Primary Stressors Research Articles

Development and feasibility of a virtual, synchronous mind-body resiliency intervention for fathers of children and youth with special healthcare needs

BackgroundFathers of children and youth with special healthcare needs (FCYSHCN) are an overlooked population at risk for chronic stress. Mind-body practices offer a patient-centered approach to foster coping and resiliency, yet low engagement from fathers in existing programs suggests adaptation is needed. This multiphase study examines the feasibility of a synchronous, virtual mind-body intervention adapted for FCYSHCN. Methods31 FCYSHCN were recruited online via community partners and recruitment portals in an academic medical center in Boston, MA. Phase 1 consisted of individual interviews (N = 17) to determine fathers’ stressors, coping strategies, program needs, and suggested adaptations to the intervention protocol. The Phase 2 single arm pilot feasibility trial (N = 14) consisted of eight weekly 60-minute group sessions delivered virtually. Primary feasibility metrics were attendance (benchmark: mean=6 sessions) and electronic survey completion at baseline and post-intervention. Acceptability was assessed using post-session ratings of program satisfaction (4-point Likert scale; scores ≥3 coded as helpful) and helpfulness (e.g., group structure). Exploratory outcomes included validated measures of stress coping, resiliency, parental stress, depression, anxiety, which were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests (alpha=.05) to generate effect sizes (η2). ResultsIn Phase 1, FCYSHCN discussed primary stressors (e.g., perceived inadequacy as a father) and multifaceted impacts of these stressors on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social wellbeing. Fathers also described coping strategies deemed helpful (e.g., humor) and unhelpful (e.g., “shutting down” from others). Qualitative findings informed intervention modifications. In Phase 2, most FCYSHCN (79%) attended ≥ 6 intervention sessions (mean=7). Follow-up survey completion was high (86%). Session satisfaction was high, with 7/8 sessions rated as helpful by most fathers. Program components deemed most helpful were the group structure, virtual delivery, exposure to a variety of relaxation and meditation skills, and the length of sessions. Although we were not powered to observe pre-post change, stress coping improved (p = .02, η2 = 0.42) and confidence increased in applying relaxation (p = .04, η2 = 0.34) and assertiveness techniques (p = .05, η2 = 0.31). ConclusionsThe first mind-body resiliency program for FCYSHCN is feasible and acceptable. Further testing is warranted in randomized trials with diverse samples of fathers, an appropriate comparison arm, and longitudinal assessments of psychosocial and biobehavioral outcomes.

SECONDARY ROLE STRAIN AND GRIEF OF DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVING AS PREDICTORS OF BURDEN

Abstract Services often aim to improve caregiver experiences for dementia family caregivers by addressing challenges in daily care activities and enhancing care quality for care-recipients. Supporting caregivers should not exclusively focus on supporting activities related to direct care provision (e.g., primary stressors), but should also include services that holistically support the caregiver’s well-being. Identifying an individual’s unique needs beyond their caregiving role is crucial; the growing phenomenon of caregiver burnout, burden, and psychosocial struggle includes experiencing a loss of identity, increased desire to escape, and intense role captivity. While some services are more individualized, such as one-on-one therapy, there is an overall gap in caregiver support in secondary domains. The current study examined whether primary stressors (e.g., activities of daily living and everyday care tasks) or secondary stressors (e.g., strain on other relationships and responsibilities) were more predictive of burden in a sample of 46 participants who completed a mixed-method study examining the heterogenous experiences and unmet needs of dementia family caregivers. Analysis shows that interference of the care role with responsibilities to other family (i.e., secondary role strain) and feeling pre-loss grief over their loved one’s illness were significant predictors of greater burden compared to primary stressors. Results indicate the importance of addressing secondary stressors such as pre-loss grief and deterioration of one’s microenvironment (including social support, familial relationships, and identity) in intervention efforts to better enhance quality of life and well-being in dementia care.

