adoption of Personal Electronic Response Systems by Students With and Without Disabilities and Limited English Proficiency in Small Social Work Classes

This study investigates the perceived influence of adoption of personal electronic response systems (clickers) on undergraduate and graduate social work education by students with and without disabilities and limited English proficiency (LEP). A mixed methods exploratory quasi-experimental (posttest only) design was used in this study of instructional technology in social work education. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 30 undergraduate and graduate students, and follow-up telephonic interviews were conducted with a subsample of 6 students with disabilities or LEP. Correlates examined were student status, level of life stress, and usage status. Qualitative themes emerged suggesting that students with LEP and with varied sensory, cognitive, and physical disabilities found clickers to be helpful in increasing their class participation and as assistive technology to support their learning. Student status and achievement associations with clicker use perception were explored to determine whether these important student characteristics suggested a profile of clicker user attitudes. Quantitative findings suggested that overall perceptions of clicker use were positively correlated with student status (r = .53; p = .03), with graduate students holding more favorable opinions than undergraduates, and that first-time clicker use was inversely correlated with Grade Point Average (GPA) (r = −.53; p = .03 for current GPA and r = −.57; p = .04 for cumulative GPA), suggesting that first-time clicker users had higher GPAs than nonfirst-time users likely accounted for by the higher required GPAs of graduate students, who were more likely to be first-time users. No significant correlation was found between these stressors and perceptions toward adoption of classroom electronic response technology.

EPA-0884 - What is more important in the perception of stress: hardiness or coping strategies?

Police officers represent a special population who cope with multiple and conflicting demands on a daily basis and therefore present a high risk for posttraumatic stress. The study investigates impact of hardiness and coping strategies of perceived stress at personnel involved in future international peacekeeping missions. The sample consists of 116 officers who filled in three questionnaires about hardiness (Bartone, 1989), coping strategies (Billings & Moss, 1981) and professional and life stressful events. We conducted regression analyses with the three components of hardiness ( commitment, control, challenge ) and the three coping strategies ( active coping, active behavioural, avoidance ) as independent measures and the perceived level of both professional and life stress as dependent variables. The results showed that hardiness explained better than coping strategies both professional stress ( R-Sq = 13% vs. 9%) and life stress ( R-Sq = 16% vs. 9%). Psychological hardiness seems to be an important feature for understanding stress tolerance in highly demanding occupations. The results are interesting especially because all the subjects represent a very robust population used to deal with many stress factors.

Life stress as a determinant of emotional well-being: development and validation of a Spanish-Language Checklist of Stressful Life Events

Objectives: To develop a screening instrument for investigating the prevalence and impact of stressful life events in Spanish-speaking Peruvian adults. Background: Researchers have demonstrated the causal connection between life stress and psychosocial and physical complaints. The need for contextually relevant and updated instruments has been also addressed. Methods: A sequential exploratory design combined qualitative and quantitative information from two studies: first, the content validity of 20 severe stressors (N = 46); then, a criterion-related validity process with affective symptoms as criteria (Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25), N = 844). Results: 93% of the participants reported one to eight life events (X = 3.93, Mdn = 3, SD = 7.77). Events increase significantly until 60 years of age (Mdn = 6). Adults born in inland regions (Mdn = 4) or with secondary or technical education (Mdn = 5) reported significantly more stressors than participants born in Lima or with higher education. There are no differences by gender. Four-step hierarchical models showed that life stress is the best unique predictor (β) of HSCL anxiety, depression and general distress (p < .001). Age and gender are significant for the three criteria (p < .01, p < .001); lower education and unemployment are significant unique predictors of general distress and depression (p < .01; p < .05). Previously, the two-factor structure of the HSCL-25 was verified (Satorra–Bentler chi-square, root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.059; standardized root-mean-square residual = 0.055). Conclusion: The Spanish-Language Checklist of Stressful Life Events is a valid instrument to identify adults with significant levels of life stress and possible risk for mental and physical health (clinical utility).

