Levels Of Somatic Anxiety Research Articles

Knowledge of Results About More Accurate Versus Less Accurate Trials: Differential Effects on Psychological Variables and Motor Learning in Adolescent Females

Abstract Introduction. The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate whether providing knowledge of results (KR) on more accurate trials enhanced motivation and self-confidence or whether providing KR on less accurate trials reduced those variables. We also investigated whether anxiety was affected by the provision of feedback. Material and Methods. Participants performed a volleyball serve over four days of practice under one of two conditions: After each block of six trials, one group received feedback on the three most accurate (MA) trials, whereas the other group received feedback on the three least accurate (LA) trials. One week following practice, participants performed a retention test without feedback. Participants also completed the intrinsic motivation inventory (IMI) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI2). Results. Results indicated that the MA group had more effective learning as well as higher motivation and self-confidence scores than the LA group. Additionally, the MA group had lower scores on cognitive and somatic anxiety compared to the LA group. The MA group had higher motivation and self-confidence scores and lower anxiety compared to the values reported on the pre-test. Conversely, the LA group had lower motivation and self-confidence scores relative to the pre-test values, and tended to have increased cognitive and somatic anxiety following practice. Conclusions. The results of this study demonstrate that providing augmented feedback about more accurate trials facilitates motor learning and increases motivation and self-confidence whilst lowering levels of somatic anxiety.

The Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Disorders, Anxiety and Body Awareness in Elite Athletes

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the most common musculoskeletal disorders in athletes and to investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal complaints and sport-related anxiety and body awareness. Methods: This study, which was designed using the relational screening method as a quantitative research, was conducted using the online survey method (via Google Forms). The study included 80 athletes aged 18-35 years, who were actively involved in elite level sport. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal disorders, the Sports Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) to assess anxiety, and the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) to assess body awareness. Results: There was a significant difference in somatic anxiety levels between the athletes who experienced musculoskeletal pain and those who did not (p<0.05). The somatic anxiety levels of athletes with musculoskeletal disorders were found to be higher than those without musculoskeletal disorders. A weak correlation at a high level of significance was found between athletes' somatic anxiety levels and the number of areas of complaint reported in the last 12 months and athletes' somatic anxiety levels (p<0.01). With the body awareness status of the athletes; while a positive significant weak level relationship was found with somatic anxiety level (p<0.05), a negative negative relationship was found with concentration disorganisation at a high level of significance ( p<0.05). Conclusion: It was observed that athletes with musculoskeletal disorders had higher levels of somatic anxiety and that the number of regions in which the athlete experienced complaints was related to the level of somatic anxiety; there was no relationship between body awareness levels and musculoskeletal complaints. A multidisciplinary study with a psychological perspective is important for the clinical care and support of elite athletes in different sports.

Levels of Somatic Anxiety, Cognitive Anxiety, and Self-Efficacy in University Athletes from a Spanish Public University and Their Relationship with Basic Psychological Needs.

Research on self-efficacy, cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety provides fundamental information to early identify weak areas in the training of athletes and to implement actions that contribute to the improvement and maintenance of sporting activities. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between anxiety (somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety and self-efficacy) and basic psychological needs (competence, autonomy and relationship with others). The sample was composed of 165 university students enrolled in courses related to physical activity and sport sciences, with a mean age of 20.33 years (SD = 3.44), studying in a Spanish public university located in Almeria, in the southeast of Spain (Andalusia). The main findings showed the existence of a continuous and effective relationship between self-efficacy and basic psychological needs. While there was no positive and direct relationship between cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety and autonomy, there was a direct and positive relationship between cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety and competence and the relationship with others. Therefore, the results obtained showed that a more positive form of motivation would be autonomous motivation, as it helps to interpret the perception of self-efficacy, favoring performance in competition, whereas controlled motivation has the opposite effect. The importance of this research resides in the fact that it shows that within the sports field, an athlete's self-perception has an indirect negative effect on pre-competitive somatic anxiety, and the link in this relationship is task orientation and the absence of demotivation towards sport. Despite this, the same effect on cognitive anxiety was not produced.