STRESSORS OF FILIAL ANXIETY REGARDING ANTICIPATED CARE OF OLDER PARENTS: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE ADULT CHILDREN

Abstract Evidence has shown that the anticipation of providing care for a parent in the future can be anxiety-provoking for adult children, especially for one-child generations in China. Filial anxiety may influence adult children’s transition to the caregiver role and may bring about heightened caregiving stress. However, this phenomenon remains insufficiently studied among Chinese adult children. Drawing on the Stress Process Model and proactive coping theory, this study examined how primary stressors (i.e., parent’s declining health, adverse psychological health, and lack of eldercare resources), anticipatory stressor (i.e., anticipated parental care needs), and psychosocial resources (i.e., sibling number, the value of filial obligation, intergenerational relationship, work stress, and family stress) influenced the multiple domains of filial anxiety (i.e., Filial Anxiety-Ability, Filial Anxiety-Responsibility, and Filial Anxiety-Welfare). A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted with 530 Chinese adult children aged between 26 and 40 years in Shenzhen, China. Descriptive analyses and regression analyses were conducted. Results demonstrated that Chinese adult children experienced a higher level of overall filial anxiety than their Western counterparts and reported a particularly high level of filial anxiety about their parent’s welfare. Adult children with higher work and family stress, with fewer siblings, and whose parents lack eldercare resources were more likely to experience a high level of filial anxiety. This study systematically investigated the multiple stressors of filial anxiety. The findings have implications for the development of effective interventions to reduce adult children’s future caregiving concerns and better prepare them for their older parents’ future care needs.

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN HURRICANE-RELATED STRESSORS AND PERCEIVED STRESS IN A SAMPLE OF PUERTO RICANS

Abstract This project examines the relationship between hurricane-related stressors and perceived stress using data from the latest (third) wave of the Puerto Rican Elder: Health Conditions (PREHCO) study. A total of 617 PREHCO survivors, age 78 and older, were asked questions about their experience with stressors related to hurricane Maria. We assessed self-reported fright felt immediately after the hurricane as a primary stressor. A list of secondary stressors was examined using a principal components analysis (PCA) that yielded three components related to concern over home damage, family/friends, and employment/health. Demographic factors (age, education, race, sex) and length between the hurricane and interview date (conducted 2021-2022) were included in analyses. The majority (97%) of our sample was in Puerto Rico at the time of the hurricane. Approximately 41% of participants reported being “somewhat” or “very” frightened following hurricane Maria and over half of participants reported stressors like home repairs, damage to their neighborhood, and concern about bill payment. Regression analyses revealed higher reported fright immediately following hurricane Maria was associated with higher levels of perceived stress at the time of interview (b=.53, p<.001). In addition, all three secondary stressor components were significantly associated with higher perceived stress in separate models (home damage: b=.44, p<.001; family/friends: b=.40, p<.001; employment/health: b=.31, p<.05). Being female was associated with higher perceived stress across each of the regression models. Results suggest long-lasting relationships between hurricane-related stressors and perceived stress several years later, further implicating the role of these stressors on long-term mental and physical functioning.

Boosting Drought Resistance in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) with the Aid of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Key Phytohormones

Drought is a primary abiotic stressor that markedly impairs pepper growth and quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of foliar applications of phytohormones, including salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and root application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), on severe and moderate drought stress of 38-day-old ‘Anemon F1’ pepper plants. The results showed that drought stress led to a considerable decrease in plant growth parameters, nutrient uptake, leaf water content, and chlorophyll content, and it increased leaf temperature, phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Nevertheless, the combined application of AMF with SA and JA demonstrated substantial synergistic effects, resulting in a notable improvement in the ability to alleviate the detrimental impacts of drought stress. Furthermore, the combined application of AMF and phytohormones exhibited a stronger effect on drought stress compared with the individual application of AMF or phytohormones alone. The application of AMF+SA and AMF+JA not only improves the availability of essential nutrients but also leads to an increase in fresh shoot weight, relative water content, leaf area, and chlorophyll and antioxidant capacity. Consequently, the combined application of SA and JA with mycorrhiza emerged as a promising treatment for enhancing pepper growth under drought-stress conditions. The positive results observed in pepper cultivation through the combined use of phytohormones and mycorrhizae in regions with limited water availability emphasize the importance of investigating the effectiveness of similar approaches in other agricultural crops.

