Lower Levels Of State Anxiety Research Articles

Sustainable messaging strategies and consumer food waste: The congruence effect between message framing and state anxiety

Food waste has emerged as a significant global concern, exacerbated by the consistent rise in waste despite numerous attempts to mitigate it. As crucial information disseminators, food retailers and restaurants possess the potential to significantly impact consumers' food-saving behavior through meticulous design and effective dissemination of informational messaging strategies. Based on the Limited Capacity model of Motivated Mediated Message Processing, this study attempts to develop a conceptual model to assess the impact of message framing strategies on consumers' food saving intention, considering their varying levels of state anxiety. Three experiments were conducted to verify the hypotheses. The results revealed a matching effect between message framing and state anxiety on food savings. When businesses utilize sustainable advertisements to encourage food savings, approach-framed messages are more effective among consumers with heightened state anxiety, whereas avoidance framing demonstrates superior effectiveness among those with lower levels of state anxiety. Additionally, evaluative self-reactions mediate these matching effects, and memory efficacy plays a significant moderating role. The findings facilitate marketers in the proper employment of targeted message framing strategies based on consumers' varying levels of anxiety to prevent food waste.

Age differences in using humor to cope during a pandemic

Abstract Using humor can be beneficial for coping with stress. Humor can elicit positive emotions, which can bolster cognitive, social, and physical resources. Individuals who use humor to cope with negative affect report more positive well-being. However, it is less clear whether there are age differences in using humor to cope with an acute stressful event (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic). We investigated whether using humor to cope with the pandemic related to lower levels of state anxiety. We further investigated age differences in using humor to cope and whether pandemic-related humor engagement reduced state anxiety levels. We surveyed 163 young adults (18–30 years) and 171 older adults (60–80 years) online during the initial months of the pandemic in the United States. Using humor to cope was negatively associated with state anxiety levels, but engagement with pandemic-related humor showed no relationship with anxiety. Using humor to cope was especially beneficial for older adults. One explanation may be that the positive emotions experienced through humor may beget a broader scope of fundamental resources needed to cope with anxiety during the pandemic. It may be that using humor to cope is a particularly efficacious coping strategy for older adults.

A Mediation Model between Self-Esteem, Anxiety, and Depression in Sport: The Role of Gender Differences in Speleologists.

The scientific literature on mental health has found an association between physical activity and emotional wellbeing and recommends active leisure activities as a way of keeping stress under control. The purpose of this research study is to analyze the level of anxiety, the symptoms of depression and the level of self-esteem of people practicing speleology, as well as possible gender differences. This paper also attempts to understand whether self-esteem is associated with the presence of symptoms of depression in speleologists and whether anxiety has a mediating effect. We conduct a cross-sectional and descriptive research study with a sampling of 105 adult speleologists. The results reveal that the total mediation model is applicable, as self-esteem has a significant indirect association with depression through trait anxiety, as well as a partial mediation model that is applicable through state anxiety. This means that speleologists with high levels of self-esteem, who appreciate and value themselves adequately, reveal lower levels of trait anxiety, and this negatively influences their levels of depression (that is, a lower level of depressive symptoms). At the same time, speleologists with high levels of self-esteem, who appreciate and value themselves adequately, also reveal lower levels of state anxiety, which again has a negative impact on their levels of depression (with fewer symptoms of depression). Emotions such as anxiety, self-esteem, depression and their collateral effects are international topics of interest, which are relevant for people from all sporting backgrounds; therefore, value should be placed on supporting and carrying out further research into this topic.

The Relationship Between Anxiety Levels, Sleep, and Physical Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown: An Exploratory Study.

