Perceived Stress Questionnaire Research Articles

Validation and application of the Chinese version of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (C-PSQ) in nursing students.

ObjectiveTo translate the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) into Chinese, validate its reliability and validity in nursing students and investigate the perceived stress level of nursing students.MethodForward- and back-translation combined with expert assessment and cross-cultural adaptations were used to construct the Chinese version of the PSQ (C-PSQ). This research adopted a stratified sampling method among 1,519 nursing students in 30 classes of Ningbo College of Health Sciences to assess the reliability and validity of the C-PSQ. Among them, we used the Recent C-PSQ (only the last month).ResultsThe C-PSQ retained all 30 items of the original scale. Principal component analysis extracted five factors that explained 52.136% of the total variance. The S-CVI/Ave was 0.913. Concurrent validity was 0.525 and 0.567 for anxiety and depression respectively. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis were as follows: χ2/df = 4.376, RMR = 0.023, GFI = 0.921, AGFI = 0.907, CFI = 0.916, RMSEA = 0.048, PNFI = 0.832, PGFI = 0.782, CN = 342 and AIC/CAIC = 0.809. The scale’s Cronbach’s alpha was 0.922, and Cronbach’s α of each dimension was 0.899 (worries/tension), 0.821 (joy), 0.688 (overload), 0.703 (conflict), 0.523 (self-realization). The correlation coefficient between the first and second test, the first and third test and the second and third test was 0.725, 0.787 and 0.731, respectively. Mean values and distribution of overall PSQ index in nursing students was 0.399 ± 0.138. Different demographic factors were significantly associated with the perceived stress of nursing students.ConclusionThe C-PSQ has an appropriate reliability and validity, which means that the scale can be used as a universal tool for psychosomatic studies. The perceived stress of nursing students was relatively high. Further studies are needed.

Childhood Trauma, Perceived Stress, and Hair Cortisol in Adults With and Without Cardiovascular Disease.

Childhood trauma has been associated with greater psychological and physical morbidity, including a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This may partially reflect trauma-induced disturbances in how stress is later perceived and regulated. This study evaluated the associations of childhood trauma with perceived stress and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in a large sample of adults with coronary artery disease (CAD) and in non-CVD patients experiencing other nonfatal illnesses. Whether sex, age, or CVD status influenced these associations was also examined. A total of 1124 men and women (aged 65.2 [6.9] years) recruited from a hospital cohort completed the Childhood Trauma and Perceived Stress Questionnaires, whereas hair samples were obtained from 598 participants. Health status was confirmed via medical records. Moderate to severe childhood trauma was experienced by 359 participants. Childhood trauma was associated with greater perceived stress levels for the past 2 years (r = .308, p = .01; β = 0.263, p < .001), but not 3-month cortisol secretion in hair. Perceived stress correlated negatively with age (r = -.241, p < .001). In secondary analyses, age moderated the relation between sexual abuse and perceived stress (β = -0.067, p = .016). Although sexual abuse was associated with greater levels of perceived stress among all participants, this relation was strongest in younger individuals. Participants who experienced trauma in their youth reported greater levels of perceived stress, but not HCC, in late adulthood. Whether this suggests intact hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal regulation in those exposed to childhood trauma or whether this reflects the characteristics of our sample requires further investigation.

The predictive role of health-promoting behaviours and perceived stress in aneurysmal rupture.

