Self-reported Psychological Stress Research Articles

The Relationship Between Self-Reported Sleep Quality and Psychological Health in Undergraduates During the Home Quarantine of COVID-19

The present study aimed to investigate self-reported sleep quality and psychological well-being, specifically anxiety, depression and stress, in undergraduate students during home quarantine. A total of 7,364 students participated and completed the PSQI and DASS-21 scales. The results showed that higher-grade students were more likely to have mental health problems compared to their lower-grade students. Additionally, male students reported better sleep quality than females, and high-grade students reported more sleep problems than low-grade students. Significant correlations were observed between PSQI scores and stress, anxiety and depression scores (r=0.469, 0.458, 0.408, p＜0.01). Specifically, the PSQI score explained 22.0%, 21.0% and 16.6% of the variance in stress, anxiety and depression scores respectively. In conclusion, gender and grade differences in sleep and mental health were evident, with female students reporting lower sleep quality than males, and high-grade students experiencing worse sleep quality and mental health than their low-grade students.

Long-Term Effects of Child Early Surgical Ventricular Septal Defect Repair on Maternal Stress.

The ventricular septal defect (VSD) represents the most common congenital heart defect (CHD). The diagnosis of and cardiac surgery for their child's VSD are highly stressful experiences for parents; especially mothers, who are at risk of developing long-lasting stress-related symptoms. This study examined long-term alterations in maternal stress including self-reported psychological and biophysiological stress levels in a case-control design. We investigated 24 mothers of children with an isolated, surgically corrected VSD compared to non-affected controls. Maternal self-reports on psychopathology, everyday stress, parenting stress and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) were measured during children's primary school age (6-9 years, t1) and early adolescence (10-14 years, t2). In maternal self-reports, psychopathology and stress symptoms in the VSD-group and controls were comparable at t1, whereas at t2, mothers in the VSD-group even showed a decrease in psychopathology. Maternal HCC levels in the VSD-group were significantly lower (hypocortisolism) than HCC levels of controls at t1. This effect was no longer observed at t2 reflecting an approximation of HCC levels in the VSD-group to controls' levels. This study highlights the potential for improved stress hormone balance and psychological well-being in mothers following their child's surgical VSD repair. However, the need for parent-centered interventions is discussed, particularly during peri-operative phases and in early child developmental stages.

Exploring the Potential Association Between Self-Reported Psychological Stress and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease in Midlife: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Psychological stress is associated with dementia risk. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This cross-sectional study examined the association between self-reported psychological stress and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and neurodegeneration in 73 cognitively unimpaired middle-aged adults from the Healthy Brain Project (mean age = 58±7 years). Linear regression analyses did not reveal any significant associations of psychological stress with CSF amyloid-β42, phosphorylated tau-181, total tau, or neurofilament light chain. Cohen's f2 effect sizes were small in magnitude (f2≤0.08). Further research is needed to replicate our findings, particularly given that the sample reported on average low levels of stress.

Perceived stress and markers of ovarian reserve among subfertile women

Research questionIs self-reported psychological stress associated with markers of ovarian reserve among subfertile women? DesignObservational study of women (n = 520) seeking fertility care at the Massachusetts General Hospital who enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health study between 2005 and 2019. Women completed the short version of the validated PSS4, which assesses psychological stress. Ovarian reserve markers included AFC and circulating serum levels of day-3 FSH, with AMH assessed in a subset of participants (n = 185). ResultsHigher total PSS4 scores were negatively associated with AFC and serum AMH levels. Analyses adjusted for age, BMI, race, smoking, education, physical activity and type of infertility diagnosis. Women in the second and third tertiles of stress had lower AFC (13.3, 95% CI 12.7 to 13.8; and 13.5, 95% CI 13.0 to 14.1) compared with women in the lowest tertile of psychological stress score (14.3, 95% CI 13.8 to 14.9, both P < 0.05). Women in the second and third tertiles of total PSS4 scores also had lower mean serum AMH compared with women in the lowest tertile (2.99, 95% CI 2.24 to 3.74), and (2.99 95% CI 2.22 to 3.76) versus (3.94 95% CI 3.23 to 4.64). These associations varied by several socioeconomic factors, and were observed among women who were younger, belonging to minority races, with a college degree or with annual household income less than $100,000. ConclusionsHigher perceived stress was negatively associated with AFC and serum AMH levels. These associations varied by several socioeconomic factors.