Nowadays and worldwide, the attention is focused on coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and its consequences on mental health are yet to be fully understood. It is important to capture differences in anxiety levels among populations, groups, and the gender-related variation. Therefore, the present study had two main purposes: (1) to characterize the levels of state anxiety and trait anxiety by examining gender-related, sleep-related, and physical activity-related variations in a nonrepresentative sample of the Portuguese population during the first weeks of lockdown; and (2) to explore the possible relationship between trait anxiety and state anxiety and the possible role of gender as a moderator. This cross-sectional study comprised 1,332 Portuguese adults (aged 18–55 years old) recruited online during COVID-19 outbreak measures. Participants answered to sociodemographic data and the Portuguese version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Gender differences were found in both state anxiety (p = < 0.001; d = 0.385) and trait anxiety (p = < 0.001; d = 0.467) with females presenting higher values. People reporting doing more physical activity than usual during COVID-19 lockdown presented lower levels of state anxiety (p = < 0.001; d = 0.200). People reporting more satisfaction with the quality of sleep presented lower levels of both state anxiety (p = < 0.001; d = 0.701) and trait anxiety (p = < 0.001; d = 0.899). Variation associated with the physical activity level (low, moderate, and high) was significantly different among groups in both state anxiety (p = < 0.001) and trait anxiety (p = < 0.001). When analyzing in more detail separating the levels of physical activity, participants performing moderate and high physical activity showed lower values of state and trait anxiety compared to participants with low physical activity. Participants performing high physical activity also showed lower values of state anxiety compared to participants performing moderate physical activity. Higher levels of trait anxiety were related to higher levels of state anxiety, but this association was not moderated by gender. Interventions aiming to support people psychologically during this outbreak should consider anxiety as well as gender and possible behavioral changes in sleep and physical activity, for example. Health professionals should not only consider the anxiety related to the situation we are living but also address trait anxiety to help overcome COVID-19 psychological consequences.

Effect of a behavioral intervention on anxiety and perceived performance of non-technical skills during surgical simulations

BackgroundSurgical trainees experience intrinsic stress and anxiety during high-acuity clinical situations which can negatively impact performance. Emerging data suggests that education in mindfulness-based coping techniques may improve performance. We evaluated the effects of a stress recovery intervention on novice trainees’ perceived level of anxiety during an intentionally stressful simulation. MethodsParticipants were recruited from surgical intern classes over three consecutive years. All participants completed a simulation intentionally designed to evoke a stress response. Participants then completed a stress recovery intervention or received no additional training. All participants then completed a second novel simulation. ResultsIntervention participants had significantly higher self-reported ability to manage stress (intervention 2.4 to 3.6, p < 0.01; control 2.8 to 3.3, p = 0.06), and stop, think, and observe (intervention 2.5 to 3.7, p < 0.01; control 2.6 to 3.3, p = 0.08) during the second simulation. Both groups also had significantly lower levels of state anxiety during the second simulation as compared to the first (intervention 45.1 vs 59.3, p < 0.01; control 49.3 vs 57.4, p < 0.05). During the second simulation, trainees in both groups reported improvements in perceived abilities to: recognize stress (intervention 2.7 to 4.1, p < 0.01; control 2.9 to 3.6, p < 0.05), communicate with and lead their team (intervention 2.4 to 3.3, p < 0.05; control 2.3 to 3.3, p < 0.01), and to prioritize, plan, and prepare (intervention 2.1 to 3.1, p < 0.05; control 2.1 to 3.0, p < 0.01). ConclusionOur research shows that a brief intervention was associated with a significant increase in trainee ability to both recognize internal stress and engage in proactive coping mechanisms. This research also shows that while repeated stress-inducing simulations may themselves decrease perceived anxiety levels in novice surgical trainees, training in coping strategies may potentiate this effect.

Short-term meditation training influences brain energy metabolism: A pilot study on 31 P MR spectroscopy.

