Measured Stress Levels Research Articles

Imitation under stress

Imitation has been shown to be an important heuristic, in particular in relatively complex environments. In this experiment we test whether subjects are more likely to use imitation if they are under time pressure or distracted. Subjects play a repeated Cournot oligopoly. Treatments are time pressure within the task and distractions through a second task (a Stroop-task) that has to be performed as well and influences payment. We additionally measure stress levels through salivary cortisol and heart rate. Our main findings are that time pressure and distraction can raise physiological stress levels of subjects within our task. More importantly from an economic perspective, we can also observe a corresponding behavioral change that is indicative of imitation.

Effect of aircraft fuel tank maintenance on salivary cortisol secretion

Background: Chemical exposure of human by inhalation or skin exposure to confined space is two stressful events that may cause trauma. In case of aircraft maintenance, workers have to withstand the confined space with poorly-ventilated environment, where they are exposed to toxic hazardous vapor coming from the jet fuel which mainly is kerosene based (>98%). The use of salivary cortisol is very well established stress biomarker and hence can be used as a tool to measure stress level. Aims and Objectives: This study sought to find out the effect of exposure to aircraft fuel tank during maintenance work on the salivary cortisol secretion. Materials and Methods: A total of 95 healthy volunteers (67 males, 28 females) aged between 17 and 25 years old took part in this study. Saliva samples were collected before and after fuel tank entry for 15 min. Cortisol concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) Salivary cortisol kit by Salimetrics. Results: The cortisol level increased significantly (P=0.001) after exposure to kerosene vapor and confined space. The means of cortisol levels before and after fuel tank entry were 0.28 μg/dL and 0.35 μg/dL, respectively. The hostile characteristic of a confined space is an excellent location to form hazardous concentrations since kerosene contains chemicals with a vapor density greater than air. Conclusion: This study indicated that exposure to kerosene vapor and confined space will cause a physiological stress and trigger a physiological response in the body of the exposed person.

Stress among surgical attending physicians and trainees: A quantitative assessment during trauma activation and emergency surgeries.

The adverse effects of stress on the wellness of trauma team members are well established; however, the level of stress has never been quantitatively assessed. The aim of our study was to assess the level of stress using subjective data and objective heart rate variability (HRV) among attending surgeons (ASs), junior residents (JRs) (PGY2/PGY3), and senior residents (SRs) (PGY5/PGY6) during trauma activation and emergency surgery. We preformed a prospective study enrolling participants over eight 24-hour calls in our Level I trauma center. Stress was assessed based on decrease in HRV, which was recorded using body worn sensors. Stress was defined as HRV of less than 85% of baseline HRV. We collected subjective data on stress for each participant during calls. Three groups (ASs, JRs, SRs) were compared for duration of different stress levels through trauma activation and emergency surgery. A total of 22 participants (ASs: n = 8, JRs: n = 7, SRs: n = 7) were evaluated over 192 hours, which included 33 trauma activations and 50 emergency surgeries. Stress level increased during trauma activations and operations regardless of level of training. The ASs had significantly lower stress when compared with SRs and JRs during trauma activation (21.9 ± 10.7 vs. 51.9 ± 17.2 vs. 64.5 ± 11.6; p < 0.001) and emergency surgery (30.8 ± 7.0 vs. 53.33 ± 6.9 vs. 56.1 ± 3.8; p < 0.001). The level of stress was similar between JRs and SRs during trauma activation (p = 0.37) and emergency surgery (p = 0.19). There was no correlation between objectively measured stress level and subjectively measured stress using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (R = 0.16; p = 0.01) among surgeons or residents. Surgeon wellness is a significant concern, and this study provides empirical evidence that trauma and acute care surgeons encounter mental strain and fail to recognize it. Stress management and burnout are very important in this high-intensity field, and this research may provide some insight in finding those practitioners who are at risk. Epidemiologic study, level II.