S-Klotho level and physiological markers of cardiometabolic risk in healthy adult men.

S-Klotho is perceived as a biomarker of healthy aging that has been shown to be inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk in elderly individuals. The aim of this study was to test if s-Klotho level is associated with cardiometabolic risk markers in younger healthy men in order to verify the possible role of s-Klotho level as an early marker of cardiometabolic risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 186 healthy men (Mage=35.33, SDage=3.47) from a Western urban population. Serum basal levels of s-Klotho, lipid profile, homocysteine, glycemia markers, C-reactive protein, liver transaminases and creatinine were evaluated. Also, blood pressure was measured and cardiometabolic risk score and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Testosterone and cortisol levels, self-reported psychological stress, physical activity, smoking in the past, alcohol use and body adiposity were controlled for. We found no relationship between levels of s-Klotho and physiological markers of cardiometabolic risk in the studied population. The results were similar when controlled for adiposity, testosterone level, physical activity, alcohol use and smoking in the past. We suggest that s-Klotho level is not an early marker of cardiometabolic risk in younger middle-aged healthy men.

Impact of a Mobile App on Paramedics' Perceived and Physiologic Stress Response During Simulated Prehospital Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Study Nested Within a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundOut-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) are stressful, high-stake events that are associated with low survival rates. Acute stress experienced in this situation is associated with lower cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance in calculating drug dosages by emergency medical services. Children are particularly vulnerable to such errors. To date, no app has been validated to specifically support emergency drug preparation by paramedics through reducing the stress level of this procedure and medication errors.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the effectiveness of an evidence-based mobile app compared with that of the conventional preparation methods in reducing acute stress in paramedics at the psychological and physiological levels while safely preparing emergency drugs during simulated pediatric OHCA scenarios.MethodsIn a parent, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of 14 emergency medical services, perceived and physiologic stress of advanced paramedics with drug preparation autonomy was assessed during a 20-minute, standardized, fully video-recorded, and highly realistic pediatric OHCA scenario in an 18-month-old child. The primary outcome was participants’ self-reported psychological stress perceived during sequential preparations of 4 intravenous emergency drugs (epinephrine, midazolam, 10% dextrose, and sodium bicarbonate) with the support of the PedAMINES (Pediatric Accurate Medication in Emergency Situations) app designed to help pediatric drug preparation (intervention) or conventional methods (control). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Visual Analog Scale questionnaires were used to measure perceived stress. The secondary outcome was physiologic stress, measured by a single continuous measurement of the participants’ heart rate with optical photoplethysmography.ResultsFrom September 3, 2019, to January 21, 2020, 150 advanced paramedics underwent randomization. A total of 74 participants were assigned to the mobile app (intervention group), and 76 did not use the app (control group). A total of 600 drug doses were prepared. Higher State-Trait Anxiety Inventory–perceived stress increase from baseline was observed during the scenario using the conventional methods (mean 35.4, SD 8.2 to mean 49.8, SD 13.2; a 41.3%, 35.0 increase) than when using the app (mean 36.1, SD 8.1 to mean 39.0, SD 8.4; a 12.3%, 29.0 increase). This revealed a 30.1% (95% CI 20.5%-39.8%; P<.001) lower relative change in stress response in participants who used the app. On the Visual Analog Scale questionnaire, participants in the control group reported a higher increase in stress at the peak of the scenario (mean 7.1, SD 1.8 vs mean 6.4, SD 1.9; difference: −0.8, 95% CI −1.3 to −0.2; P=.005). Increase in heart rate during the scenario and over the 4 drugs was not different between the 2 groups.ConclusionsCompared with the conventional method, dedicated mobile apps can reduce acute perceived stress during the preparation of emergency drugs in the prehospital setting during critical situations. These findings can help advance the development and evaluation of mobile apps for OHCA management and should be encouraged.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03921346; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03921346International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.1186/s13063-019-3726-4

Psychological stress and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam: A cross-sectional study.