Factors Associated With Working Caregivers' Well-Being: Comparisons Between Black and White Working Caregivers in the United States.

This study investigated stressors and strains, resources, and well-being among Black working caregivers (BWC) and White working caregivers (WWC) who participated in the Midlife in the United States study (Black: n = 49, White: n = 250). Comparisons were made between BWC and WWC for primary caregiving stressors, secondary strains, resources, and well-being, and hierarchical regression models tested associations among these factors. BWC reported less negative work-to-family spillover, more perceived control and religious/spiritual coping, and higher positive affect than WWC, complementing existing evidence of greater resilience among BWC. Secondary strains stemming from the workplace had stronger associations with well-being than primary caregiving stressors, confirming that the workplace deserves greater attention in stress research and interventions for working caregivers. Finally, perceived control, optimism, and family support were important resources for well-being for both BWC and WWC, substantiating their valuable role in interventions for working caregivers.

Mental Well-Being of AIMS Students During the Pre-Pandemic: A Case Study

Using the Qualitative method, 25 AIMS students participated, sharing their mental health perceptions, status, and recommendations through Focus Group Discussions (FGD). Demographics show participants aged 18-22, mostly male, single, and Roman Catholic, with a significant representation from maritime programs. Clinical profiles reveal varied family arrangements, active campus involvement, full study loads, and some engagement in drinking and smoking. Mental health is mostly associated with cognition, with concerns including eating habits, sleep, medical issues, anxiety, and depression. Family-related stressors are primary, leading to emotion-focused coping strategies. Physical/social activities, education, and psycho-spiritual practices are suggested for promoting mental health on campus. The findings inform the development of mental health initiatives for the institution, emphasizing holistic well-being.
 The study findings indicate that mental health, as perceived by these students, predominantly revolves around cognitive aspects. Concerns encompass eating habits, sleep patterns, medical issues, anxiety, and depression. The primary stressors identified are related to family dynamics, leading students to employ emotion-focused coping strategies.
 To promote mental health on campus, students recommend a multifaceted approach encompassing increased participation in physical and social activities, heightened educational efforts and awareness, and the incorporation of psycho-spiritual practices. These insights serve as a foundation for the development of tailored mental health initiatives within the institution, emphasizing the holistic well-being of AIMS students.

Adolescent sources of stress, stress levels, and associations between stress and changes in weight outcomes at the time of COVID-19 related school closure in March 2020

ObjectiveStress is associated with weight changes, yet how level and sources of stress relate to this association is poorly understood. This mixed methods study examined associations between adolescent stress at the COVID-19 pandemic onset and standardized BMI (BMIz) over a three-month period. Methods: Participants (N = 197, mean age 13.66 ± 1.43 years, 85% Hispanic, 56% female) were recruited from a charter school in Texas to participate in a healthy lifestyle intervention during physical education class. We calculated BMIz using height and weight measurements taken December 2019 and the week of COVID-19 school closures in March 2020. We measured stress in March 2020 with the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale. We ran a multiple linear regression model controlling for baseline BMIz (December 2019), age, sex, intervention condition, and assessed the interaction between baseline BMIz and PSS-4 score on BMIz change. ResultsOverall, our sample had an average PSS-4 score of seven and mean BMIz decrease of 0.04 over the three-month period. We observed a significant interaction between PSS-4 score and baseline BMIz. At lower baseline BMIz scores, higher PSS-4 scores were associated with decreases in BMIz over time. There was no significant association at higher baseline BMIz scores. COVID-19 pandemic-related concerns and school performance were the two primary stressors reported. ConclusionsThe relation between stress and weight changes differed based on starting weight status. Future interventions should consider the influence of external stressors on intervention adherence and outcomes.