BackgroundMeditation is increasingly attracting interest among neuroimaging researchers for its relevance as a cognitive enhancement technique and several cross‐sectional studies have indicated cerebral changes. This longitudinal study applied a distinct and standardized meditative technique with a group of volunteers in a short‐term training program to analyze brain metabolic changes.MethodsThe effect of 7 weeks of meditation exercises (focused attention meditation, FAM) was assessed on 27 healthy volunteers. Changes in cerebral energy metabolism were investigated using 31P‐MR spectroscopy. Metabolite ratios were compared before (T1) and after training (T2). Additional questionnaire assessments were included.ResultsThe participants performed FAM daily. Depression and anxiety scores revealed a lower level of state anxiety at T2 compared to T1. From T1 to T2, energy metabolism ratios showed the following differences: PCr/ATP increased right occipitally; Pi/ATP decreased bilaterally in the basal ganglia and temporal lobe on the right; PCr/Pi increased in occipital lobe bilaterally, in the basal ganglia and in the temporal lobe on the right side. The pH decreased temporal on the left side and frontal in the right side. The observed changes in the temporal areas and basal ganglia may be interpreted as a higher energetic state, whereas the frontal and occipital areas showed changes that may be related to a down‐regulation in ATP turnover, energy state, and oxidative capacity.ConclusionsThe results of the current study indicate for the first time in a longitudinal study that even short‐term training in FAM may have considerable effects on brain energy state with different local energy management in specific brain regions. Especially higher energetic state in basal ganglia may represent altered function in their central role in complex cerebral distributed networks including frontal and temporal areas. Further studies including different forms of relaxation techniques should be performed for more specific and reliable insights.

Virtual reality feedback influences musicians’ physical responses and mental attitude towards performing

Simulation has been applied as a successful training, however, an investigation of its effect with implications for musical performance training is still lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of positive and negative simulated feedback on musicians’ performance confidence (PC), perceived performance quality (PQ), state anxiety (SA) and heart rate variability (HRV). Twelve musicians performed the same piece three times: twice in front of three interactive virtual ‘judges’ with positive and negative facial and behavioural feedback and a ‘no judges but identical environment’ control. PC and SA were reported before and after each performance, while musicians’ perceived PQ was addressed after. The HRV was monitored throughout. Using Generalised Estimating Equations to examine relationships between physiological and psychological responses and condition, the results showed a significant influence of condition, with the positive feedback resulting in the highest physiological arousal and PQ ratings. Musicians who experienced an increase in SA before the performance showed a lower HRV during the performance. The SA and PC significantly predicted the PQ, with lower levels of SA and greater degrees of PC leading to a higher perceived PQ. Results are discussed in the light of simulation training.

The impact of an mHealth app on knowledge, skills and anxiety about dressing changes: A randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) application, based on self-regulation theory, on patients' knowledge of wound care, skills in changing dressings and anxiety. A prospectiverandomized controlled trial. Seventy patients (or family members) at a 1,500-beduniversity hospital in Taiwan were randomized into an experimental (N=35) or control group (N=35) from March to December 2016. The experimental group used a mHealth application for wound care; the control group received verbal instructions and a booklet. Instruments to collect data were a wound care knowledge scale, wound care skills scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a digital heart variability device. Data were collected at baseline, after three additional demonstrations and before discharge. The generalized estimating equation was used for statistical analysis. The experimental group showed significantly higher levels of wound care knowledge, improved wound care skills, lower levels of state anxiety, and lower heart rate variability than the control group after baseline data collection. Results support hat a mHealth application may be effective in health education. Clinicians can use the results to promote patients' wound care knowledge, enhance their wound care skills, and reduce anxiety related to dressing changes. Lack of wound care knowledge and skills can affect the willingness and ability to perform effective wound dressing changes, producing anxiety and having an impact on a patient's self-care after hospital discharge. mHealth applications (apps) have the potential to deliver health information in targeted and tailored ways that strengthen the self-management of diseases. mHealth app can increase wound care knowledge, improve care skills, and reduce anxiety related to wound care. mHealth app effectively supports self-monitoring of the wound healing process, self-judgement of the wound condition, and self-reaction of wound care accuracy. mHealth app provides step-by-step visual tutorials on wound care that allow patients and family caregivers to take pictures of the wounds and monitor the wound healing process. mHealth app for wound care knowledge is an effective and individualized method for learning. This study was registered by U.S. National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT03683303).

Treatment anxiety in breast cancer patients.

