Lower Subjective Stress Research Articles

Association of Perception, Interest, and Barriers of Learning and Practicing Yoga with Levels of Stress in Life among Residents Living in Saudi Arabia.

Yoga as a mind-body activity and clinical studies on yoga's effects on physical and mental health have produced encouraging results. However, there is little research done on the population's perception and interest toward practicing yoga in KSA. Thus, the current study was undertaken to evaluate the perception, interest, and barriers of learning and practicing yoga with levels of stress in life among residents of Saudi Arabia. This is an observational, cross-sectional study in which people were polled using questionnaires. The study included people of both genders aged 18-70, and Google Forms were distributed through various online platforms. The collected data were statistically analyzed. The study included 906 subjects in total. Participants were mostly female (64%) and non-Saudi residents (70.9%) between the ages of 31 and 51 years, with moderate levels of stress in life. About 58.6% of the study participants were aware of the benefits of yoga. The Chi-square analysis shows low-stress subjects (67.5%) knew more about yoga and meditation, whereas no-stress subjects (35.7%) practiced yoga. About 14.9% of high-stressed people consulted a yoga therapist. The majority of high (15.3%), medium (12%), and no-stressed (19.6%) did yoga for mental health and focus, whereas the low-stressed (19.3%) did it for physical health. C. Most of the study population knew yoga's physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits. The study found a relationship between the everyday stress levels of Saudi Arabian citizens and their opinions about, interest in, and obstacles to taking up yoga. More experimental and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

The effects of music listening on somatic symptoms and stress markers in the everyday life of women with somatic complaints and depression

Despite a growing body of literature documenting the health-beneficial effects of music, empirical research on the effects of music listening in individuals with psychosomatic disorders is scarce. Using an ambulatory assessment design, we tested whether music listening predicts changes in somatic symptoms, subjective, and biological stress levels, and examined potential mediating processes, in the everyday life of 58 women (M = 27.7 years) with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and depressive disorders (DEP). Multilevel models revealed that music listening predicted lower subjective stress ratings (p ≤ 0.02) irrespective of mental health condition, which, in turn, predicted lower somatic symptoms (p ≤ 0.03). Moreover, specific music characteristics modulated somatic symptoms (p = 0.01) and autonomic activity (p = 0.03). These findings suggest that music listening might mitigate somatic symptoms predominantly via a reduction in subjective stress in women with SSD and DEP and further inform the development of targeted music interventions applicable in everyday life.

Covariation of psychobiological stress regulation with valence and quantity of social interactions in everyday life: disentangling intra- and interindividual sources of variation

While the overall effects of social relationships on stress and health have extensively been described, it remains unclear how the experience of social interactions covaries with the activity of psychobiological stress in everyday life. We hypothesized that the valence as well as quantitative characteristics of social interactions in everyday life would attenuate psychobiological stress. Sixty healthy participants provided data for the analyses. Using an ecological momentary assessment design, participants received 6 prompts on their smartphone for 4 days. At each prompt, they reported on social interactions since the last prompt (any occurrence, frequency, duration, quality, and perceived social support), current subjective stress, and provided one saliva sample for the analyses of cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA). Experiencing any contact within days as well as higher daily levels of contact quality and perceived social support were associated with reduced levels of sCort. Furthermore, on a daily level, experiencing at least one contact in-between prompts more often as well as having more contacts on average attenuated the sAA output. Perceived social support and contact quality as well as higher daily contact durations were associated with lower subjective stress. For sCort, daily levels of stress moderated the effects of experiencing any contact within days while daily perceived social support moderated the effects of subjective stress. For sAA, experiencing at least one contact in-between prompts more often on a daily level moderated the effects of subjective stress. There were no between-person effects throughout all analyses. The results show ecologically valid evidence for direct attenuating effects of social interactions on psychobiological stress as well as for the stress-buffering hypothesis in everyday life. Increasing the quantity and improving the valence of social interactions on an intrapersonal level can possibly reduce psychobiological stress and prevent its consequences.