Sports specific metacognitions and competitive state anxiety in athletes: A comparison between different sporting types

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between sport related metacognitions with state anxiety dimensions, and compared how sporting categories affected these variables, among an online sample of athletes (N = 187). A MANOVA revealed there were significant differences between sporting types in metacognitive beliefs relating to the utility of rumination and arousal, the need to control thoughts, and levels of somatic anxiety. Correlations and multiple regressions showed that that in contrast to the relationships with self‐confidence, cognitive and somatic state anxiety were positively associated with specific dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, but negatively related to metacognitive processes. Overall, these findings highlight that: (a) athletes might adopt metacognitions to meet the different cognitive demands of sport types; and (b) metacognitions are in part responsible for the occurrence of state anxiety and self‐confidence during competitions. The findings of this study have implications toward how researchers and sports practitioners approach the comprehensive nature of competitive anxiety.

Effect of Playing Venue on Hormonal Responses and Psychological State of Inter-University Volleyball Players

The home advantage is a powerful wonder that happens in the realm of amateur and professional games where most teams win more than 50% of matches. The present study compared the effects of playing venue on hormonal responses and psychological state of inter-university volleyball players at home and away ground. A total of 96 male players age, 18 to 24 years from eight different public and private universities were selected as the subject in this study. Matches were scheduled in such a manner so that each team would play one match on home ground and one on away ground. The results of this study showed that a 13% reduction in the testosterone level of players was seen on the opponent’s home ground before playing the match, whereas, 18% elevation in cortisol level of players was recorded on the opponent’s home ground before-match. Psychological measures indicated that players’ cognitive and somatic anxiety levels were increased on away ground (10% and 13%, respectively) whereas, their self-confidence level declined by 17% on an opponent’s home ground before the commencement of the match. The present study supports the notion that there are differences in pre-competition hormonal and psychological states that may play a key role in ‘the home advantage’ which could affect players’ behavior and match outcomes.

A-87 Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Self-Reported Somatic Anxiety

Abstract Objective To identify regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) differences between individuals who self-reported either low or high symptoms of somatic anxiety. Method Individuals who reported low levels of somatic anxiety (0-20th percentile;n = 8962,Mage = 39.2,39.2% female,62.6% Caucasian) and individuals who reported high levels of somatic anxiety (80-100th percentile;n = 6427,Mage = 40.9,39.0% female,69.5% Caucasian) were selected from a deidentified adult clinical outpatient database. Those with comorbid diagnoses were included. Significant differences (alpha = 0.001) were found for age [t(15387) = 6.3], and race [χ2(15) = 119.4] between groups and therefore were controlled. Results Significant rCBF differences were noted bilaterally in the frontal lobe [left: F(1,15,384) = 16.4; right: F(1,15,384) = 13.2] and motor-sensory strip [left: F(1,15,384) = 4.3; right: F(1,15,384) = 5.1]. Group means comparisons indicated higher perfusion in the frontal lobe of the high levels of somatic anxiety group. Lower perfusion was found in the motor sensory strip of the high levels of somatic anxiety group. No significant differences were found bilaterally in the cerebellum, limbic system, basal ganglia, vermis, or occipital, parietal, or temporal lobes. Conclusion Results indicated that individuals who report higher levels of somatic anxiety have higher perfusion in the frontal lobes and lower perfusion motor-sensory strip. Previous literature SPECT studies have found a link between individuals with panic disorder and increased activity in the right medial and superior frontal lobes. No research was found for anxiety in the motor-sensory strip. Limitations included the reliance on self-report measures of anxiety in place of clinical measures and the potential mediating effect of medication on somatic symptoms. Future research should examine perfusion in the motor-sensory strip, use clinical measures of anxiety, and control for mediation use.