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and photoprotective activity of standardised Gaultheria procumbens L. leaf, stem, and fruit extracts in UVA-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGaultheria procumbens L. is a polyphenolic-rich medicinal and food plant. Its leaves, stems, and fruits are traditional anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial herbal medicines used to treat internal and external inflammation-related ailments, including rheumatic diseases, influenza, the common cold, fever, and skin and periodontal problems. Moreover, G. procumbens leaf extract is used for skin care as an anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle ingredient. Aim of the studyVarious environmental factors, especially solar ultraviolet radiation, accelerate skin ageing by promoting oxidative stress and inflammation. Despite the dermoprotective and anti-ageing applications, the impact of G. procumbens on human dermal fibroblasts is unknown. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and photoprotective activity of G. procumbens standardised leaf, stem, and fruit extracts in cellular models, including human dermal fibroblasts (Hs68 cells) under UVA-irradiation, the primary pro-ageing skin stressor. Materials and methodsHs68 fibroblasts were pre-treated (24h) with G. procumbens extracts (0.5–100 μg/mL) or reference compounds followed by UVA-irradiation (8 J/cm2). Cell viability and metabolic activity were measured by CCK-8 and MTT assays in human Hs68 and mouse L929 fibroblasts, respectively. The ROS level, SOD, and GST activities were estimated by fluorescence and spectrophotometric techniques. The pro-inflammatory potential (NF-κB transcription factor activation) was checked using THP1-Blue™ NF-κB cells, and the anti-inflammatory activity was studied by measuring IL-8, ICAM-1, and NF-κB levels and phosphorylation of Erk kinase in LPS-stimulated Hs68 cells by spectrophotometry and confocal microscopy. The UVA-induced DNA damage and cell migration were evaluated by comet and scratch assays, respectively. ResultsThe extracts did not affect the metabolic activity of mouse L929 fibroblasts and the viability of unirradiated human Hs68 cells. Additionally, the extracts noticeably enhanced the viability of UVA-irradiated Hs68 cells up to 115–120% (p < 0.001) for stem and leaf extract at 25 μg/mL. All extracts in a wide concentration range (0.5–100 μg/mL) did not activate monocytes or induce the NF-κB transcription factor in LPS-stimulated Hs68 fibroblasts. On the other hand, the extracts (5–25 μg/mL) restored the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, i.e., SOD and GST, up to 120–140% (p < 0.001) in the UVA-irradiated Hs68 cells. Moreover, a statistically significant reduction of ROS, IL-8, ICAM-1, and NF-κB levels by up to 48%, 88%, 43%, and 39%, respectively (p < 0.001) and strong suppression of Erk kinase activation was observed for the extracts (25–50 μg/mL) in LPS-stimulated human fibroblasts. The total DNA damage (% tail DNA) in irradiated Hs68 cells was also strongly decreased by up to 66–69% (p < 0.001) at 50 μg/mL. However, the treatment with the extracts did not relevantly enhance the cell migration of Hs68 fibroblasts. ConclusionsThe results suggest that G. procumbens may effectively protect human skin fibroblast from UVA irradiation. The leaf and stem extracts were the most potent antioxidants, while fruit and stem extracts revealed the strongest anti-inflammatory activity. The observed effects support the traditional use of aerial plant parts (leaves, stems, and fruits) in treating inflammation-related skin disorders cross-linked with oxidative stress and the topical application of Gaultheria extracts as anti-ageing agents intended for skin care.

Burdened but Meaningful?: How Gender Role Attitudes Influence the Complex Links between Care-giver Self-Efficacy, Formal Support Utilisation and Benefit-Finding among Spousal Care-givers

Abstract To foster family caregiving resilience, helping care-givers find benefits to further promoting care-giver and care-recipient well-being has emerged as an efficacious intervention in geriatric social work practice. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study investigates how gender role attitudes influence the complex associations between care-giver self-efficacy, formal support utilisation and benefit-finding among spousal care-givers. A total of 210 spousal care-giver/care-recipient dyads from four Chinese cities participated in a survey from July to August 2021. The survey used the Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale, Caregiver Task Inventory Scale and Gender Role Attitude Scale. Mediation and moderated mediation analysis found that care-giver self-efficacy partially mediated the path of the primary stressor and benefit-finding; formal support utilisation directly moderated the mediated pathways linking primary stressor, care-giver self-efficacy and benefit-finding; and gender role attitudes moderated these intersections. Qualitative analysis revealed that spousal care-givers with high self-efficacy, who used formal support services, and who had modern gender role attitudes found the most benefits in caregiving. The findings also suggested that professionals should recognise the influence of gender role attitudes in spousal caregiving and incorporate this understanding into the development of tailored psychoeducational interventions aimed at promoting care-giver well-being.