To examine the roles of two modifiable factors-health-promoting behaviours and perceived stress-in predicting aneurysmal rupture. Unruptured intracranial aneurysm detection produces significant stress and anxiety in patients because of the risk of rupture. Compared to nonmodifiable risk factors for rupture such as age, gender and aneurysm size/location, less attention has been given to modifiable risk factors. Two modifiable factors, health-promoting behaviours and perceived stress, have hardly been examined as potential predictors of rupture. This study used a cross-sectional design. We assessed 155 patients with intracranial aneurysms-that is, subarachnoid haemorrhage (n=77) or unruptured intracranial aneurysm (n=78)-to examine (i) baseline characteristics (patient and aneurysmal factors), (ii) health-related factors (lifestyle habits and health-promoting behaviour) and (iii) perceived stress levels (psychological stress and physical stress). Patient records provided medical histories and aneurysmal factors; other data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing lifestyle habits, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II to measure health-promoting behaviour and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire to measure perceived-psychological stress and perceived-physical stress levels. Bivariate analysis indicated that aneurysm rupture risk was associated with female gender, aneurysm size/location, defecation frequency, hyperlipidaemia, sedentary time, low Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II mean scores and high perceived-psychological stress scores. After adjusting for known risk factors, the mean Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II and perceived-psychological stress scores remained robust predictors of rupture. Furthermore, known risk factors combined with these scores had greater predictive power than known risk factors alone. Health-promoting behaviour and psychological stress are promising modifiable factors for reducing risk of aneurysmal rupture. Our findings may stimulate greater understanding of mechanisms underlying aneurysmal rupture and suggest practical strategies for nurses to employ in optimising conservative management of rupture risk by teaching patients how to modify their risk. Both health-promoting behaviour and perceived stress should be addressed when designing preventive nursing interventions for patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm.

Differential determination of perceived stress in medical students and high-school graduates due to private and training-related stressors

ObjectiveNumerous studies from diverse contexts have confirmed high stress levels and stress-associated health impairment in medical students. This study aimed to explore the differential association of perceived stress with private and training-related stressors in medical students according to their stage of medical education.MethodsParticipants were high-school graduates who plan to study medicine and students in their first, third, sixth, or ninth semester of medical school or in practical medical training. The self-administered questionnaire included items addressing demographic information, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and items addressing potential private and training-related stressors.ResultsResults confirmed a substantial burden of perceived stress in students at different stages of their medical education. In particular, 10–28% of students in their third or ninth semesters of medical school showed the highest values for perceived stress. Training-related stressors were most strongly associated with perceived stress, although specific stressors that determined perceived stress varied across different stages of students’ medical education. High-school graduates highly interested in pursuing medical education showed specific stressors similar to those of medical students in their third, sixth, or ninth semesters of medical school, as well as stress structures with heights of general stress rates similar to those of medical students at the beginning of practical medical training.ConclusionsHigh-school graduates offer new, interesting information about students’ fears and needs before they begin medical school. Medical students and high-school graduates need open, comprehensive information about possible stressors at the outset of and during medical education. Programmes geared toward improving resilience behaviour and teaching new, functional coping strategies are recommended.

Long-term changes in multimodal intensive tinnitus therapy : A 5‑year follow-up.

We present 5‑year follow-up data for tinnitus-specific and comorbid depressive symptoms as well as stress-related outcome variables of an intensive multimodal 7‑day tinnitus therapy. Tinnitus burden (Tinnitus Questionnaire), stress (Perceived Stress Questionnaire), and depressive symptomatology (General Depression Scale) were measured at the 5‑year follow-up after amultimodal intensive 7‑day intervention. In all, 94patients participated in the study. All outcome variables showed significant improvement at the end of the 7‑day intensive treatment. These effects remained significant after 5years. The results of the present study support the effectiveness of the 7‑day multimodal intensive therapy for tinnitus. Posttreatment improvements were related to both tinnitus burden as well as stress and depressive symptoms and were maintained at the 5‑year follow-up.

Stress levels and its association with self-harm and risk-taking behavior in medical undergraduates.