Stress Assessment by Prefrontal Relative Gamma.

Stress assessment has been under study in the last years. Both biochemical and physiological markers have been used to measure stress level. In neuroscience, several studies have related modification of stress level to brain activity changes in limbic system and frontal regions, by using non-invasive techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). In particular, previous studies suggested that the exhibition or inhibition of certain brain rhythms in frontal cortical areas indicates stress. However, there is no established marker to measure stress level by EEG. In this work, we aimed to prove the usefulness of the prefrontal relative gamma power (RG) for stress assessment. We conducted a study based on stress and relaxation periods. Six healthy subjects performed the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST) followed by a stay within a relaxation room while EEG and electrocardiographic signals were recorded. Our results showed that the prefrontal RG correlated with the expected stress level and with the heart rate (HR; 0.8). In addition, the difference in prefrontal RG between time periods of different stress level was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Moreover, the RG was more discriminative between stress levels than alpha asymmetry, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma power in prefrontal cortex. We propose the prefrontal RG as a marker for stress assessment. Compared with other established markers such as the HR or the cortisol, it has higher temporal resolution. Additionally, it needs few electrodes located at non-hairy head positions, thus facilitating the use of non-invasive dry wearable real-time devices for ubiquitous assessment of stress.

Discrepancies between Physiological and Psychological Measures of Stress Associated with Indoor Temperature

To assess stress levels associated with thermal comfort, this study measured stress levels in different Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) conditions using verbal vote, electroencephalographic (EEG), and salivary α-amylase assessments. This study was conducted in a climate chamber to regulate and experimentally manipulate PMV conditions. Environmental factors were set to 7 different PMV levels, from −3 to +3 by units. EEGs were measured for each subject using 8 electrodes covering the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, for 65 min for each PMV condition. Following EEG collection, saliva samples (for alpha (α)-amylase quantification) and a verbal report were gathered for each subject. The EEG and salivary α-amylase responses were similar, in that both tests showed the 0 to +2 conditions were relatively non-stressful compared to other conditions. On the other hand, the verbal reports indicated that the −1 to +1 conditions were relatively non-stressful.

Employee Stress in State Bank of India – A Case Study

The present study attempts to analyze level of stress and reasons for stress among the employees of State Bank of India. It also intends to examine the effects of age and experience of employees on level of stress. The study is based on a sample of 100 employees working in different branches of State Bank of India in Varanasi city. To measure stress level of employees, Occupational Stress Index (OSI) developed by Srivastava and Singh (1983) was used for measuring employees stress. This scale consists of 46 items, each to be rated on five point scale. The items relate to almost all relevant components of job which cause stress in some way or the other. Mean and quartiles were calculated to assess the level of stress. Further, chi square test and t-test was applied to find out the existence of variance in stress level of employees and to examine impact of age and experience on level of stress of employees. It emerged from the study that 70 percent employees were highly stressed and reasons responsible were poor communication, role ambiguity, work overload, poor peer relationships, and strenuous working conditions. The study further establishes that stress was not affected by age and experience (length of service) of the bank employees. In light of the results, it may be recommended that, there should be proper communication between different hierarchies of the organization, so as to ensure a proper understanding among the employees. The work should be distributed among employees in such a manner that situations of role overload, conflict and ambiguity do not arise.

Is the UK Newborn Life Support course really that stressful?