Copepod life history evolution under high- and low-food regimes.

Copepods play a critical role in the carbon cycle of the planet - they mediate the sequestration of carbon into the deep ocean and are the trophic link between phytoplankton and marine food webs. Global change stressors that decrease copepod productivity create the potential for catastrophic positive feedback loops. Accordingly, a growing list of studies examine the evolutionary capacity of copepods to adapt to the two primary stressors associated with global change: warmer temperatures and lower pH. But the evolutionary capacity of copepods to adapt to changing food regimes, the third major stressor associated with global change, remains unknown. We used experimental evolution to explore how a 10-fold difference in food availability affects life history evolution in the copepod, Tisbe sp. over 2 years, and spanning 30+ generations. Different food regimes evoked evolutionary responses across the entire copepod life history: we observed evolution in body size, size-fecundity relationships and offspring investment strategies. Our results suggest that changes to food regimes reshape life histories and that cryptic evolution in traits such as body size is likely. We demonstrate that evolution in response to changes in ocean productivity will alter consumer life histories and may distort trophic links in marine foodchains. Evolution in response to changing phytoplankton productivity may alter the efficacy of the global carbon pump in ways that have not been anticipated until now.

Association between short-term exposure to PM2.5 and nasal microbiota dysbiosis, inflammation and oxidative stress: A panel study of healthy young adults

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary environmental stressor and a significant threat to public health. However, the effect of PM2.5 exposure on human nasal microbiota and its pathophysiological implication remain less understood. This study aimed to explore the associations of PM2.5 exposure with indices of nasal microbiota and biomarkers of nasal inflammation and oxidative stress. We conducted a panel study with 75 students in Xinxiang, Henan Province, China, from September to December 2017. Biomarkers of nasal inflammation and oxidative stress including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), 8-epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha (8-epi-PGF2α) and indices of nasal microbiota diversity and phenotypes were measured. Linear mixed-effect models and bioinformatic analyses were performed to assess the association of PM2.5 concentrations with the abovementioned biomarkers and indices. It was found that per 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with increments of 13.15% (95 % CI: 5.53–20.76 %) and 78.98 % (95 % CI: 21.61–136.36 %) in TNF-α on lag2 and lag02. Indices of microbial diversity and phenotypes including equitability, Shannon index, biofilm forming, and oxidative stress tolerant decreased to different extent with the increment in PM2.5. Notably, thirteen differential microbes in Clostridia, Bacilli, and Gammaproteobacteria classes were recognized as keystone taxa and eight of them were associated with TNF-α, IL-6, or 8-epi-PGF2α. Moreover, environmental adaptation was the most critical functional pathway of nasal microbiota associated with PM2.5 exposure. In summary, short-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with nasal inflammation, microbiota diversity reduction, and the microbiota phenotype alterations.

Occupational stress of physicians and nurses in emergency departments after contracting COVID-19 and its influencing factors: a cross-sectional study.

Occupational stress is one of the major occupational health hazards globally. This study investigated the current situation of and factors influencing the occupational stress of physicians and nurses in emergency departments (EDs) after contracting coronavirus disease (COVID-19). An online questionnaire survey was conducted among physicians and nurses in EDs in China between January 5 and 8, 2023. A general descriptive analysis of variables was conducted, the differences in the occupational stress of physicians and nurses in EDs with different characteristics were analyzed using the chi-square test, and factors influencing occupational stress were investigated using generalized ordinal logistic regression. Of the 1924 physicians and nurses in EDs who contracted COVID-19, 64.71% considered their occupational stress high or very high, with overly intense work as the primary stressor. Those with ≥ 10 years of work tenure, working in tertiary hospitals and with higher professional titles were more stressed, while females, nurses, those with a master's degree or higher, and those who continued to work after contracting COVID-19 were less stressed. There were differences in the predictors of occupational stress between physicians and nurses. China's physicians and nurses in EDs had high occupational stress after contracting COVID-19. Attention should be given to the occupational mental health of physicians and nurses in EDs, and training on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection should be strengthened.