Background:Medical studies are very challenging. As a result of the demands placed on them, students may be under stress, and this may affect their behavior and performance. Not many Indian studies have delved into this problem.Aim:The aim of the study is to assess the levels of stress and its associated adverse behavioral effects in undergraduate medical students in a tertiary care medical college.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study included medical students from 2nd to 4th year who had given informed consent to participate in the study. Students were assessed with a semi-structured questionnaire, students stress scale (SSS), perceived stress questionnaire, and risk-taking and self-harm (RT and SH) inventory.Results:A total of 405 students (153 males and 252 females) participated in the study. There were no significant differences in the age, perceived family support, religious practices, physical activity, and SSS scores of the male and female students. A significantly higher score was obtained by boys as compared to the girls on the scores of the RT subscale and total score on RT and SH inventory. However, girls obtained significantly higher scores as compared to boys on the perceived stress scale. Among girls, 23.4% reported high stress, 63.5% had moderate stress, and 13.1% reported low stress. Among boys, 11.1% reported high stress, 68.6% had moderate stress, and 20.3% reported low stress. The difference was statistically significant.Conclusions:The majority of Medical undergraduates were under stress; however, the majority perceived themselves to be under moderate stress. Male students had higher scores on RT and SH inventory as compared to females. There is an urgent need to study the causes and devise effective management and preventive measures to avoid the harmful long-term effects of stress on their careers and well-being.

A Survey of Coping Strategies With Stress in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Individuals Without a History of Fixed Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundThis study aimed at investigating the coping strategies with stress in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and individuals without a history of fixed MI and cardiovascular disorders.MethodsThis case-control crossover study was conducted from March 2015 to February 2016 on 220 patients with acute MI (MI patients) as case group and 220 patients without any history of MI and cardiovascular diseases as the control group using availability sampling method. To collect the required data, demographic information questionnaire, Holms-Raheh life stress inventory, perceived stress questionnaire, and coping inventory for stressful situations (CISS) were applied.ResultsOn the basis of our findings, 118 patients (53.6%) with MI used emotion-focused coping strategy. Ninety-seven patients (82.2%) with MI who used emotion-focused coping strategy had negative perceived stress. Additionally, 71 patients (60.2%) with MI who had used emotion-focused coping strategy suffered from very high level of stress.ConclusionThe most MI patients had very high level of stress while most people in control group had high level of stress. Most MI patients that had very high level of stress cope with it in emotion-focused coping strategy and it proves that people with higher levels of stress are more likely to use inefficient coping strategies.

Study the Relationship between Mindfulness with Aggression Perceived stress and social Anxiety in students

This study was aimed to investigate the multiple relationship between mindfulness with aggression, perceived stress and social anxiety. The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational research. To this end, 100 students from high school grade were selected by randomized multistage cluster sampling method. To collect data, the following questionnaires were used: Five-Factor Inventory of Mindfulness, Aggression Scale, Perceived Stress Questionnaire and Social Anxiety Questionnaire with acceptable validity and reliability. The statistical Pearson's correlation coefficient and multivariate regression methods were used to analyze the data, and the Cronbach's alpha approach was used to calculate reliability coefficient. The results showed that mindfulness is correlated with the rate of aggression, perceived stress and social anxiety. Also, the results of regression analysis indicated that each of the predictor variables are to some extent capable to predict the criterion variable variance.

Association of psychological stress with skin symptoms among medical students.

Objectives:To evaluate the association between psychological stress and skin symptoms among medical students.Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out between January and June 2015. Electronic survey consists of Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and Self-Reported Skin Complaints Questionnaire were distributed to all 1435 undergraduate students at College of Medicine, King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Results:Final analysis was performed on data from 529 (36.9%) students. Students were divided into three groups: least stressed students, n=135, PSQ index <0.39; highly stressed students, n=136, PSQ index >0.61; and moderately stressed students, n=258. Older age, female gender, during exam weeks, and fourth and fifth years of medical school (all p<0.01) were associated with the highest perceived stress levels. When compared to least stressed students, highly stressed students suffered from more oily, waxy patches or flakes on scalp (p≤0.0001), dry/sore rash (p≤0.0001), warts (p≤0.0001), pimples (p≤0.0001), itchy skin (p≤0.0001), hands itchy rash (p≤0.0001), hair loss (p≤0.0001), pull-out own hair (p=0.008), scaly skin (p=0.012), troublesome sweating (p=0.016), nails biting (p=0.028), and other rashes on face (p=0.028).Conclusion:Various common skin conditions could appear in context of psychological stress among medical students.