The aim of the present study was to determine and evaluate the levels of anxiety of breast cancer patients according to the state of treatment, age and education level, as well as the anxiety potential of certain procedures during breast cancer treatment. 148 breast cancer patients participated in this prospective cohort study and filled out the questionnaires including the Spielberger state-trait-anxiety-inventory, as well as questions based to stress triggering procedures during breast cancer therapy. The testing was accomplished with the Mann-Whitney U test, the significance level was set to 0.05. Patients who appeared for tumor board decision showed the highest state-anxiety levels (55.79 SD ± 18.73) followed by patients undergoing surgery (50.24 SD ± 13.84). Patients already undergoing chemotherapy had lower state-anxiety levels than the group of all other patients (p = 0.012). Women undergoing chemotherapy showed lower anxiety levels relating to many procedures of breast cancer treatment. The 25% quartile of patients with the highest levels in the trait score showed a significant poorer education level (p = 0.009). Age showed no statistical influence on the anxiety level of breast cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with probably high anxiety levels (younger age, low education level, and those appearing for frightening procedures) should receiveextra careful clarification and treatment support such as apsycho-oncologist.

What promotes and hinders success in breastfeeding in hospital care? – the role of social support and anxiety

BackgroundHospital stay is associated with difficult circumstances, which may be accompanied by anxiety. Difficulty with initiation and continuation of breastfeeding may be commonly experienced in the hospital. Observed difficulties can be modified by sharing knowledge and involvement of midwives in the care of mothers and newborns. Breastfeeding is considered to be the ideal choice of nutrition and infant’s feeding, providing many benefits both for infants and their mothers. The aim of the study is to explore the role of the quality of breastfeeding assistance during delivery hospitalization and maternal anxiety for overall breastfeeding duration.Participants and procedureThe study included 858 women after labor from intentionally selected hospitals of Pomerania, discharged from hospital up to 15 days after birth. We used a questionnaire to collect data on the nursing assistance and the process of breastfeeding during patients’ stay in a hospital. In addition, we applied the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to measure the levels of state and trait anxiety.ResultsThe results showed a significant relationship between the level of maternal postpartum anxiety and duration of breastfeeding. Mothers (mostly after physiological labor) reported a significantly lower level of state anxiety in hospitals titled Baby Friendly. Additionally, a significant difference in breastfeeding duration depending on the hospital and mothers’ perception of receiving support from midwives was found.ConclusionsIt is reasonable to continue the activities increasing standards of medical personnel support and raising the midwives’ and mothers’ awareness of the importance of anxiety for breastfeeding duration.

Abstract P028: MY Program - Modified Yoga After Cardiac Surgery Reduces Stress, Pain and Anxiety

Introduction: Despite the physical benefits associated with cardiac surgery procedures, between 30-60% of all patients experience moderate to high levels of anxiety and/or depression, which can remain elevated up to 6 months post surgery. Traditional postoperative education classes do not provide an avenue for patients and families to deal with their physical and mental stress. Studies indicate that a holistic class, allowing individuals to focus on their inner-self would prove to have positive outcomes. We hypothesized that a modified yoga program (MY Program), tailored to the physical needs of post cardiac surgery patients, would have a positive effect on participants perceived stress, pain and anxiety levels. Method: Postoperative cardiac surgery patients at our institution were eligible to participate in our innovative MY Program during their hospitalization. Sessions were held twice weekly in an education room on the surgical ward, and were led by a certified yoga instructor. Participants were seated, with all positions and postures (asanas) being modified for a seated position. The forty-five minute sessions started and finished with relaxation and meditation, including the incorporation of breathing exercises that are modified to account for post-operative difficulties such as splinting. The patients completed two questionnaires: anxiety questions of the HADS (Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale) and a survey regarding their overall experience post-yoga. Results: There were 112 participants, of which 61% ( 68 of 112) were male, age range of 20 to 89. Female patients reported experiencing lower levels of state anxiety compared to men, although not statistically significant ( p = .11). Overall feelings of anxiety were relatively low-moderate amongst the participants post-yoga anxiety scores. Post-yoga questionnaire data analysis indicated that 98.8% (110 of 112) of patients found the session helpful, 91.1% (102 of 112) thought the setting was comfortable, 93.7% (104 of 112) would attend the class again, 100% (112 of 112) of patients would recommend the class to others, 89.2% (99 of 112) found that the session helped with their pain after surgery, 97.4% (109 of 112) reported that the session helped with their stress, and 91.7% (102 of 112) of patients found that their breathing improved after the class. Overall, males and females agreed on their satisfaction with the yoga intervention. Conclusion: Cardiac surgery is physically and mentally challenging for patients and families. Educational sessions do not currently provide adequate stress and anxiety relief. The MY program demonstrated that a holistic yoga class, incorporating breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation techniques reduced levels of stress, pain and anxiety in participants.