Coaching athletes with an intellectual disability at a national championship tournament

Coaching at a national championship tournament is different to coaching across a competitive season. The team and coaches are away from their regular environment and their normal support mechanisms are distant. While much is known about stressors for coaches in high-performance sport, the current study explored how these were manifested during the intensity of a championship tournament and the coping strategies employed by one coach of a selected, intellectually disabled basketball team. This social phenomenological analysis identified four primary stressors, creating unity and development of trust, management of parents, management of inexperienced coaching/support staff, and crisis management of a critical incident. Coping strategies employed during the tournament included planning, time alone for stress-recovery management and working with a qualified expert to manage a critical incident. The temporariness of the tournament brings unique stressors for the coach and a need to manage these quickly and efficiently, especially for athletes with an intellectual disability. The coach identified that it is unlike any other type of competition, as there is absolute consumption on the tournament and a need to create a rhythm to function effectively. The need for all team members to understand their role and responsibility suggests that a collaborative approach to leadership is essential. Failure to adapt to the tournament circumstances can inhibit chances of success.

Mental Health in Farming Communities.

Occupational stressors are causing unprecedented levels of stress, depression, and suicide among our nation's farmers, and little is known about how farmers view their personal stress and potential stress-relieving strategies. The current study used a descriptive qualitative approach to conduct focus groups comprising farmers and farm family members (N = 26). Participants were recruited using a snowball approach based on the investigators' connections to farming communities. Preliminary analysis indicates that primary stressors are: lack of control over many aspects of farming and the public's lack of understanding/appreciation for farming. In addition, two communities identified high levels of anticipatory stressors. Despite these stressors, they continue to farm because of their love for farm life and their generational connection with the land. To decrease farmer stress, participants suggested educating the public about farm life and the impact farming has on the general public, creating social groups for farmers to talk to each other, and sharing the farmer story. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(10), 39-43.].

Stress and Coping Strategies Among Those Affected by Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Epidemic in Sierra Leone, West Africa

Introduction:The 2014-2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa resulted in 28,000 infected and over 10,000 deaths. Sierra Leone was one of the hardest hit countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the coping strategies employed by those most affected by EVD and its related stressors in Sierra Leone.Method:228 EVD-infected individuals, EVD-affected individuals, and community leaders were recruited using purposive maximum variation sampling. Key-informant interviews (n=42) and focus group discussions (n=27) were conducted across five districts in Sierra Leone. Data were analyzed and coded inductively by a team of researchers, using Thematic Content Analysis using NVivo (k=0.80 or above for interrater reliability).Results:Participants described stressors, coping and support on four levels: individual, family, community, and society. On the individual level, theft and spoiled belongings were leading sources of stress while faith and spirituality were main sources of coping and support. On the familial level, lack of financial resources and inability to work emerged as primary stressors, while engaging with family was a main source of support. On the community level, social exclusion emerged as a prominent stressor and community reintegration as a source of support. On the societal level, participants' lack of governmental support and termination of support from NGOs emerged as stressors, and provision of formal material assistance as a source of support.Conclusion:In a widespread public health crisis, understanding people’s perceptions of the most salient stressors and sources of support can inform future responses. In this study, participants experienced stressors and support across multiple levels of the social ecology, such as grief and faith, household financial pressure and kinship care, and formal material resources for survivors. Results also showed the importance of community-led initiatives that addressed material needs, as well as social acceptance and social support.