Managing the Transition: The Role of Optimism and Self-Efficacy for First-Year Australian University Students

Students making the transition from high school to university often encounter many stressors and new experiences. Many students adjust successfully to university; however, some students do not, often resulting in attrition from the university and mental health issues. The primary aim of the current study was to examine the effects that optimism, self-efficacy, depression, and anxiety have on an individual's life stress and adaptation to university. Eighty-four first-year, full-time students from the Queensland University of Technology (60 female, 24 male) who had entered university straight from high school completed the study. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing their levels of optimism, self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, perceived level of life stress and adaptation to university. In line with predictions, results showed that optimism, depression, and anxiety each had a significant relationship with students’ perceived level of stress. Furthermore, self-efficacy and depression had a significant relationship with adaptation to university. We conclude that students with high levels of optimism and low levels of depression and anxiety will adapt better when making the transition from high school to university. In addition, students with high levels of self-efficacy and low levels of depression will experience less life stress in their commencement year of university. The implications of this study are outlined.

간호대학생의 생활스트레스, 우울이 자살생각에 미치는 영향

Purpose: This study was done to explore the level of life stress, depression, and suicidal ideation and to identify the associated factors of suicidal ideation (SI) among college nursing students. Method: The design of this study was a descriptive survey design using a convenience sampling. Data collection was done using self-questionnaire from 124 students in 2 universities located in Gyeonggi and Chungnam provinces. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, t-test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Study participants reported low level of SI, depression, and life stress (<TEX>$44.45{\pm}19.21$</TEX>, <TEX>$8.40{\pm}5.94$</TEX>, <TEX>$40.65{\pm}32.17$</TEX>). The 53% of variance in SI was significantly explained by life stress related value (<TEX>${\beta}=.41$</TEX>, p<.001), life stress related to interpersonal relationship with family (<TEX>${\beta}=.19$</TEX>, p=.014), life stress related to interpersonal relationship with friends (<TEX>${\beta}=.34$</TEX>, p<.001), and depression (<TEX>${\beta}=.36$</TEX>, p<.001). Conclusions: The results indicate that to decrease the SI in these students, an active interest in the students is needed to lower stress levels in interpersonal relationships with family and friends, in life stress related to value, and for relief of depression. Suicide prevention programs specific to the level of life stress and depression need to be developed for nursing students.

Occupational, life stress and family functioning: does it affect semen quality?

Background and aims: Although psychological stress has been implicated as a cause of idiopathic infertility in both men and women, it has received little scientific attention among males as compared to females. The aim of the study was to examine the association between occupational, life stress, family functioning and semen quality.Methods and results: The study population consisted of 327 men who were attending an infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes. Psychological stress was assessed based on two questionnaires: The Subjective Work Characteristics Questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale. The level of satisfaction with family functioning and support was evaluated by means of the APGAR Family Scale. The findings suggest that, on the one hand, exposure to occupational stressors can be negatively associated with semen quality (there was a positive association between stress and the percentage of sperm with DNA damage (p = 0.03) and atypical sperm (p = 0.05)); on the other hand, there was no correlation between the level of life stress and semen quality indicators. Negative associations were found between satisfaction with family functioning and the percentage of motile sperm cells (p = 0.02), VAP (p = 0.05), VSL (p = 0.05) and VCL (p = 0.04).Conclusion: The study indicates that occupational stress can affect male semen quality; however, due to limited data on this issue, the obtained results should be confirmed in longitudinal studies.

Are flatter diurnal cortisol rhythms associated with major depression and anxiety disorders in late adolescence? The role of life stress and daily negative emotion

Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning have been associated with major depression disorder (MDD) and some anxiety disorders. Few researchers have tested the possibility that high levels of recent life stress or elevations in negative emotion may partially account for the HPA axis alterations observed in these disorders. In a sample of 300 adolescents from the Youth Emotion Project, we examined associations between MDD and anxiety disorders, dimensional measures of internalizing symptomatology, life stress, mood on the days of cortisol testing, and HPA axis functioning. Adolescents with a past MDD episode and those with a recent MDD episode comorbid with an anxiety disorder had flatter diurnal cortisol slopes than adolescents without a history of internalizing disorders. Higher reports of general distress, a dimension of internalizing symptomatology, were also associated with flatter slopes. Negative emotion, specifically sadness and loneliness, was associated with flatter slopes and partially accounted for the associations between comorbid MDD and anxiety disorders and cortisol. The associations between past MDD and cortisol slopes were not accounted for by negative emotion, dimensional variation in internalizing symptomatology, or levels of life stress, indicating that flatter cortisol slopes may also be a "scar" marker of past experiences of MDD.