The Transition from Crawling to Walking: Can Infants Elicit an Alteration of Their Parents' Perception?

Our study was designed to address a gap in the literature on parents’ perception and motivation to protect their infants from potential risk of injury in the transition from crawling to walking. The participants were 260 Italian subjects, of whom 158 were women and 102 men, aged between 20 and 45 years. They were asked to draw two domestic objects (a kitchen table and a CD cover) to assess the possible alterations in the perception of environmental elements seen by the parents as a potentially dangerous cause of unintentional injury for their child. Analysis showed that the group of mothers with children aged 9–18 months had drawn the largest tables, while the table areas of the other two categories of women were much smaller. As for the males, the group that drew the largest tables was the one with children, but not in the age range of 9–18 months, while there was little difference between the other two groups. The final descriptive analysis concerned the average scores on the STAI-Y tests both for state and trait anxiety. In all groups a substantial parity was observed, except for the non-parent men, who had a lower level of state anxiety. Both the fathers and the mothers of children aged 9–18 months obtained lower scores, both for state and trait anxiety. Based on the findings, we demonstrate that children transitioning from crawling to walking can elicit a perceptive reactivity in their mothers, which satisfies their natural need to protect their offspring.

Influence of Aerobic Exercise on State and Trait Anxiety among Working Women in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT: Exercise is a beneficial and efficient way to improve one’s health status. Numerous studies have looked at both the physiological and psychological health benefits of physical exercise, however, studies that examine the relationship between exercise and psychological health, specifically on anxiety, report ambiguous findings. This paper, a qualitative study, diminishes the ambiguity by explaining the relationship between aerobic exercise, trait anxiety, and state anxiety. Four female participants engaged in an aerobics exercise class in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, they were all employed women working within the town. The participants ranged from 25 to 55 years of age, with an average age of 40. It was found that trait anxiety moderated the effect aerobic exercise had on a woman’s state anxiety level following aerobic exercise. Women with a higher level of trait anxiety reported a lower level of state anxiety following exercise when they participated in more hours of aerobic exercise per week. On the other hand, aerobic exercise had little effect on state anxiety levels in women with low trait anxiety levels. KEY WORDS: psychological health, state anxiety, trait anxiety, aerobic exercise, and women at work. About the Authors: M astura Johar, M.A. is a lecturer of UNITEN ( Universiti Tenaga Nasional ); Rozita Abdul Latif, M.A. is a lecturer of UiTM ( Universiti Teknologi MARA ); and Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Sofian Omar Fauzee is a lecturer of UPM ( Universiti Putra Malaysia ). One of them could be contacted at: mastura@uniten.edu.my How to cite this article? Johar, Mastura, Rozita Abdul Latif & Mohd Sofian Omar Fauzee. (2008). “Influence of Aerobic Exercise on State and Trait Anxiety among Working Women in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study” in EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies , Vol.1(1) August, pp.67-80. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press owned by ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java; and FKIP UMP in Purwokerto, Central Java, ISSN 1979-7877. Chronicle of the article: Accepted (June 21, 2008); Revised (July 25, 2008); and Published (August 17, 2008).