In low and middle-income countries, the manually operated municipal waste collection system prominently depended on the performance of waste collectors (WC). Most of the literature has focused on the impact of waste collection tasks on WCs' physical health, while little was known about the psychological effects of work-related stress. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of psychological stress and related factors among waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 802 WCs in 2017. The questionnaire included the 7-item Stress component of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and questions on demographics and work conditions. Descriptive and multivariate logistics regression analyses were conducted to examine the factors related to psychological stress among WCs. Results showed that 13.4% of WCs reported stress symptoms; among them, 3.3% of WCs experienced severe stress. Factors related to lower odds of self-reported psychological stress included self-perceived frequent exposure to high and low temperatures in the working environment (OR = 0.51 and 0.52, respectively). Factors associated with the increased likelihood of symptoms included frequent exposure to hot/flammable objects (OR = 2.41), working a night shift in the last three months (OR = 1.82), education lever lower than high school (OR = 1.82), and having an insufficient monthly income (OR = 1.99). The high percentage of workers with severe stress implies the need for mental health prevention and treatment for WCs who participated in this study.

Association between dry eye disease, self-perceived health status, and self-reported psychological stress burden

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance: Dry eye disease is a common chronic ocular condition, which is acknowledged to have adverse impacts on quality of life and work productivity. Background: The wide-reaching impacts of dry eye disease on mental health and quality of life have received growing attention in recent years. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the relationship between dry eye disease, self-perceived health status, and self-reported psychological stress burden. Methods: Three hundred and twelve community residents (178 females, 134 males; mean ± SD age, 38 ± 21 years) with no major systemic, ophthalmic, or psychiatric conditions (other than dry eye disease), were recruited in a cross-sectional study. Self-perceived health status and self-reported psychological stress burden were assessed, and dry eye symptomology, ocular surface characteristics, and tear film quality were evaluated for each participant within a single clinical session, in accordance with the global consensus recommendations of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II reports. Results: Multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, and contact lens wear, demonstrated that improved self-perceived health status was associated with decreased odds of dry eye disease, aqueous tear deficiency and meibomian gland dysfunction (all p < 0.05). Increased self-reported psychological stress burden was positively associated with dry eye disease, aqueous tear deficiency and meibomian gland dysfunction (all p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Dry eye disease is associated with poorer self-perceived health status and greater self-reported psychological stress burden. The findings of this study highlight the wide-reaching impacts of dry eye disease, and the importance of minimising the impacts of the condition with optimised management and actioning inter-disciplinary referral for affected patients where necessary.

Impact of maternal prenatal psychological stress on birth weight.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of prenatal maternal stress on birth weight using a large cohort of predominantly White women living in an urban area. Women were recruited between 2005 and 2010. Data collection took place between the 24th and the 28th week of gestation. The Measure of Psychological Stress (MSP-9), a validated tool to assess stress symptoms, was used to collect data on prenatal maternal stress (independent variable). Birth weight (dependent variable) was classified as low birth weight (<2,500 g), normal birth weight (2,500-4,000 g), and macrosomia (>4,000 g). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were obtained after performing multivariate logistic regressions adjusted for potential cofounders. At the final stage, 5,721 women were included in analysis. When compared with women experiencing low stress, participants with high stress scores were at increased risk of delivering a newborn with low birth weight before adjustment (OR = 2.06, 95% CI [1.04, 4.09]), but after adjustment, only a nonsignificant trend remained. However, women experiencing intermediate and high levels of stress were at increased risk of delivering a newborn with macrosomia, even after adjustment (aOR = 1.23, [1.02, 1.49]) and (aOR = 1.76, [1.11, 2.77]) compared to those who scored low on the psychological stress scale. Women exposed to high psychological stress during the second trimester (24th to 28th weeks) of pregnancy have a 1.8-fold increased risk for delivering a newborn with macrosomia when compared to women exposed to low psychological stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Understanding the relationships among individual-based momentary measured noise, perceived noise, and psychological stress: A geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) approach.