Purpose of the study: The Newborn Life Support (NLS) course has been developed under the auspices of the Resuscitation Council (UK). The aims of the study were to determine whether there is a significant stress response to the practical assessment component of this course, the Newborn Life Support airway test (NLSAT); to compare individuals’ level of experience with their stress response and identify whether high stress levels correlate with difficulty passing the NLSAT. Materials and methods: Design: Quantitative observational study measuring stress levels of candidates on the NLS course measuring salivary cortisol levels along with validated anxiety questionnaires (State Trait Anxiety Inventory). Setting: UK NLS course centres. Participants: 80 healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors and midwives) on an NLS course. Interventions: Stress levels measured at baseline (10am), immediately before and 20min after starting the NLSAT. Demographic data including professional experience and prior exposure to the NLS course was collected. Results: Cortisol measurements failed to detect any significant rise in stress levels. Significant stress levels were induced by the NLSAT when measuring anxiety scores; mean baseline score was 39.63 (SD 11.75), mean pre-NLSAT scores were 48.38 (SD 12.89) and mean post-NLSAT scores was 42.82 (SD 13.65). STAI scores rose significantly in all professionals from baseline to post-NLSAT (p<0.001) with greatest change detected for midwives (+11.82 (SD 7.64, p-value <0.001) compared to nurses (+8.86 (SD 12.1, p-value <0.001) and doctors (+7.96 (SD 2.9.69, p-value <0.001). Experience had no impact on stress levels. Determination of stress levels impacting on performance was not possible due to the low re-sit rate (7.5%). Conclusions: Stress levels induced by the NLSAT are significant and should be consideredwhen instructing and developing theNLS course.

G127(P) Is the neonatal life support course really that stressful? an observational study

Objectives To determine whether there is a significant stress response to the neonatal life support airway test (NLSAT) amongst nurses, midwives, doctors and other professionals; to compare level of experience with the stress response measured in each participant and identify whether high stress levels correlate with difficulty passing the NLSAT. Design Quantitative observational study measuring stress levels of candidates on the NLS course using salivettes to measure salivary cortisol levels and a validated anxiety questionnaire (State Trait Anxiety Inventory). Setting NLS course centres in the UK in 2013 Participants: 80 healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors and midwives) enrolled on the NLS course. Interventions: Stress levels measured at baseline (10am), immediately before and then 20 min after the initiation of the NLSAT. Demographic data including professional experience and prior exposure to the NLS course was collected. Results Cortisol measurements failed to detect any significant rise in stress levels. Significant stress levels were induced by the NLSAT when measuring anxiety scores with baseline mean scores of 39.63 (11.75), mean pre-NLSAT scores of 48.38 (SD 12.89, p-value Conclusions Stress levels induced by the NLSAT are significant and need to be considered when instructing and developing the NLS course with variation amongst different healthcare professionals.

Effects of Five-Minute Mindfulness Meditation on Mental Health Care Professionals

This study aimed to examine the use of five-minute mindfulness meditation to reduce the stress level, in terms of perception of stress in one’s life, and to increase the mindfulness level, in terms of the level of attentiveness to the present moment purposefully and without judgment, among mental health care professionals for seven consecutive days. In addition, the correlation between mindfulness level and stress level was examined. This quantitative research study utilized a preand post-test quasi-experimental design using Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory to measure mindfulness level and Perceived Stress Scale to measure stress level. 61 participants, who were active mental health care professionals at The Chicago School located in Chicago, IL, Irvine, CA and Los Angeles, CA, received seven days of five-minute mindfulness meditation exercise via the internet between November 2013 and January 2014. The medians from the pre- and post-tests of the intervention group showed a significant reduction (p < .001) in stress level, while there was not a significant difference (p < .105) in mindfulness level. There was a significant inverse correlation (p < .01) between mindfulness and stress. The results of this study suggest that five-minute mindfulness meditation could be an effective method in decreasing stress in this mental health care professional sample.