Hormonal and Subjectively Perceived Stress of the Emergency Physicians of the Airborne Rescue Service

Due to their work activities, emergency physicians are regularly exposed to exceptional mental and physical situations. In order to prevent stress-related illnesses, the triggers of hormonal and subjectively perceived stress must be understood better. On a sample of emergency physicians from two air rescue services (N = 80), the cortisol awakening response (CAR) was determined on flight rescue days, clinic days, and days off. Pearson correlations showed significant connections between the CAR on flight rescue days and individual scales of the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The results indicate that a lower subjective stress level is associated with higher levels of hormonal stress. Stepwise regression analyses showed a significant influence of the number of professional years, subjectively perceived stress, pressure to succeed, and social isolation. The results suggest that the hormonal stress burden of emergency physicians is in a complex relationship with perceived strain.

Trait Mindfulness Moderates Reactivity to Social Stress in an All-Male Sample

Mindful attitudes and practices may help individuals respond to stressors in a more positive way. By limiting reactivity to stress, mindfulness may buffer people against its ill effects. In this study, we examined whether individual differences in trait mindfulness predict psychological and physiological responses to a laboratory stress induction. Trait mindfulness and stress reactivity were assessed using salivary cortisol and a subjective stress scale in a sample of young healthy males (N = 40) who underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Higher trait mindfulness was associated with lower subjective stress (r = − 0.41, p = 0.009) and cortisol stress reactivity (r = − 0.38, p = 0.017). In particular, men who are more proficient in describing their emotions had lower perceived stress to the TSST (r = − 0.42, p < 0.01). Psychological stress and cortisol response were also correlated. These findings replicate those in similar paradigms suggesting that mindfulness may protect individuals against the negative effects of stress. They also suggest that the relationship between mindfulness and stress reactivity is particular to male participants and may be modulated by affect labelling in this gender group.

Subjective stress, objective heart rate variability-based stress, and recovery on workdays among overweight and psychologically distressed individuals: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate how subjective self-reported stress is associated with objective heart rate variability (HRV)-based stress and recovery on workdays. Another aim was to investigate how physical activity (PA), body composition, and age are associated with subjective stress, objective stress, and recovery.MethodsWorking-age participants (n = 221; 185 women, 36 men) in this cross-sectional study were overweight (body mass index, 25.3–40.1 kg/m2) and psychologically distressed (≥3/12 points on the General Health Questionnaire). Objective stress and recovery were based on HRV recordings over 1–3 workdays. Subjective stress was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale. PA level was determined by questionnaire, and body fat percentage was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis.ResultsSubjective stress was directly associated with objective stress (P = 0.047) and inversely with objective recovery (P = 0.046). These associations persisted after adjustments for sex, age, PA, and body fat percentage. Higher PA was associated with lower subjective stress (P = 0.037). Older age was associated with higher objective stress (P < 0.001). After further adjustment for alcohol consumption and regular medication, older age was associated with lower subjective stress (P = 0.043).ConclusionsThe present results suggest that subjective self-reported stress is associated with objective physiological stress, but they are also apparently affected by different factors. However, some of the found associations among these overweight and psychologically distressed participants with low inter-individual variation in PA are rather weak and the clinical value of the present findings should be studied further among participants with greater heterogeneity of stress, PA and body composition. However, these findings suggest that objective stress assessment provides an additional aspect to stress evaluation. Furthermore, the results provide valuable information for developing stress assessment methods.

The influence of emotional state on the masticatory muscles function in the group of young healthy adults.