This study aims to understand how the relationship between individual-based noise exposure and psychological stress is influenced by perceived noise and context. Using geographic ecological momentary assessment, along with activity-travel diaries, GPS tracking, and portable noise sensors, this study collected real-time data of individuals' daily movement, noise exposure, and self-reported noise perception and psychological stress. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the direct and indirect pathways among context, momentary measured noise, perceived noise, and psychological stress. The study finds that momentary measured noise influences psychological stress through the mediating effect of perceived noise. Further, different activity and travel, social, and temporal contexts significantly influence people's momentary measured noise, perceived noise, and psychological stress. These findings advance our understanding of specific contexts, individual-based objectively measured and subjectively perceived environmental exposures, and their effects on psychological health at a high spatiotemporal resolution.

SAT-641 Self-Reported Psychological Stress and Glucose Variability in Type 1 Diabetes on Sensor Augmented Pump over 5 Weeks

Introduction: Patients and their families and medical providers have assumed that psychologic stress impacts glucose control in T1D (Type 1 Diabetes) though studies providing confirmatory evidence in real world settings are, to our knowledge, lacking. We hypothesized that self-reported psychologic stress worsens glucose control in T1D. Method: We studied 20 adults with T1D on continuous glucose monitor (CGM), sensor augmented insulin pump (SAP) prospectively at 2 clinical research centers. Patients reported psychological stress through stress diaries for 5 weeks on a severity scale of 1-7 using hard copy logs including time of onset and offset of stress and severity. For analytic purpose, grades 1-4 are classified as mild and grades 5-7 as severe. Results: Baseline characteristics were age 44.9±15.0 years, F/M 12/8, HbA1c 6.8 ± 0.7%, and diabetes duration of 22.9±15.9 years. We analyzed glucose variability during days of stress versus days without stress. During a 24 hour period, patients experienced less hypoglycemia during days with stress versus days without stress (p value 0.03). During the 5 week period, patients reported 23 ± 19.5 events. We analyzed the impact of self-reported stress on CGM data streams after excluding stress events associated with missing CGM data, nocturnal events (from 12 MN to 6 AM, too few events) and events for which subjects did not provide duration of stress. Thus, we analyzed 19.5 ± 17 events per patient from 6AM to 12MN. From 6 AM to 12 MN, the episodes lasted 179 ± 255 minutes with 83 % episodes being mild/moderate and 17% moderate/ severe. Number of CGM readings during daytime stress episodes were 717± 1120 compared to 8768± 1238 during non-stress periods. Impact of stress from 6 AM to 12 MN (Mid-Night) on CGM glucose was analyzed using matched paired t test. Mean glucose (160.6±41.9 vs 148.3± 28.6) and SD (53.2 ±17.7 vs 56.1±14.6) did not show a difference; however % of time spent below 70 mg/dl was less (4 ± 5) in patients during stressful periods compared to times without stress (6.3± 5.5, P value 0.02). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study attempting to analyze the impact of self-reported stress using daily stress diaries on CGM data streams in T1D patients on SAP. The study revealed significant challenges experienced by patients in reporting adequate data. Self-reported stress was not associated with hyperglycemia. However, days of self-reported stress and periods during patients reported stress were characterized by less hypoglycemia on CGM data streams.