Effect of a forest therapy program and the forest environment on female workers’ stress

This study aims to determine the effects of forest therapy (FT) program and the frequent use of forest environment in daily life on workers’ stress levels on the hypothesis that FT program and frequent use of forest environment in daily life would reduce workers’ stress level both psychologically and physiologically.Participants were workers in the healthcare and counseling service industries, which are known for their heavy emotional burden on workers, and thereby had high levels of employee stress and burnout. In total, 211 subjects were recruited and divided into two groups using a screening survey according to the frequency of using the forest environment in daily life. Of the 91 subjects who reported low frequency of use, 19 female workers volunteered to join the FT program and were assigned to the experimental group. Among the 120 subjects with a high frequency of use, 20 female workers volunteered for the assessment of stress levels and were subsequently assigned to the control group.We measured stress levels through heart rate variability, cortisol concentration, natural killer cell activity, and scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, Worker's Stress Response Inventory, and the Recovery Experience Questionnaire.The results showed subjective stress relief after the FT program. The experimental group exhibited higher scores on the mastery factor of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire. Further, the experimental group showed more recovery experiences following participation in the FT program. The control group showed a significantly higher standard deviation in normal-to-normal intervals and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (measures of heart rate variability) and lower cortisol level as compared to the experimental group.These results suggest that frequent users of the forest environment are less stressed than are low frequency users, and that the FT program relieves participants’ psychosocial stress.

The Effect of Female College Student's Stress Level on Premenstrual Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between female college students` stress level and premenstrual syndrome so that it can provide baseline data on how to cope with the syndrome. The study subjects are 250 female college students in Gyungbook area. This study chose 199 appropriate subjects and collected data. As per general menstrual phases, this study investigated the age when one had her first period, regularity and duration of period, and amount of bleeding. It used a measurement tool to measure stress level and premenstrual syndrome. Most of the subjects experienced their first period before the age of 13. The menstrual period was irregular with the duration of less than 7 days. 123 subjects had normal amount of bleeding. 121 subjects were experiencing high level of stress over 2.4. The correlation between the level of stress and premenstrual syndrome factors showed significant static correlation for each factor. Especially, the correlation between digestive system and response of autonomic nervous system was .996 and negative emotion and behavioral change was .635, and negative emotion and pain was .614 which were relatively high. The regression analysis of factors of premenstrual syndrome depending on the subjects` stress level indicated that response of autonomic nervous system had the biggest effect in the low stress group while behavioral change, negative emotion, pain, decreased concentration, water congestion, response of autonomic nervous system, and skin change had the biggest effect in the high stress group with statistical significance. Based on the result, it can be said that higher premenstrual stress is closely related to the premenstrual syndrome one experiences for some female college students.

Stressed Out: How Stress Develops and How to Cope with it

Abstract Our experience of stress depends on how we evaluate the circumstances impacting our individual well-being. In principle, any event can be a stressor. Certain events can produce complex emotional states, such as a mixture of anger and worry. If such states are prolonged, they can lead to stress. Stress can be identified by means of such expressive components as facial expression and signs of stress in the voice. Indeed, the voice is particularly sensitive to stress and is frequently used to measure stress levels. Coping strategies differ from person to person and are not mutually exclusive. Often, people use multiple strategies at the same time. Not all of these strategies are good for individual well-being or favor a cooperation-based work culture. To avoid employee burnout, companies should keep an eye on the stress load of their employees and develop trainings to increase emotional competences and improve constructive stress management.

Perceived stress levels among undergraduate pharmacy students in the UK

To measure perceived stress levels among the students in a professional pharmacy degree in the United Kingdom (UK), and to compare these to United States (US)-based students. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was employed to measure stress levels among a sample taken from each of the four years of a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) program. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the independent paired t-test were applied to compare demographic groups from within each sample. The questionnaire was completed by 216 (38.6%) pharmacy students at the University of Hertfordshire. Only the sex of the participant had a significant effect on perceived stress. Stress levels for students in their third year of study were in good agreement with those reported by an earlier study in relation to third-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students at an American university. This pilot study demonstrates that the stress perceived by students in a UK-based undergraduate pharmacy program is comparable to that of US students at the same progression point in a graduate professional degree.