CONSEQUENCES OF COVID-19 PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON ANXIETY, STRESS AND DEPRESSION IN FOOTBALL ATHLETES

ABSTRACT The study analysed the impacts of the preventive measures of COVID-19 on the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression in soccer athletes. Twenty-four males participated in the study, with an average age of 18.4±1.4 years, who had their training suspended due to the preventive measures of COVID-19. Levels of anxiety, stress and depression (DASS-21) and competitive anxiety (CSAI-2 R) were assessed during training interruption and 20 days after the laps. The return to training, after the training interruption period, reduced the levels of somatic anxiety (10.6%), cognitive anxiety (10.5%), depression (9.8%), stress (19.7%), anxiety (14.2%) and self-confidence (4.8%), but without significant differences. It was identified that athletes with more than 10 years of practice had a significant increase in confidence (p =0.009) compared to athletes with less than 10 years of practice. During the pandemic, there was no variation in the levels of anxiety, stress and depression symptoms in athletes.

Competitive Anxiety, and Guilt and Shame Proneness From Perspective Type D and Non-type D Football Players.

The precompetitive, competitive, and postcompetitive mental states of athletes are currently not sufficiently researched. Long-term exposure to stressors contributes to the formation of mental blocks and leads to various health problems. One of the factors that can explain the variability of athletes' reactions to stress is their personality. This study is the first to examine competitive anxiety, and guilt and shame proneness in the context of the reaction of football players to distress in sports. The study consists of 112 male football players aged 16–24 (21.00 ± 1.90) who were divided into type D and non-type D football players according to scoring on the Denollet Scale (DS14). Football players also filled out the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS-2) and the Guilt and Shame Proneness Scale (GASP). The taxonomic approach was conducted to test and to examine differences in stressor intensity as a function of type D personality. A correlation, multivariate analysis of variance, and regression analysis were performed in the study. We found that type D football players were more afraid of failures in sports (worry), felt more often autonomous excitement concentrated in the stomach and muscles (somatic anxiety), and showed more frequent concentration disruption than did non-type D football players. We also found that although type D football players were more likely to rate their behavior as negative and inappropriate, they showed a much greater effort to correct it than did non-type D football players. Negative affectivity and social inhibition of type D football players were positively correlated with competitive anxiety. In addition, we noted lower levels of somatic anxiety and lower concentration disruption for football players who used escape strategies to manage stress. The shame proneness subscale monitoring negative self-evaluation was also closely related to the concentration disruption of football players. We found that the examination of athletes by type D personality is necessary due to the fact that negative affectivity and social inhibition are significant predictors of competitive anxiety of football players, which explains their worries at 24.0%, somatic anxiety at 8.2%, and concentration disruption at 10.6%.

AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY ON THE TYPES AND CAUSES OF ESL WRITING ANXIETY: A CASE STUDY OF LEARNERS FROM A CHINESE INDEPENDENT MIDDLE SCHOOL

Feelings of fear, anxiety, and worry make the learning of ESL / EFL difficult as learners’ focus is being interrupted. Writing; whether in first or second language, is considered a difficult process. The arousal of negative psychological experience in a second/foreign language writing is known as foreign language writing anxiety. As such, the underlying causes of ESL / EFL anxiety need to be understood to ensure a smooth language writing process for ESL / EFL learners. This study aims to investigate the level, types, and causes of writing anxiety among the students in a Chinese Independent Middle School. A convenience sample total of 30 Chinese Independent Middle School students were purposely chosen to participate in this study. This research adopted two survey questionnaires; Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory (SLWAI) by Cheng (2004) and Causes of Writing Anxiety Inventory (CWAI) by Rezaeia & Jafari (2014). The findings revealed that these students experience a high level of cognitive anxiety, moderate level of somatic anxiety, and low level of avoidance behaviour. It is discovered that the level of writing anxiety being experienced by the students is at the level of moderate to high anxiety. Meanwhile, in terms of the causal factor for writing anxiety, the results reported high means scores for each causal of writing anxiety theme are 'afraid of writing tests' for negative writing experience theme, 'feel worried to write under time constraints' for negative writing attitude theme and 'often encounter some linguistic problems' for limit writing knowledge and skill theme. The researcher proposed some strategies that could be used in reducing ESL writing anxiety which are: process writing approach, affective strategies, positive error correction, and vocabulary knowledge enhancement.
 