Superoxide imbalance triggered by Val16Ala‐SOD2 polymorphism increases the risk of depression and self‐reported psychological stress in free‐living elderly people

BackgroundOxidative stress and chronic inflammatory states triggered by a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in superoxide dismutase manganese‐dependent gene (Val16Ala‐SOD2) have been associated with the risk of developing several chronic, nontransmissible diseases. However, it is still not clear whether the VV‐SOD2 genotype that causes higher basal superoxide anion levels has any impact on the risk for depression and self‐reported psychological stress in elderly people.MethodsIn the present study, we tested this hypothesis using a case‐control study where depression was detected using the Geriatric Depression Scale‐15 (GDS‐15). A total of 612 Brazilian free‐living elderly subjects with a mean age of 67.1 ± 7.1 years old (number of controls, C = 497, and depressive individuals, D = 115) were included in this study. All participants had similar social, health, and lifestyle variables, with the exception of polypharmacy (≥5 medicines daily intake), which was higher in the D group, compared to C subjects.ResultsOur results showed that the VV‐SOD2 genotype significantly increased the risk for depression and psychological stress in the elderly subjects, independently of sex/gender, age, and other prior diseases and health indicators (depression risk = 1.842, 1.109–3.061 95% CI, p = .018). VV‐subjects also had a higher daily intake of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and anti‐inflammatory drugs than A‐allele subjects.ConclusionOur findings support the hypothesis that genetically induced oxidative superoxide‐hydrogen peroxide imbalance may be involved in an increased risk for developing depression and psychological stress in free‐living elderly people without other chronic nontransmissible diseases.

Distraction-focused interventions on examination stress in nursing students: Effects on psychological stress and biomarker levels. A randomized controlled trial.

Nursing students all over the world experience high levels of stress with negative impacts on their health, emotional state and performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of distraction-focused interventions on examination stress and anxiety in nursing students. A randomized controlled, parallel trial design was conducted from January to June 2016. After baseline measurement, 72 participants were randomized to one of the following groups (n = 18 each): (i) animal-assisted therapy; (ii) music therapy; (iii) mandala painting; (iv) control group. Outcomes of all groups in terms of stress-reduction were compared by measuring self-reported perceived stress (STAI-State and visual analogue stress scale) and salivary biomarker levels (Cortisol and Immunoglobulin A). Fifty-seven complete data sets (n = 12-16 for each group) were analysed. All distraction-focused interventions showed stress and anxiety reduction in everyday school situations. By contrast, on days with examinations, stress reductions did not reach statistical significance in regard to self-reported psychological stress. At the same time, interventions resulted in significantly decreased levels of stress biomarkers (P < .001). Our preliminary findings suggest positive but situation-dependent effects of distraction-focused interventions in academic settings. Further research should investigate the complex relationship between physiological and psychological stress parameters.

Maternal psychological stress moderates diurnal cortisol linkage in expectant fathers and mothers during late pregnancy

Using data from a large international sample (N = 385) of first-time expectant parents, the current analysis investigated whether parents demonstrated diurnal cortisol linkage in late pregnancy and whether self-reported psychological stress moderated this linkage. At approximately 36 weeks gestation, mothers and fathers collected saliva samples in their home at three times on two consecutive days and reported on their psychological stress. Results from multilevel models indicated that there was significant positive within-couple diurnal cortisol linkage on average for the whole sample. However, this linkage was moderated by maternal self-reported psychological stress. Specifically, for couples with higher maternal psychological stress, cortisol linkage was strong. Conversely, for couples with lower maternal psychological stress, maternal and paternal cortisol were unrelated. These findings suggest that among higher-maternal-stress couples, lower paternal cortisol may buffer maternal cortisol, whereas higher paternal cortisol may amplify maternal cortisol. Our results support the idea that interpersonal psychological and physiological stress in close relationships is interdependent and mutually influenced. Further, our findings contribute to the field’s understanding of interpersonal processes during pregnancy, which may have health-related implications in the prenatal and postnatal periods for both parents and the developing child.

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature.

Visitation to natural environments has been linked to psychological stress reduction. Although most stress-related research has relied on self-report formats, a growing number of studies now incorporate biological stress-related hormones and catalysts, such as cortisol and α-amylase, to measure levels of stress. Presented here is a protocol to examine the effects on levels of biophysical and psychological stress following visitation to three different locations with differing levels of nature. Biophysical and self-reported psychological stress levels are measured immediately upon entering the selected locations and just prior to the visitors leaving the site. Using a "drool"method, the biophysical measure consists of 1-2 mL samples of saliva provided by study subjects upon entry to one of three study locations. As prescribed by extant literature, the saliva is collected within a 45 minute time frame following the end of the visitor's engagement at the location. Following saliva collection, the samples are labeled and transported to a biological lab. Cortisol is the biophysical variable of interest in this study and measured using an ELISA process with a TECAN plate reader. To measure self-reported stress, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), which reports levels of worry, tension, joy, and perceived demands. Data are collected at all three sites in the late afternoon through early evening. When compared across all three settings, stress levels, as measured by both the biological markers and self-reports, are significantly lower after visitation to the most natural setting.