Leucocyte profile and growth rates as indicators of crowding stress in pejerrey fingerlings (Odontesthes bonariensis)

Crowding is one of the most common stressors found in intensive aquaculture, compromising growth rates and immune function. Plasmatic cortisol is a classic stress biomarker for fish, but its quantification is expensive and demands blood volumes that small individuals do not provide, constraining the usage of this technique to assess stress in fingerlings. The leucocyte profile is an alternative methodology to quantify stress with reduced costs and volumes of blood. Stress conditions promote neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia as response to elevated glucocorticoids levels. Considering the difficulties to assess stress imposed by intensive fish farming using measurement of glucocorticoid hormones, this study aimed to evaluate the stress-induced changes in leucocyte profiles and growth rates imposed by crowding in fingerlings of Odontesthes bonariensis, a promising South-American candidate for freshwater aquaculture. To meet these objectives, fingerlings (initial weight 0.05 ± 0.06 g and length 1.68 ± 0.13 cm) were reared for 45 days under three rearing densities (1, 5 and 10 fingerlings L−1). At the end of this period, fish were anaesthetized and euthanized to obtain the leucocyte profile, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (N:L) and growth rate. Increasing density promoted: significant reduction in growth (final length, weight and specific growth rate); neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia; and increased N:L ratio. Concluding, the tested rearing densities imposed distinct levels of stress characterized by different N:L ratio, demonstrating that the leucocyte profile is a reliable alternative to measure stress levels in O. bonariensis fingerlings and probably in other fish species.

Use of Accelerometers to Measure Stress Levels in Shelter Dogs

Stress can compromise welfare in any confined group of nonhuman animals, including those in shelters. However, an objective and practical method for assessing the stress levels of individual dogs housed in a shelter does not exist. Such a method would be useful for monitoring animal welfare and would allow shelters to measure the effectiveness of specific interventions for stress reduction. In this pilot study, activity levels were studied in 13 dogs using accelerometers attached to their collars. Behavioral stress scores as well as urinary and salivary cortisol levels were measured to determine if the dogs' activity levels while confined in the kennel correlated with behavioral and physiological indicators of stress in this population. The results indicated that the accelerometer could be a useful tool to study stress-related activity levels in dogs. Specific findings included a correlation between the salivary cortisol and maximum activity level (r = .62, p = .025) and a correlation between the urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio and average activity level (r = .61, p = .028) among the study dogs. Further research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between stress and activity level among dogs in a kennel environment.

An Optimized Whole-Body Cortisol Quantification Method for Assessing Stress Levels in Larval Zebrafish

Glucocorticoids serve important regulatory functions for many physiological processes and are critical mediators of the stress response. The stress response is a set of bodily processes aimed at counteracting a state of threatened homeostasis. Proper stress response is critical for the survival of an animal, however prolonged or abnormal stress response can be detrimental and is implicated in a number of human diseases such as depression and metabolic diseases. To dissect the underlying mechanism of this complex and important response, the zebrafish, Danio rerio offer important advantages such as ease of genetic manipulations and high-throughput behavioral analyses. However, there is a paucity of suitable methods to measure stress level in larval zebrafish. Therefore, an efficient low-cost method to monitor stress hormone levels will greatly facilitate stress research in zebrafish larvae. In this study, we optimized sample collection as well as cortisol extraction methods and developed a home-made ELISA protocol for measuring whole-body cortisol level in zebrafish larvae. Further, using our customized protocols, we characterized the response of larval zebrafish to a variety of stressors. This assay, developed for efficient cortisol quantification, will be useful for systematic and large-scale stress analyses in larval zebrafish.