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Pre-competition and training anxiety among athletes practising gymnastic disciplines

Introduction: The gymnastic disciplines abound in difficult and risky technical elements. Excessive anxiety is a factor which can have a destructive effect on the athlete both at the stage of motor learning, as well as when performing during competitions. Anxiety is a natural human emotion, but whether it has positive or negative influence on an individual’s performance clearly depends upon its level. Aim of the study: The study aimed to determine the level of anxiety (as state, cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety) among male and female gymnasts in situations before starting competitions and before training when mastering new, difficult elements. The following research questions were formulated: • Does the level of anxiety in the participants during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • Does the level of somatic anxiety in the gymnasts during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • Does the level of cognitive anxiety in the gymnasts during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • What is the level of trait anxiety characteristic of the participating gymnasts? Material and method: Twenty eight people were assessed (14 women and 14 men) who professionally practice gymnastic disciplines. The average age of respondents was 18 years. All subjects were competing at championship level and had been practicing their sport for a minimum of 10 years. The Spielberger’s self-evaluation questionnaire (State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and the Smith’s, Smoll’s, Schutz’s Reaction to Competing Questionnaire (The Sport Anxiety Scale, SAS), as adapted to Polish by Krawczyński, were used in the research. Results: By adopting the criterion of statistical difference p  0.05 it was proven that there are statistically significant differences between the level of anxiety before training and before competition: state anxiety (p=0.033), somatic anxiety (p=0.004), and cognitive anxiety – attentions disorders (p=0.011). When analysing the average values of the participants, it was noted that they are characterised by an average trait anxiety level. Conclusion: The participating athletes who train in gymnastic disciplines are characterised by an average level of trait anxiety. The gymnasts experience stronger anxiety before competition than during a demanding training session.

Resilient Resources in Youth Athletes and Their Relationship with Anxiety in Different Team Sports.

The objective of this study is to show the links and differences in the expressions of competitive anxiety in the face of the existence of resilient resources in young athletes, according to sporting (years of experience) and personal (gender) characteristics. To meet these aims, the participants answered the Resilience Scale (RS-14) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R (CSAI-2R). The sample consisted of 241 adolescent handball and basketball players between 14 and 17 years old. Different analyses were performed, including a differential and multivariate descriptive, a correlation, and a multiple regression. The results showed that anxiety was negatively related to resilience in its acceptance dimension. It was shown that girls showed higher levels of somatic anxiety, while boys showed higher levels of acceptance. Statistically significant differences were found in the resources for acceptance in favor of boys, while there were significantly different indicators in somatic anxiety and self-confidence in favor of girls. The sports experience was positively related to resilience and negatively to anxiety. Although the existence of indicators of cognitive anxiety (e.g., recurrent thoughts or rhyming), coaches and athletes need to understand that they are also indicators of a necessary activation for psychological functioning. Channeling such a process through psychological training of different skills will enhance the capacities for self-confidence.

Finnish students’ enjoyment and anxiety levels during fitness testing classes

ABSTRACT Background: Fitness testing is a commonly applied learning and teaching practice implemented in both secondary and elementary school physical education (PE). Many teachers believe that by using a variety of different tests, they are able to provide students with feedback regarding their fitness status, and furthermore, increase students’ willingness to be physically active later in their lives. However, empirical evidence concerning students’ affective responses during fitness testing classes is limited. Purpose: The primary aim of the study was to investigate whether students’ perceptions of enjoyment and anxiety differed between two different types of fitness testing classes and PE in general. In addition, the measurement invariances over time and between Grade 5 (aged 11–12) and Grade 8 (aged 14–15) groups were determined. Method: A total sample of 645 Finnish Grade 5 (N = 328, 50% boys, mean age = 11.2, SD = 0.36) and Grade 8 students (N = 317, 47% boys, mean age = 14.2, SD = 0.35) participated in the study. Series of multi-group confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test the level of measurement invariance between general PE and fitness testing classes, and between age groups. Strict factorial invariance was supported for both enjoyment and anxiety scales allowing for latent mean comparisons. Latent mean differences were studied using z-tests. Results: Grade 5 students perceived significantly lower levels of enjoyment and cognitive processes and a higher level of somatic anxiety in fitness testing classes compared to general PE. Additionally, for Grade 8 students, levels of enjoyment and cognitive processes were significantly lower and somatic anxiety and worry higher in fitness testing classes than in general PE. Furthermore, enjoyment was significantly higher, and cognitive processes, somatic anxiety and worry lower among Grade 5 students compared with Grade 8 students in both contextual PE and during fitness testing class. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that students’ perceptions of enjoyment were lower in fitness testing classes compared to PE in general. Additionally, students perceived lower levels of cognitive anxiety and higher levels of somatic anxiety in fitness testing classes than in general PE. It is noteworthy that students might not significantly dislike fitness testing per se but instead have significantly more positive affects towards PE in general. Generally, practitioners conducting fitness testing lessons are encouraged to embrace different strategies such as fostering basic psychological needs or promoting mastery climate to facilitate enjoyment and diminish anxiety.