Investigating the Effect of Stress Management Skills Training On Perceived Stress of Family Caregivers of Patients with Heart Failure: A Semi-Experimental Study

Introduction and Objectives: Heart failure affects not only patients’ lives but also caregivers who are considered as the most important source of care for patients and the health care system. Perceived stress, especially during exacerbations period of disease increased. Furthermore, training the stress management skills increases the ability of individuals to reduce stress and adapt to stressful situations; so this study is conducted with the purpose of determining the effect of training stress management skills on perceived stress of family caregivers of patients with heart failure. Materials and methods: This semi-experimental study (before and after) was conducted on 30 patients with congestive heart failure. The sampling was done by access method. Patients were classified into intervention and control groups. Data were collected using Kuhn’s Perceived Stress Questionnaire completed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21. Results: The results of the statistical tests showed that there was no significant relationship between the two groups before intervention, but after the intervention, the mean score of perceived stress in the intervention group decreased from 38.46 to 21.53.In the control group, this mean was changed from 37.20 to 35.00, and these changes in the intervention group were statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion: the training of stress management skills can be effective through improving self-management ability to reduce perceived stress in caregivers of patients with heart failure. Therefore, it is recommended that this training be considered by the authorities in educational centers.

Physical Fitness Levels Do Not Affect Stress Levels in a Sample of Norwegian Adolescents.

Physical inactivity, low physical fitness, and perceived stress during adolescence are presumed to be risk factors for various disorders and subjective health complaints. On the other hand, physical activity and physical fitness, as well as mindfulness qualities, are regarded as prerequisites for health and well-being in children and adolescent, possibly by moderating the negative effects of stress and protecting against stress-related health complaints. Previous studies have suggested gender differences in the relationship between physical activity/physical fitness and psychological variables. The main objective in this study was to evaluate how physical fitness, along with mindfulness qualities (MAAS-A), pain, and BMI, relate to stress (PSQ) in adolescents. Secondary objectives were to explore the relationship between physical fitness, mindfulness (MAAS-A), and BMI more explicitly in the study sample, as well as to evaluate possible gender differences. The cross-sectional sample included 102 Norwegian pupils in 10th grade (15 or 16 years). Study measurements were four items from the Test of Physical Fitness (TPF), the Norwegian version of the four-factor Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), the Norwegian version of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale-Adolescent (MAAS-A), and BMI (recorded in terms of self-reported height and weight). Additionally, pain was measured in terms of localization, number of pain sites, duration, and intensity (Visual analogue scale; VAS). According to the regression analyses, physical fitness could not explain any variation in stress among the adolescents. Nevertheless, there were some negative associations between one stress factor (lack of joy) and components of physical fitness at a group level, possibly influenced by conditions not measured in this study. As opposed to physical fitness, mindfulness qualities, and to some degree gender, seemed to explain variation in stress among the adolescents. None of the physical fitness components were associated to mindfulness (MAAS-A), but some components seemed negatively related to BMI, particularly among the males. Among the females, higher physical fitness (in terms of endurance) seemed related to reduced number of pain sites. Of note, the cross-sectional design did not allow us to determine any causal direction among the variables.