Anxiety symptom interpretation: A potential mechanism explaining the cardiorespiratory fitness–anxiety relationship

BackgroundHigher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with lower trait anxiety, but research has not examined whether fitness is associated with state anxiety levels and the interpretation of these symptoms. The aim of this paper was to (1) reexamine the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and general anxiety and (2) examine anxiety intensity and perceptions of these symptoms prior to an acute psychological stress task. MethodsParticipants (N=185; 81% female; Mage=18.04, SD=0.43 years) completed a 10-minute Paced Serial Addition Test. General anxiety was assessed using the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. Cognitive and somatic anxiety intensity and perceptions of symptoms was assessed immediately prior to the acute psychological stress task using the Immediate Anxiety Measures Scale. Cardiorespiratory fitness was calculated using a validated standardized formula. ResultsHigher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with lower levels of general anxiety. Path analysis supported a model whereby perceptions of anxiety symptoms mediated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and levels of anxiety experienced during the stress task; results remained significant after adjusting for general anxiety levels. Specifically, higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were positively associated with more positive perceptions of anxiety symptoms and lower levels of state anxiety. LimitationsA standard formula rather than maximal testing was used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, self-report questionnaires were used to assess anxiety, and the study was cross-sectional in design. ConclusionsResults suggest a potential mechanism explaining how cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce anxiety levels.

META-ANALYSIS OF ACUTE EXERCISE EFFECTS ON STATE ANXIETY: AN UPDATE OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS OVER THE PAST 25 YEARS.

One prominent and well-cited meta-analysis published nearly 25 years ago reported that an acute or single bout of exercise reduced state anxiety by approximately ¼ standard deviation. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published after that meta-analysis for updating our understanding of the acute effects of exercise on state anxiety. We searched PubMed, EBSCOHost, Medline, PsycINFO, ERIC, and ScienceDirect for RCTs of acute exercise and state anxiety as an outcome. There were 36 RCTs that met inclusion criteria and yielded data for effect size (ES) generation (Cohen's d). An overall ES was calculated using a random effects model and expressed as Hedge's g. The weighted mean ES was small (Hedge's g = 0.16, standard error (SE) = 0.06), but statistically significant (P < 0.05), and indicated that a single bout of exercise resulted in an improvement in state anxiety compared with control. The overall ES was heterogeneous and post hoc, exploratory analyses using both random- and fixed-effects models identified several variables as moderators including sample age, sex and health status, baseline activity levels, exercise intensity, modality and control condition, randomization, overall study quality, and the anxiety measure (P < 0.05). The cumulative evidence from high quality studies indicates that acute bouts of exercise can yield a small reduction in state anxiety. The research is still plagued by floor effects associated with recruiting persons with normal or lower levels of state anxiety, and this should be overcome in subsequent trials.

Intrapartum analgesia as a condition of human satisfaction at hospital

The study investigates parturients’ satisfaction with intrapartum analgesia. It aims to assess their opinions about hospital and health staff involved in delivery, besides investigating emotional control, locus control and bond between mothers and their newborn infants. A multidimensional approach has been used to investigate the variable of woman as a person, the variable of context and the variable of bond with the newborn infant. The study was conducted according to a quasi-experimental design, with a control group. The study was performed within the Analgesia and Intensive Care Operational Unit of the Maternal-Infant Department of the P. Giaccone University General Hospital of Palermo. It involved 60 women subdivided into two groups of 30 women each, the experimental group (women who requested intrapartum analgesia) called the A group, and the control group (women who refused it) called the B group. The following tools were administered: the STAI-Y (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, form Y) scale; the Depression Questionnaire of CBA (Cognitive Behavioural Assessment) scale; the Locus of Control questionnaire; and an interview designed for the purpose. The experimental A group women exhibited lower levels of state anxiety and depression post-partum than those of the control B group; moreover, the women in the A group exhibited higher levels of external locus of control and evaluated delivery more positively than those of the B group. There were no significant differences with regard to the relationship with their newborn infants. The study shows that intrapartum analgesia provides hospitals with the possibility to satisfy women’s needs for safety and well-being.