DOES PRE-COMPETITIVE ANXIETY INTERFERE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF BOXING ATHLETES IN BRAZIL? A PILOT STUDY

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pre-competitive anxiety is one of the psychological factors that can greatly influence athletes' performance, especially when it comes to individual sport like boxing. Objective: To analyze the level of pre-competitive anxiety in male athletes in the adult and young adult categories, and their correlation with the final results of the last Brazilian National Championship. Methods: A total of 60 young adult athletes participated in the study: 38 non-medalists (17.17±0.54 years and 66.38±13.21 kg) and 22 medalists (17.48±0.54 years and 66.21±12.96 kg). The “adults” group consisted of 35 athletes: 11 non-medalists (22.60±4.65 years and 68.33±14.08 kg) and 24 medalists (22.60±4.82 years and 67.33 ±13.13 kg). Results: The levels of cognitive anxiety in the young adult athletes group presented significant differences: medalists presented lower scores than non-medalists (12.77±2.62 and 15.92±5.20, respectively). In the adults group, medalists presented higher scores than non-medalists (15.23±4.42 and 12.00±4.11). Significant differences were observed in somatic anxiety levels between the young adult medalists and the other groups (p = 0.038). In addition, levels of self-confidence were high in all groups (young adult non-medalists = 29.42±4.82; adult non-medalists = 26.14±4.94, young adult medalists = 31.59±4.24 and adult medalists = 28.91±4.88). Conclusion: We conclude that self-confidence may interfere with anxiety levels, considering that medal-winning boxers are less prone to cognitive anxiety than non-medalists, and that both groups have high levels of self-confidence. Level of evidence I; High quality randomized trial with statistically significant difference or no statistically significant difference but narrow confidence intervals.

Competition Stress Leads to a Blunting of the Cortisol Awakening Response in Elite Rowers.

Background: Anticipation of forthcoming demands is often met with biological up-regulation, for example, levels of the stress hormone cortisol are typically elevated immediately prior to an anticipated event. Similarly, the cortisol awakening response (CAR), a surge in cortisol in the period following waking, is elevated on days of anticipated demand and this is viewed as an adaptive response in the preparation for challenge. This study assessed the effects of competition as an anticipated challenge in elite rowers.Methods: Elite rowers (N = 8) were assessed during two training and two competition weekends. Each assessment involved the measurement of self-reported competitive (cognitive and somatic) anxiety and salivary diurnal cortisol across 2 days representing a preparation day prior to either a training or competition day. Competitive anxiety was measured each morning and saliva samples were provided immediately upon waking and 30 min post waking (CAR) and before bed.Results: Self-reported cognitive and somatic anxiety levels were significantly greater during the competition phase compared with training. Additionally, levels of cognitive anxiety were greater on the day of competition compared with the preparation day. CAR magnitude was significantly reduced during the competition phase compared with training; however, there were no differences between preparation and event days.Conclusions: Reduced or blunted CARs are typically observed in chronically stressed populations and are characteristic of burnout and fatigue. While an increased CAR during competition may represent an adaptive response to challenge, blunted CARs and the concomitant increases in competitive anxiety observed here indicate maladaptive responding during a period where maximized functioning is critical.