Stress may affect the function of all the components of the masticatory system and may ultimately lead to differentiated symptoms and finally to systemic and structural dysfunctions. Objective. To determine the effect of stress on the masticatory muscles function in young healthy adults. Material and Methods. A total of 201 young, Angle's first class, healthy volunteers, 103 female and 98 male, in the age between 18 and 21 years were recruited into the study. All the participants underwent clinical examination according to the Slavicek scheme, questionnaire survey according to Perceived Stress Scale, and assessment of masticatory muscles function in central occlusion. Results. Symptoms of masticatory system dysfunction were found in the group of 86 subjects (46,24%). All the muscles activity in central occlusion was comparable in female and male groups. Mean values of masseters activities in the group of low stress subjects (75,52 µV ± 15,97) were statistically different from the groups with medium (82,43 µV ± 15,04) and high (81,33 ± 12,05) perceived stress (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Chronic stress may reveal or exacerbate symptoms of masticatory dysfunction.

Perceived stress correlates with disturbed sleep: A link connecting stress and cardiovascular disease

The association between stress and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is becoming established. A mechanistic link clarifying the intermediate steps between the experience of stress and the development of CVD would support this association. We sought to examine the role of perceived stress as a factor associated with disturbed sleep with the goal of providing an explanation for the stress–CVD connection. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data recorded by subjects at entry to our CVD prevention program. Data collection included questionnaire surveys, anthropometrics, and a CVD-relevant laboratory panel. Of 350 consecutively enrolled subjects (mean age 54.4 ± 12.4 [SD] years, 138 men, 39%), 165 (47%) scored above the mean for stress measures. These high-stress subjects displayed an increased cardiovascular risk profile including elevated body mass index (mean ± SD 31.1 ± 5.9 vs. 29.0 ± 5.9, rs = 0.175), increased waist circumference (102 ± 17 cm vs. 98 ± 14, rs = 0.135), and elevated high-sensitivity serum C-reactive protein (0.384 mg/dl vs. 0.356, rs = 0.109). High-stress subjects also demonstrated greater daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale: 10.4 ± 5.0 vs. 7.8 ± 4.8, rs < 0.316), greater fatigue (fatigue scale: 5.4 ± 2.2 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, rs = 0.484), poorer sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: 8.5 ± 4.4 vs. 5.9 ± 4.0, rs = 0.416), and shorter sleep duration (20 min less/24 h, rs = negative 0.177) with a higher risk for sleep apnea (60% at high risk vs. 40%, p = 0.003) than low-stress subjects. High stress was associated with significant disturbances in sleep duration and sleep quality. Stress levels also correlated with daytime consequences of disturbed sleep. The stress–sleep connection may be an important mechanistic mediator of the association between stress and CVD.

The Effects of Prolonged Stress and APOE Genotype on Memory and Cortisol in Older Adults

Chronic elevations in cortisol associated with prolonged stress have been associated with memory loss, as has the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE-epsilon4) genotype. Combined effects of stress and APOE status on memory and cortisol in humans have not been studied. A semistructured interview with standardized scoring was used to measure stress level and univariate analysis of variance to assess effects of stress and APOE-epsilon4 status on memory and salivary cortisol in 91 nondemented subjects (mean age 78.8 years). Low-stress subjects performed better than high-stress subjects on delayed recall of stories (p = .04), word lists (p = .02), and visual designs (p = .04). APOE-epsilon4-negative subjects obtained better scores than epsilon4-positive subjects on immediate (p = < .01) and delayed (p < .01) recall of visual designs. Significant stress by APOE-epsilon4 interaction effects on memory (p = .03) and cortisol (p < .01) resulted from consistently worse memory and higher cortisol concentrations in the high stress, epsilon4-positive group. These findings are consistent with a model in which prolonged exposure of older, nondemented individuals to stress in the presence of an epsilon4 allele leads to memory decline. Further studies will assess whether stress and APOE-epsilon4 interact to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Perceived Stress and Salivary Cortisol in Daily Life