937-P: Self-Reported Acute Psychological Stress Is Associated with CGM-Based Hyperglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes

Objective: There have been no clear data describing the association between acute psychological stress and glycemic variability (GV) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Patients self-report that acute stress leads to hyperglycemia. Methods: Twenty adults with T1D on CGM augmented insulin pump completed self-reported psychological stress diaries for a period of 5 weeks at 2 clinical research centers. Participants reported intensity of stress on a 7-point scale, with 1 indicating mild stress and 7 severe stress, and duration of each stress episode. CGM data were analyzed for week 1 and week 5. Results: Baseline characteristics were age 44.9±15.0 years, F/M 12/8, HbA1c 6.8±0.7%, and diabetes duration 22.9±15.9 years. Total number of stress events reported was 126 over the two-week period. Subjects reported stress on average of 9±2.2 days representing 64.2%±28.2% of days. GV was compared on days of stress vs. days without stress for each subject. Mean BG did not differ; however, % time spent above 250 mg/dl was less in patients who did not report stress events during the day (6.1± 9.8%) compared to patients with stressful episodes (10.1±17.6%) (p=0.02) (Table). Discussion: Acute stress in patients with T1D was associated with certain measures of GV. We are currently analyzing GV based on duration and intensity of stress and the time between reported stress and change in glucose. Disclosure V. Dadlani: None. J.E. Pinsker: Research Support; Self; Ascensia Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Inc., Insulet Corporation, LifeScan, Inc., Roche Diabetes Care, Tandem Diabetes Care. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Tandem Diabetes Care. K. Kumari: None. C.C. Andre: None. M. Cescon: None. C. Reid: None. S.K. McCrady-Spitzer: None. P. Thapa: None. M. Church: None. D. Choudhary: None. F.J. Doyle: Consultant; Self; ModeAGC. Other Relationship; Self; Insulet Corporation. E. Dassau: Consultant; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Insulet Corporation. Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc., DreaMed Diabetes, Ltd., Insulet Corporation, Roche Diabetes Care, Tandem Diabetes Care, Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Roche Diabetes Care. Other Relationship; Self; ModAGC. Y.C. Kudva: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc. Other Relationship; Self; Dexcom, Inc., Roche Diabetes Care, Tandem Diabetes Care. Funding JDRF; The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (2-SRA-2017-503-M-B); Dexcom, Inc. (IIS-2017-043)

Impact of First Exposure to High Fidelity Simulation on Self-Reported Psychological Stress Levels amongst EMS Students in Pune, India

Impact of First Exposure to High Fidelity Simulation on Self-Reported Psychological Stress Levels amongst EMS Students in Pune, India

Stress Outcomes of Four Types of Perceived Interruptions.

Objective We sought to define and measure four types of perceived interruptions and to examine their relationships with stress outcomes. Background Interruptions have been defined and measured in a variety of inconsistent ways. No study has simultaneously examined the subjective experience of all types of interruptions. Method First, we provide a synthesized definition and model of interruptions that aligns interruptions along two qualities: origin and degree of multitasking. Second, we create and validate a self-report measure of these four types of perceived interruptions within two samples (working undergraduate students and working engineers). Last, we correlate this measure with self-reported psychological and physical stress outcomes. Results Our results support the four-factor model of interruptions. Results further support the link between each of the four types of interruptions (intrusions, breaks, distractions, and a specific type of ruminations, discrepancies) and stress outcomes. Specifically, results suggest that distractions explain a unique portion of variance in stress outcomes above and beyond the shared variance explained by intrusions, breaks, and discrepancies. Conclusion The synthesized four-factor model of interruptions is an adequate representation of the overall construct of interruptions. Further, perceived interruptions can be measured and are significantly related to stress outcomes. Application Measuring interruptions by observation can be intrusive and resource intensive. Additionally, some types of interruptions may be internal and therefore unobservable. Our survey measure offers a practical alternative method for practitioners and researchers interested in the outcomes of interruptions, especially stress outcomes.