Executive functioning performance predicts subjective and physiological acute stress reactivity: Preliminary results

Individual differences in baseline executive functioning (EF) capacities have been shown to predict state anxiety during acute stressor exposure. However, no previous studies have clearly demonstrated the relationship between EF and physiological measures of stress. The present study investigated the efficacy of several well-known EF tests (letter fluency, Stroop test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) in predicting both subjective and physiological stress reactivity during acute psychosocial stress exposure. Our results show that letter fluency served as the best predictor for both types of reactivity. Specifically, the higher the letter fluency score, the lower the acute stress reactivity after controlling for the baseline stress response, as indicated by lower levels of state anxiety, negative mood, salivary cortisol, and skin conductance. Moreover, the predictive power of the letter fluency test remained significant for state anxiety and cortisol indices even after further adjustments for covariates by adding the body mass index (BMI) as a covariate. Thus, good EF performance, as reflected by high letter fluency scores, may dampen acute stress responses, which suggests that EF processes are directly associated with aspects of stress regulation.

Anxiety, depression, traumatic stress and quality of life in colorectal cancer after different treatments: A study with Portuguese patients and their partners

PurposeThis study examines the impact of different modes of treatment on depression, anxiety, traumatic stress and quality of life in colorectal cancer patients and their partners. MethodsThe sample was comprised of 114 oncology patients and 67 partners. All patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Participants were recruited from an Oncology Hospital in the North of Portugal and had been submitted to three modes of treatment: surgery, surgery plus chemotherapy or surgery followed by radiotherapy. ResultsThe results showed that patients who received only surgery, as treatment, had lower levels of depression, anxiety and traumatic stress symptoms when compared with patients who received surgery and chemotherapy or surgery plus radiotherapy. Partners of surgical patients presented lower levels of state anxiety and traumatic stress symptoms when compared with the other two groups. Patients with more depression had partners also more depressed. No relationship was found between anxiety and traumatic stress symptoms in patients and partners. Patients who received a diagnosis longer than 12 months had more traumatic stress, intrusion and hypervigilance. Patients with illness recurrence showed more traumatic symptoms. Anxiety and depression were the main predictors of patient’s quality of life. Traumatic stress was a predictor of symptom distress - pain/bowel pattern. ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of providing psychological interventions for cancer patients and their partners. Chemotherapy patients and those diagnosed over a year, as well as their partners, are more at risk.

Prevalence, Severity, and Impact of Symptoms on Female Family Caregivers of Patients at the Initiation of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

In a sample of family caregivers (FCs) of patients with prostate cancer who were to begin radiation therapy (RT), the purposes were to determine the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, pain, sleep disturbance, and fatigue; determine the relationships among these symptoms and between these symptoms and functional status and quality of life (QOL); evaluate for differences in functional status and QOL between FCs with low and high levels of these symptoms; and determine which factors predicted FCs' functional status and QOL. FCs were recruited before patients initiated RT and completed self-report questionnaires that evaluated demographic characteristics, symptoms, functional status, and QOL. Sixty female FCs participated in the study. On the basis of established cut point scores for each symptom questionnaire, 12.2% of the FCs had clinically meaningful levels of depression, 40.7% anxiety, 15.0% pain, 36.7% sleep disturbance, 33.3% morning fatigue, and 30.0% evening fatigue. FCs who were older and who had lower levels of state anxiety and higher levels of depression, morning fatigue, and pain reported significantly poorer functional status (R(2) = 38.7%). FCs who were younger, had more years of education, were working, and who had higher levels of depression, morning fatigue, sleep disturbance, and lower levels of evening fatigue reported significantly lower QOL scores (R(2) = 70.1%). A high percentage of FCs experienced clinically meaningful levels of a variety of symptoms. These symptoms have a negative impact on the FCs' functional status and QOL.

Active learning: Effects of core training design elements on self-regulatory processes, learning, and adaptability.

This article describes a comprehensive examination of the cognitive, motivational, and emotional processes underlying active learning approaches; their effects on learning and transfer; and the core training design elements (exploration, training frame, emotion control) and individual differences (cognitive ability, trait goal orientation, trait anxiety) that shape these processes. Participants (N = 350) were trained to operate a complex, computer-based simulation. Exploratory learning and error-encouragement framing had a positive effect on adaptive transfer performance and interacted with cognitive ability and dispositional goal orientation to influence trainees' metacognition and state goal orientation. Trainees who received the emotion-control strategy had lower levels of state anxiety. Implications for development of an integrated theory of active learning, learner-centered design, and research extensions are discussed.