Ohio Health Care Professionals’ Survey: Work and Home Stressors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unparalleled strain to the United States’ already overburdened health care workforce, and research is just beginning to shed light on its effects. This study sought to document health care pro-vider stressors during the pandemic to inform prevention and intervention strategies to better support their well-being. Methods: A one-time online survey was completed in July and August 2021 by Ohio health care professionals employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed for work and employment status changes and measured the severity of various work and home stressors among respondents who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 12 807). Results: Over a quarter of respondents had a change in work setting, and 59% had an increase in their workload; 20% of respondents were furloughed, laid off, or unemployed at some point during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 37% reported a negative financial impact. The work stressors causing the greatest concern were spreading the virus and insuf-ficient communication from leadership. The primary home stressors were a lack of quality time with family and friends, being too tired when home from work to cook, do chores, etc, and being a supportive, present parent. At least half of the sample scored each of these as moderate, significant, or extreme stressors. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic caused unrelenting stress affecting Ohio health care professionals at work and at home. Prevention and early intervention programs and public policies are required to prevent burnout and better support health care worker well-being.

Predictors of psychoneurological symptoms in cancer caregivers over time: Role of caregiving burden, stress, and patient symptoms.

In cancer patients, stress is associated with a psychoneurologic (PN) symptom cluster of depressed mood, anxiety, pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. The stress of caregiving may trigger similar symptoms among caregivers and warrants investigation. The purpose of this analysis was to characterize correlates of PN symptom burden in cancer caregivers. Cancer patient-caregiver dyads (n = 29) provided eight weekly symptom reports using a web-based survey. Primary and secondary stressors of caregiving were also assessed. Mixed models accounting for repeated measurement were used to assess the between- and within-dyad predictors of caregiver PN symptom burden. The interaction of patient PN symptom burden and stress was tested. Exploratory cross-lagged Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were used to assess the week-to-week interdependence between patient and caregiver symptoms. Caregivers most frequently reported feeling anxious (44% on average across timepoints), sleep problems (31%), fatigue (25%), and depressed mood (24%). Mixed models indicated that within dyads, greater hours of care and more patient symptoms were associated with greater caregiver PN symptom burden. Greater baseline perceived stress was also associated with higher caregiver PN symptom burden and moderated the association between patient and caregiver PN symptom burden. Cross-lagged Actor-Partner Interdependence Models indicated longitudinal interdependence among survivor and caregiver symptom burden. The findings provide preliminary evidence of the interrelationship of PN symptom burden in caregivers and patients and the potential for stress to amplify this interrelationship, with implications for symptom management and supportive care practice.

The effects of secondary stressors, social identity, and social support on perceived stress and resilience: Findings from the COVID-19 pandemic

Primary stressors are direct outcomes of extreme events (e.g., viruses, floodwater) whereas secondary stressors stem from pre-disaster life circumstances and societal arrangements (e.g., illness, problematic pre-disaster policies) or from inefficient responses to the extreme event. Secondary stressors can cause significant long-term damage to people affected but are also tractable and amenable to change. In this study we explored the association between secondary stressors, social identity processes, social support, and perceived stress and resilience. Pre-registered analyses of data from the COVIDiSTRESS Global Survey Round II (N = 14,600; 43 countries) show that secondary stressors are positively associated with perceived stress and negatively associated with resilience, even when controlling for the effects of primary stressors. Being a woman or having lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with higher exposure to secondary stressors, higher perceived stress, and lower resilience. Importantly, social identification is positively associated with expected support and with increased resilience and lower perceived stress. However, neither gender, SES, or social identification moderated the relationship between secondary stressors and perceived stress and resilience. In conclusion, systemic reforms and the availability of social support are paramount to reducing the effects of secondary stressors.

A survey research study of music education faculty: Demographics as related to indicators of job satisfaction and stress

This study examined demographic information for current music education faculty ( N = 136), the factors that seem to influence music education faculty members’ levels of job satisfaction and primary stressors, also by institution type. Simultaneous multiple regression revealed that academic autonomy, collegial support, sleep, parental responsibilities, and certainties of the tenure process affect music education faculty members’ reported levels of job satisfaction and stress. Mean job satisfaction and stress scores for each group by Carnegie institution types were compared using a one-way ANOVA. Significant differences in stress scores between groups suggested that the larger institution group (R1) did not report feeling more stressed about professional responsibilities than the smaller institution group (M1). Analyses of open-ended questions also reinforced the notion that the COVID-19 pandemic increased flexibilities in work and parental responsibilities leading to lower stress levels.