Abstract Clarifying the nature of endocrine responses to chronic or intermittent stress in daily life requires repeated measurements of stress, hormone levels, and emotional states. In this study, 42 High Stress (HS) and 46 Low Stress (LS) subjects were selected on the basis of Perceived Stress Scale scores from a larger sample of male white-collar workers. Subjects completed self-reports [Experience Sampling Method (ESM)] and collected saliva samples for Cortisol determination ten times a day over five consecutive days, including three work and two non-work days. We test the hypothesis that high perceived stress is associated with elevated Cortisol. The HS group scored higher than the LS group on measures of trait anxiety, depression, anger, and psychosomatic complaints, as well as on ESM measures of positive and negative affect and stressful daily events. Although negative affect was higher and stressful events more frequent on workdays than weekends (especially for HS subjects), no difference in workday vs. weekend Cortisol levels was found in the subsample of subjects with sufficient data. On workdays, HS subjects had higher mean Cortisol levels than LS subjects at each of the ten sampling times between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. (repeated measures ANOVA, p &amp;lt; .02). Mean workday Cortisol was correlated with higher trait anxiety, depression, and the low arousal dimension of ESM negative affect.

Job stress, satisfaction and mental health of factory workers in Bangladesh

Abstract The present study examined the relationship between job stress, job satisfaction and mental health, and attempted to assess the effects of job stress on different parameters of satisfaction and mental health in the context of two groups of Bangladeshi factory workers. There were 26 subjects in a ‘high stress’ group and 33 in a ‘low stress’ group. Individual data were collected by using the Stress and Arousal Checklist, the Job Satisfaction Scale, the General Health Questionnaire, absenteeism by sick leave, a self-esteem at work scale and heart rate monitor. Chi-square and t-tests were applied in the analyses of these data by group. The results, quite expectedly, showed that a greater number of high stress subjects were dissatisfied and had poorer mental health than low stress subjects. The results also showed that low stress subjects were significantly more satisfied and possessed better mental health than the high stress subjects. It would appear that the experience of stress plays an important role in determining the quality of working life of Bangladeshi factory workers having similar consequences in terms of health and well-being to those observed in developed countries. The dynamics of absenteeism in Bangladesh are discussed.

Strategic “Alcohol” Use: Drinking to Self-Handicap

An investigation of the self-handicapping theory of alcohol and drug use (Jones & Berglas, 1978) was conducted to control for methodological problems that have clouded interpretation of previous findings. Seventy-two male heavy social drinkers were assigned to either noncontingent success, noncontingent failure, contingent success, contingent failure, no-feedback, or low-stress conditions. All but low-stress subjects worked on solvable concept-formation problems and received feedback appropriate to their conditions. In anticipation of a similar retest, subjects consumed an “alcoholic” beverage (actually a placebo). Noncontingent success subjects drank more than contingent success, contingent failure, and low-stress subjects. Noncontingent failure subjects drank more than contingent success subjects. These results correspond to previous findings, but due to improved controls, nonhandicapping interpretations of the results for noncontingent success subjects were effectively eliminated. Self-handicapping was...

Use of Voice Changes in the Detection of Deception

Short-term voice changes from subjects in low-stress and high-stress lie-detection situations were visually displayed by a Psychological Stress Evaluator, model PSE-1. Low-stress subjects (n = 16) picked one of five numbers, then answered “no” to all questions regarding which number they had picked. High-stress subjects (n = 14) were criminal suspects undergoing polygraph examinations in which their verbal answers to the test questions were simultaneously tape recorded for analysis. Under the low-stress condition the detection rate was not significantly different from chance. Under the high-stress condition, using polygraph responses as the criterion for stress, voice changes were clearly able to distinguish between truth and deception. Using a numerical scoring technique with a ±2 inconclusive range, the voice agreed with the polygraph in eight of 14 cases (p&amp;lt;0.01), with the remaining six inconclusive. When inconclusives were restricted to scores of 0, there were 12 agreements (p&amp;lt;0.01), one disagreement, and one inconclusive. Using ranks to compare the effectiveness of voice changes against the three individual components of the polygraph, it was found that the voice was the second most effective single parameter. It is hypothesized that a certain level of stress must be reached in the individual before changes in the voice occur; but once that level of stress is exceded, differential changes in the voice can be used to determine deceptiveness.