Massage therapy in cortisol circadian rhythm, pain intensity, perceived stress index and quality of life of fibromyalgia syndrome patients

We investigate the effects of a massage therapy program (MTP) in cortisol concentration (CC), intensity of pain, quality of life and perceived stress index of fibromyalgia patients. Volunteers (n = 24, aged 26–55 years) were treated with MT, twice a week for three months. They answered the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ-Br), and collected saliva to evaluate CC before and after the end of each month. The MT had improvement in quality of life, according to the FIQ results, and promoted reduction in PSQ values after the second (PSQ2-0.62 ± 0.04vsPSQ0-0.71 ± 0.04) and third month (PSQ3–0.64 ± 0.04vsPSQ0-0.71 ± 0.04). The MTP also promoted reduction in pain after the third month (MQP-Br1-44.50 ± 2.15vsMQP-Br4–35.38 ± 3.71). Despite PSQ reduction, the CC were not affected by the program. This pilot suggests that this treatment improved quality of life, reduced perceived stress index and pain in these volunteers.

Validation of the Minority Stress Scale Among Italian Gay and Bisexual Men.

The experience of sexual orientation stigma (e.g., homophobic discrimination and physical aggression) generates minority stress, a chronic form of psychosocial stress. Minority stress has been shown to have a negative effect on gay and bisexual men's (GBM's) mental and physical health, increasing the rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and HIV risk behaviors. In conservative religious settings, such as Italy, sexual orientation stigma can be more frequently and/or more intensively experienced. However, minority stress among Italian GBM remains understudied. The aim of this study was to explore the dimensionality, internal reliability, and convergent validity of the Minority Stress Scale (MSS), a comprehensive instrument designed to assess the manifestations of sexual orientation stigma. The MSS consists of 50 items assessing (a) Structural Stigma, (b) Enacted Stigma, (c) Expectations of Discrimination, (d) Sexual Orientation Concealment, (e) Internalized Homophobia Toward Others, (f) Internalized Homophobia toward Oneself, and (g) Stigma Awareness. We recruited an online sample of 451 Italian GBM to take the MSS. We tested convergent validity using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire. Through exploratory factor analysis, we extracted the 7 theoretical factors and an additional 3-item factor assessing Expectations of Discrimination From Family Members. The MSS factors showed good internal reliability (ordinal α > .81) and good convergent validity. Our scale can be suitable for applications in research settings, psychosocial interventions, and, potentially, in clinical practice. Future studies will be conducted to further investigate the properties of the MSS, exploring the association with additional health-related measures (e.g., depressive symptoms and anxiety).

A Randomized Controlled Trial on Functional Relaxation as an Adjunct to Psychoeducation for Stress.

This randomized controlled trial investigated whether adding the psychodynamically based body-oriented psychotherapy “Functional Relaxation” (FR) to psychoeducation (PE) is more effective than PE alone to reduce stress and stress-associated complaints. Eighty-one participants with elevated stress-levels, ≥50 points on the global scale of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), received either 10 sessions of manualized FR + PE (n = 42) or two sessions of manualized PE alone (n = 39) in a group setting. Six FR trainers took part in this study. Stress-level (PSQ) was the primary outcome and secondary outcomes were depression (PHQ-9) and somatization (PHQ-15). Multilevel models for discontinuous change revealed that FR + PE was more helpful to reduce stress-levels than PE from pre-treatment to post-treatment (t0 → t1) as well as from pre-treatment to 6-month follow-up (t0 → t2) (both p < 0.05) with effect sizes (d) being medium for PE (dt0 → t1 = 0.57; dt0 → t2 = 0.67) and large for FR + PE (dt0 → t1 = 1.57; dt0 → t2 = 1.39). Moreover, FR + PE affected depression and somatization more positively than did PE from t0 to t1 as well as from t0 to t2 (all p < 0.05). Effect sizes for depression were small to medium for PE (dt0 → t1 = 0.52; dt0 → t2 = 0.37) and large for FR + PE (dt0 → t1 = 1.04; dt0 → t2 = 0.95). Effect sizes for somatization were small for PE (dt0 → t1 = 0.18; dt0 → t2 = 0.19) and medium to large for FR + PE (dt0 → t1 = 0.73; dt0 → t2 = 0.93). In summary, the combination of FR and PE was more effective than PE alone. The results of the present trial provide first evidence of FR as a potent component of stress interventions. Adding FR to such interventions might better help prevent clinically relevant disorders such as depression or somatization.