The Cultural Influence of Anxiety on Student-athletes

Anxiety consists of cognitive and somatic components. The present study aims to examine the relationship between ethnic and anxiety. The sample consisted of 147 football players, with Malay (N=54), Chinese (N=45), Indian (N=31) and others (N=17). Competitive State Anxiety Inventory - 2, used to collect the data. The result showed that Malay ethnic category exhibited higher levels of cognitive anxiety, whereas Indian ethnic exhibit a higher level of somatic anxiety. The findings of this study is beneficial to coaches, sport psychologist and counsellors in providing suitable coping strategies to Malay and Indian soccer athletes, to reduce anxiety and enhance their performance.

Examination of Athletes’ Anxiety, Motivation, Imagination Value in Competitions with Different Severity Level

The objective of this study was to examine athletes’ anxiety, motivation and imagination value in competitions with different severity level. The research was conducted on swimming athlete in elite level 18 female and 19 male totally 37. To measure the level of imagination, imagine inventory in sports and to measure trait anxiety levels STAI were used. For statistical analyses of parametric data, to see the difference between the groups independent groups t-test and for the non-parametric data Mann Whitney-U analyses were used. The level of significance accepted as p0.05). Athletes that participate in 13th European Short Course Swimming Championships and Turkish national team athletes before the day of the event selection and on the morning of the competition while cognitive anxiety and self-confidence levels were statistically different (p0.05). The athletes that selected and non-selected for national team before the day of the event selection and on the morning of the competition the difference between the cognitive anxiety levels, somatic anxiety levels, confidence levels, motivation and imagination levels was not statistically different (p>0.05).

The Relationship between the Physical Activity Environment, Nature Relatedness, Anxiety, and the Psychological Well-being Benefits of Regular Exercisers.

Research from a variety of scientific fields suggests that physical activity in nature and feelings of connection to nature enhance psychological health and well-being. This study investigated the psychological health and well-being impact of the physical activity environment for those already undertaking the recommended weekly amount of physical activity. This topic is important for the design of health and well-being environments and interventions involving physical activity. Participants (N = 262) aged 18–71 years (M = 34.5, SD = 13.1) who met the UK physical activity guidelines completed the Nature Relatedness Scale, the trait section of the State Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Analysis via Multivariate ANOVA indicated that participants who engaged in outdoor physical activity reported significantly lower somatic anxiety levels and higher Nature Relatedness experience (NRexp). Significant results were not evident for wellbeing. Hierarchical regressions revealed that the psychological well-being facet of autonomy, NRexp, and outdoor physical activity predicted lower somatic anxiety, whereas indoor physical activity predicted higher somatic anxiety. Results indicate that somatic anxiety is lower for outdoor physical activity participation, and that outdoor activity, in conjunction with autonomy and NRexp, predicts lower anxiety levels. The findings extend previous work by demonstrating the impact of the physical activity environment on anxiety levels, as well as the contribution of outdoor physical activity and well-being facets to the previously established Nature Relatedness-anxiety relationship.

Anxiety as a risk factor for menopausal hot flashes: evidence from the Penn Ovarian Aging cohort.

The aim of this study was to identify temporal associations of anxiety dimensions with menopausal hot flashes in women progressing through the menopausal transition. We hypothesized that associations of both somatic and affective dimensions of anxiety with hot flashes increased in the menopausal transition, and that somatic anxiety was an independent risk factor for menopausal hot flashes. Hot flashes, anxiety symptoms, hormone levels, and other psychosocial variables were assessed annually for 14 years of follow-up. The 233 women were premenopausal at baseline and continued through 1 year or more after the final menstrual period. Anxiety dimensions were assessed with the Zung Anxiety Scale, a validated measure of affective anxiety and somatic anxiety. Summed item scores were divided by the number of items rated, so that ranges of the two dimensions were comparable. Seventy-two percent of the sample reported moderate/severe hot flashes during the 14-year interval. There was no significant interaction between anxiety dimensions and menopausal stages. When adjusted for menopausal stage, the magnitude of association between somatic anxiety and hot flashes, however, dramatically increased (odds ratio [OR], 3.03; 95% CI, 2.12-4.32; P < 0.001), whereas the association between affective anxiety and hot flashes increased to a lesser extent (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.03-1.57; P = 0.024). Women with high levels of somatic anxiety (top third of the sample) had the greatest risk of hot flashes (P < 0.001). When the anxiety dimensions were considered in combination, the additive effect of high affective anxiety symptoms was minimal, with no significant difference between the group with high affective/low somatic symptoms and the low symptom group in incident hot flashes at each menopausal stage (P = 0.54). In multivariable analysis, somatic anxiety increased the risk of hot flashes more than three times (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 2.16-4.53; P < 0.001), but affective anxiety was not significantly associated with hot flashes after adjustment for other study variables (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.96-1.48; P = 0.117). Time-lagged somatic anxiety scores significantly predicted hot flashes, with a 71% increase in risk (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.21-2.41; P = 0.002). Time-lagged affective anxiety scores did not predict hot flashes (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.87-1.31; P = 0.58). This study showed a strong predictive association of somatic anxiety with the risk of menopausal hot flashes. The temporal associations suggest that somatic anxiety is not simply a redundant measure of hot flashes but predicts the risk of menopausal hot flashes and may be a potential target in clinical management of perimenopausal women.