Modified Hybridized Multi-agent Oriented Approach to Analyze Work-stress Data Providing Feedback in Real Time

This paper presents a hybridized multi-agent oriented approach to develop a model capable of classifying and linguistically grading the level of work-stress. The scope of this research is to implement the model to solve a psychological problem relating to work-stress. The model uses a neural network capability as agent to classify the work-related stress data. The fuzzy logic component then transforms the crisp output from the neural network into linguistic grade. The main idea of integrating neural network and fuzzy logic techniques was to neutralize each other's weaknesses and generate a superior hybrid solution. The work-stress data was analyzed using the model and feedback provided to the users about their stress levels in real time. The result demonstrated that using this technique, the work-stress data was classified efficiently and the measured stress level was successfully described in linguistic term (Human readable). This achievement provides the user with an automated mechanism that can render a first step towards identification, prevention and making perceptible changes to the working environment. The Intelligent Multi-Agent Decision Analyser (IMADA) uses a hybridized technique that provided better solution in terms of applicability, portability and efficiency in this particular psychological domain.

The Effect of a Training Program Based on Albert Ellis` Theory in Rational Thinking on The Levels of Stress and The Strategies of Coping With It

This study aimed at investigating the effect of a training program based on Albert Ellis` theory in Rational Thinking on the levels of stress and the strategies of coping with it. It also aimed at investigating the level of stress among students, and their most common used coping strategies.A sample of (40) Yarmouk University students who were enrolled in a practical education program volunteered to participate in the study, and divided randomly into two equivalent experimental and control groups. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researchers developed a training program based on Albert Ellis` theory in rational thinking, and two instruments to measure stress level and coping strategies. Validity and reliability of the program and the two instruments were established.The results revealed that students had a medium level of stress, and that their most common coping strategies were respectively: denial, imagining, rational thinking, problem solving, humor, entertainment, and turning to religion. The results also revealed the existence of significant effect of the training program in reducing stress and improving coping strategies. Results also revealed no existence of significant effect of gender on stress and coping strategies, and a significant effect of gender on the emotional dimension of stress in favor of females. No significant effect was found of the interaction between the training program and gender on stress and coping strategies.

The Effect of a Training Program Based on Albert Ellis` Theory in Rational Thinking on The Levels of Stress and The Strategies of Coping With It

This study aimed at investigating the effect of a training program based on Albert Ellis` theory in Rational Thinking on the levels of stress and the strategies of coping with it. It also aimed at investigating the level of stress among students, and their most common used coping strategies. A sample of (40) Yarmouk University students who were enrolled in a practical education program volunteered to participate in the study, and divided randomly into two equivalent experimental and control groups. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researchers developed a training program based on Albert Ellis` theory in rational thinking, and two instruments to measure stress level and coping strategies. Validity and reliability of the program and the two instruments were established. The results revealed that students had a medium level of stress, and that their most common coping strategies were respectively: denial, imagining, rational thinking, problem solving, humor, entertainment, and turning to religion. The results also revealed the existence of significant effect of the training program in reducing stress and improving coping strategies. Results also revealed no existence of significant effect of gender on stress and coping strategies, and a significant effect of gender on the emotional dimension of stress in favor of females. No significant effect was found of the interaction between the training program and gender on stress and coping strategies.

Level of Empathy among Medical Students in Kuwait University, Kuwait

Objectives: To evaluate the level of empathy among medical students in Kuwait University Medical School and its association with sociodemographic factors, stress levels and personality. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 264 medical students was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University. Empathy levels were measured using the Jefferson Scale, personality was assessed using the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure stress levels. Factors associated with empathy were evaluated using t test/ANOVA for categorical variables and correlation for continuous predictors. Results: Mean empathy score was 104.6 ± 16.3. Empathy scores were significantly associated with gender, year of study, mother's level of education, household income, satisfactory relationship with the mother and stress levels. Male medical students in their clinical years also had significantly lower empathy levels. However, factors such as grade point average, desired specialty, marital status of parents, father's educational level and relationship with father were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with levels of empathy. Stress scores were significantly and positively associated with empathy (r = 0.13; p = 0.041). Conclusion: Medical students in Kuwait University had low empathy level and this may be a cause for concern; as such we suggest a possible inclusion of emphasis on empathy in the curriculum.