Mediators of Food Insecurity and Obesity in Female Heads-of-Household with Children

Background: The prevalence of obesity is a significant issue in the United States. Among vulnerable populations, obesity exists in the presence of household food insecurity; however the mechanisms of the relationship are not well understood. General perceived stress and general self-efficacy were evaluated as mediators of the relationship between food insecurity and obesity in female heads-of-household with children. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design with mediation model testing was used. Subjects (N = 86) were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Core Food Security Module (CFSM), the General Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (SES). Body mass index and waist –to-hip circumference were calculated from measured data. Results: Significant relationships were found between food insecurity and general perceived stress, general perceived stress and obesity, and general self-efficacy and obesity. Mediation models’ testing was not completed due the lack of a significant correlation between food insecurity and obesity. Post hoc analysis was completed using bootstrapping and a revised mediation model process. Conclusion: General perceived stress and general self-efficacy are associated with obesity in female heads-of-household with children who are food insecure. Keywords: Food insecurity, Obesity, Stress, Self-efficacy, Vulnerable populations, Quantitative research, Socioeconomic factors

Mindfulness and compassion-oriented practices at work reduce distress and enhance self-care of palliative care teams: a mixed-method evaluation of an \u201con the job\u201c program

BackgroundMaintaining a sense of self-care while providing patient centered care, can be difficult for practitioners in palliative medicine. We aimed to pilot an “on the job” mindfulness and compassion-oriented meditation training for interdisciplinary teams designed to reduce distress, foster resilience and strengthen a prosocial motivation in the clinical encounter.MethodsOur objective was to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of this newly developed training. The study design was an observational, mixed-method pilot evaluation, with qualitative data, self-report data, as well as objective data (cortisol) measured before and after the program.Twenty-eight staff members of an interdisciplinary palliative care team participated in the 10-week training conducted at their workplace.Measures were the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the somatic complaints subscale of the SCL-90-R, the Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a Goal Attainment Scale that assessed two individual goals. Semi-structured interviews were employed to gain insight into the perceived outcomes and potential mechanisms of action of the training. T-tests for dependent samples were employed to test for differences between baseline and post-intervention.ResultsSignificant improvements were found in two of three burnout components (emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment), anxiety, stress, two emotional regulation competences and joy at work. Furthermore, 85% of the individual goals were attained. Compliance and acceptance rates were high and qualitative data revealed a perceived enhancement of self-care, the integration of mindful pauses in work routines, a reduction in rumination and distress generated in the patient contact as well as an enhancement of interpersonal connection skills. An improvement of team communication could also be identified.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the training may be a feasible, effective and practical way of reducing caregiver-distress and enhancing the resources of palliative care teams.

Bengali questionnaire validation among geriatric population visiting homeopathic hospital and subsequent open observational trial evaluating effectiveness of homeopathic treatment

AimsThe authors intend to develop translated Bengali questionnaires measuring depression, stress, mindfulness and quality of life among geriatric population seeking homeopathic care and to examine effectiveness of homeopathic treatment subsequently in the said conditions by an open, observational trial. MethodsA mixed method bi-phasic study – a cross-sectional validation study in the first phase, followed by open, observational trial in the second phase was conducted using 4 translated questionnaires – Geriatric Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, and Quality of Life Scale. Hamilton’s Anxiety Scale was physician-administered; hence translation, further validation and testing cross-cultural adaptability was unnecessary. ResultsTotal 110 geriatric patients were enrolled; 60 suffered from depression, 86 from stress, 59 from anxiety. Exploratory principal component analysis using varimax rotation provided indications for construct validity. Questionnaires were internally consistent (Cronbach’s α 0.745–0.926); with acceptable concurrent validity (Pearson’s r 0.552–0.884). After the questionnaires were found valid by psychometric evaluation, the subsequent open observational trial for 3 months demonstrated individualized homeopathic treatment to be effective for the said conditions by changing the questionnaire scores significantly (P<0.001; Cohen’s d 0.568–1.499). ConclusionThe questionnaires appeared valid and reliable. Effect sizes were promising, forming basis of up-taking efficacy trials. Limited generalizability of treatment effects necessitates cautious interpretation. Trial registration: CTRI/2015/06/005927.