Cross-national differences in hypochondriasis symptoms between Korean and American outpatients with major depressive disorder.

Hypochondriasis is defined as the tendency to worry excessively about having a serious illness. This study aimed to investigate cross-national differences in hypochondriasis symptoms between Korean and American patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study examined 1592 Korean and 3744 American MDD outpatients of age ≥18 years using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-SF). Korean MDD patients exhibited significantly higher scores for hypochondriasis than Americans after controlling for total HAM-D scores and demographic variables (p<0.0001), even though Americans had significantly higher total HAM-D scores (p<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that hypochondriasis was significantly associated with somatic and psychic anxiety, insomnia-middle, and suicide for both Korean and American MDD patients after adjusting for demographic covariates. Among all factors, somatic anxiety was the most strongly associated with hypochondriasis in both Korean (AOR=2.14, 95% CI 1.31-3.52) and American (AOR=1.98, 95% CI 1.69-2.31) MDD outpatients. Hypochondriasis symptoms are more prevalent among Korean than American MDD patients but appear to be associated with high levels of somatic anxiety regardless of culture. This suggests that cultural and personal factors play a shared role in the presentation of hypochondriasis symptoms.

The Influence of Mother’s Personality on the Decision about the Elective Cesarean Section: A Pilot Study with a Sample of 16 New Mothers

Objective: To investigate the psychological profile of a sample of new mothers, who requested an elective caesarean section (CS), compared with a group of women who had a CS in emergency. Furthermore, the study examined psychiatric, environmental, medical and obstetrical risk factors related to the mother’s choice of an elective CS, in order to develop specific intervention strategies. Methods: A sample of 16 mothers aged 34.88 ± 8.53 years were enrolled and assessed using a semi-structured face-to-face interview, the Minnesota Personality Inventory Test-2 (MMPI-2) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The sample was divided in two groups: cases (8 women who had an elective CS) and controls (8 women who had a CS in emergency). Results: The analysis identified a statistical significance among the two groups with a higher prevalence in cases’s group of: previous mood disorders (100% of the cases group), maternal comorbidities (100% of the cases group), neuroticism (MMPI-2’s scale ‘NEGE’: p=0.013), ‘defensive’ attitude (MMPI-2’s scale ‘K’: p=0.013), hypochondria (MMPI-2’ scale ‘Hs’: p=0.046), health concerns (MMPI-2’s scale ‘Hea’: p=0.013) and depression (MMPI-2’s scales ‘D’: p=0.012 and ‘Dep’: p=0.023; EPDS’s scores: p=0.007), with a general tendency to have higher scores of psychopathology (p=0.033). No statistical significance was found concerning socio-demographic information and obstetrical risk factors. Conclusion: Women who chose CS without medical indications showed more somatic anxiety levels, expressed with a hypochondriac rumination and an obsessive way to control their body. This seems associated with more neuroticism and more symptoms of depression which may lead to a higher risk of develop postnatal depression. Gynaecologists should pay attention to the reasons behind the mother’s choice of an election CS by ensuring a detailed psychological counselling and try to mitigate levels of anxiety and fears related to the childbirth.