The relationship between self-reported childhood adversities, adulthood psychopathology and psychological stress markers in patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundChildhood adversity is a well-established risk factor for the development of schizophrenia. In particular, there is evidence that childhood adversity increases the occurrence of positive symptoms, possibly through glucocorticoid influences on dopaminergic neurotransmission. AimsTo compare levels of childhood trauma in schizophrenia patients vs. healthy control persons, and to study the association between childhood adversity and the symptomatology of adulthood schizophrenia, as well as subjective and biological markers of psychological stress. MethodsThirty-seven patients fulfilling ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia and 39 healthy control persons filled out the comprehensive Childhood Abuse and Trauma Scale (CATS). Data were analyzed after a data-driven dichotomization into two groups of either high or low CATS score in patients and controls, respectively. The psychopathology of the patients was measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and analyzed by a five-factor PANSS model. Measures of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis activity (9AM plasma cortisol and daytime salivary cortisol output) were recorded. ResultsAs expected, patients had significantly higher total CATS scores than the control persons (>3-fold, P<0.001), reflecting significantly higher scores across all subscales of the CATS. In patients, the total PANSS score did not significantly differ between the high and the low CATS score group (P=0.2). However, there was a statistically significant higher level of positive symptoms in the high CATS group (P=0.014), and no difference in other psychopathological domains. Correspondingly, when using the CATS score as a continuous variable, a strong association with positive PANSS scores was found (P=0.009). The high CATS score group showed higher levels of perceived stress (P=0.02), but there was no difference between the high vs. low CATS group in HPA-axis activity. ConclusionAlthough causal inferences cannot be made from this cross-sectional study, the study adds support to the suggestion that childhood adversity specifically increases the occurrence of positive symptoms in adulthood schizophrenia in a manner that appears to leave HPA-axis activity unaltered.

Self-reported psychological stress among men and semen quality in a prospective, preconception cohort

Background: Semen quality is frequently used as a marker for male reproductive health, and psychological stress has been shown to affect the body systemically, causing disruptions in the autonomic and neuroendocrine systems, among others. Objective: Examine associations between self-reported daily stress and semen quality parameters among men trying to conceive. Methods: A prospective, preconception cohort of 183 heterosexual couples (women 18–35, men 18–40), without known infertility or subfertility, were recruited. Women observed cervical mucus to identify an estimated day of ovulation and fertile window (FW). Men recorded self-perceived stress daily on a scale from 0 (none) to 10 (high) during the woman’s FW. Semen samples were collected using a semen collection device after the FW and were frozen in the home freezer. 85 men having at least one semen sample and recorded stress measures were analyzed. Intrapersonal variability, which quantifies a man’s deviation from his own baseline stress, was calculated in addition to mean stress. Linear mixed-effects models for repeated measurements were used to estimate associations. Results: The geometric mean (GM) of the total sperm count was 161.4 (95% CI: 141.2, 184.5) M, and the GM for concentration was 59.6 (95% CI: 52.8, 67.4) M/mL. Models controlled for age, BMI, abstinence days prior to collection, mean stress over the previous 45 days, and interactions between age, BMI, and stress. For a unit increase in Z-score of a man’s variability in self-reported stress levels, while holding mean stress fixed at the population mean, his total sperm count decreased by 15.0% (95% CI: 3.1%, 25.4%), and his sperm concentration decreased by 14.6% (95% CI: 4.5%, 23.7%). No significant associations with stress and semen volume were observed. Discussion: High intrapersonal variability in a man’s stress level was associated with decreased total sperm count and decreased concentration, but not semen volume.