Occupation or Home: Comparison Housewives and Working Women in the Variables of Stress, Depression and Perception of Quantitative, Mental and Emotional Home Demands

In recent years, the employment rate of women, particularly in the service sector has been increasing and at the same time, researchers interested on the psycho-social consequences of women’s employment especially on health. This study compared housewives and working women in terms of stress, depression and perception quantitative, mental and emotional home demands. For this purpose, a sample consists of 94 working women and 94 housewives among Isfahan women selected via convenience sampling and completed warttig et al. perceived stress questionnaire, Beck Depression II and peters et al. home demands questionnaire. Results revealed that working women perceived more depression and quantitative and mental home demands, but no differences between working women and housewives in terms of stress and emotional home demands. According to effort-recovery model, it seems that the pressures of work and family role, especially time pressure means that despite the positive role of work in working women, they were psychologically vulnerable because of the multiplicity of tasks. The results highlight the importance of culture in terms of the role of men in the house, especially in the case of families who identify working women.

Mental Stress of Professionals in Residential Care for Children and Adolescents

An increasingly important issue is the mental strain of professionals in residential care for children and adolescents. However, only few studies investigate mental strain and overload of professionals in an educational context in general and even less in youth welfare institutions. The goal of this study was to examine mental strain experiences of professionals with the "Perceived Stress Questionnaire" (PSQ) in youth welfare institutions, as well as to investigate the relationship between age, duration of employment in this work environment and gender of participants. A total of 426 care providers participated in the online survey. The results tend to show higher stress levels among younger professionals and significantly higher values in tension compared to older employees, but no effect of gender. Furthermore, there is no relation between stress experience and duration of employment in this work environment, but a significant correlation between a feeling of security from violence in this institution and stress level. The total score for stress experience of professionals is similar to that of healthy adults, while in the subscales compared to the norm sample professionals show higher scores on requirements in terms of deadlines and time pressure as well as on tension. The results indicate a high vulnerability of young professionals, which could be addressed by institutional interventions. More studies are needed to clarify causal relationships.

The perceived stress and approach to learning effects on academic performance among Sudanese medical students.

BackgroundThere is an increasing awareness of the perceived stress and approach to learning effects on academic achievement.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the educational environment and approach to learning in clinical phase medical students.MethodsThis comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among fifty-nine clinical stage medical students at Omdurman Islamic University (Khartoum, Sudan) during the period from June to August 2016. All the participants signed a written informed consent, then responded to a structured questionnaire to collect demographic data, the two process study questionnaires and the perceived stress questionnaire. The ethical committee of Omdurman Islamic University approved the research, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to compare the students based on sex, class, and their grades. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22, using descriptive statistics and t-test.ResultsThere were fifty-nine medical students, of whom 41.5% were males with a mean age of 22.62±1.84 years. Stress was evident in the majority of medical students (88.1%). The students are using the deep approach to learning more than the superficial approach (The total score was 29.49±6.39 for the deep approach, while it was 20.81±6.94 for the superficial approach). In the current study, no differences were found regarding sex, class, or grades apart from the superficial approach which was used less among women.ConclusionThe perceived stress was prevalent among medical students in Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan, the students used the deep approach to learning more than the superficial, no differences were evident in the perceived stress and the learning approach in relation to sex, class level or grades apart from less superficial approach among women.