State Anxiety Levels Research Articles

Investigating the impact of patient-centered peer counseling on anxiety and pain among burn patients: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivePain and anxiety are common complications in burn patients, significantly impacting treatment effectiveness and overall patient well-being. Peer counseling, a form of patient education provided by individuals with shared experiences, may hold potential to alleviate this pain and anxiety. This study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of patient-centered education through peer counseling on background pain and state anxiety levels in these patients. MethodsA two-arm, parallel, randomized, controlled trial design was employed. A total of 86 participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups: control and intervention groups. State anxiety and background pain levels were assessed using the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively, before and after intervention. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, and paired t-test, were employed to analyze the data. ResultsThe intervention significantly reduced pain and anxiety in the intervention group compared to baseline (p < .001). There was no significant difference between the control and intervention groups in baseline levels, but there was a significant difference after the intervention (p < .001). ConclusionThis study demonstrates the efficacy of patient-centered education through peer counseling in reducing background pain and state anxiety levels in burn patients. Compared to standard education, peer counseling led to a more pronounced reduction in both pain and anxiety, suggesting its potential as a valuable nonpharmaceutical intervention to improve patient well-being during burn recovery. Practice implicationsBased on our findings, we recommend that healthcare providers consider implementing peer-based education programs in burn care settings.

A pilot study exploring the effectiveness of binaural beats at reducing anxiety associated with cadaveric dissection.

This study explored the effects of a novel intervention, binaural beats (BB), on anxiety levels of anatomy students during cadaveric dissections and its impact on the learning environment. The study was quasi-experimental, employing a purposive sampling strategy. State (SA) and trait (TA) anxiety levels were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory during two routine dissection sessions. SA was measured at three time points: at the start, after a 3-min control (silence)/intervention (10 Hz BB) session, and at the end of the dissection. A post-study survey was distributed to the participants to obtain qualitative feedback on their perceptions of BB use during cadaveric dissections. Thirteen female students participated in this study (mean age 19.62 ± 0.65 years). Both control and intervention measures significantly reduced SA levels, with BB demonstrating a greater effect size (Hedges' g = 0.98 for intervention vs. 0.76 for control). SA decreased significantly after the BB intervention (t(12) = 3.78, p = 0.003) and remained low throughout the session, in contrast to the control session, where the reduction post-measure was not sustained (t(12) = -0.64, p = 0.54). Feedback from the post-study survey indicated that most students found the BB intervention effective in reducing their anxiety levels before the dissection. The BB intervention was effective in reducing and maintaining students' SA levels during dissection. Students reported positive experiences with BB. Further investigations are warranted to determine whether the findings of this study can be generalized to larger and more heterogeneous populations.

Predictors of National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Alcohol Recovery among Individuals in Alcohol Treatment: Implications for Social Work.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's (NIAAA) definition of alcohol use disorder (AUD) recovery stipulates two criteria: remission from DSM-5 AUD and cessation of heavy drinking. Importantly, these criteria allow for consideration of nonabstinent alcohol treatment outcomes. However, researchers have yet to assess potential predictors of the NIAAA recovery outcome. The current study examined associations between mental health and coping predictors of NIAAA recovery status in an AUD treatment sample. At baseline (BL) and end-of-treatment (EOT) research interviews in a clinical trial, participants (N = 118) completed questionnaires assessing alcohol dependence, mental health, and confidence levels in reducing heavy drinking, as well as alcohol use and DSM-5 AUD symptom endorsement. Logistic regression models tested the associations between chosen predictors and the odds of achieving NIAAA recovery. Twenty-four percent of individuals (n = 28) met both criteria for NIAAA recovery at EOT. Higher levels of BL state anxiety and anxiety sensitivity predicted lower odds of achieving NIAAA recovery, while greater confidence to reduce heavy drinking predicted increased odds of NIAAA recovery. Social workers are encouraged to continue assessing and addressing mental health in AUD treatment to help individuals with alcohol problems achieve their AUD recovery goals.

Anxiety levels and influencing factors among the relatives of patients presenting to the emergency department

Background and objective: In recent years, the majority of incidents of increasing violence against healthcare workers, especially emergency department (ED) staff, have been perpetrated by family members of patients. Anxiety is one of the predictors of this violence in ED. The aims of this study were to measure anxiety levels among the relatives of ED patients at the time of presentation and to identify the factors that affect them. Materials and methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 687 relatives of patients were included. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory- State (STAI-S) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory- Trait (STAI-T) scales were administered to assess state and trait anxiety levels. The data for the study were recorded using the SPSS 16.0 statistics program. Results: STAI-S averages were found to be statistically significantly higher than their STAI-T averages in parents (p = 0.036). A statistically significant difference was found between the state and trait anxieties of the group whose patients had a history of previous hospitalization (p = 0.013), previous surgeries (p = 0.009), presented with trauma (p=0.007), and received intervention in ED (p = 0.003). The state anxiety of the patient relatives who brought their patients to the ED by their own means was found to be statistically significantly higher than the trait anxiety (p=0.028). Conclusion: Our study showed that patient relatives whose patients presented to the ED due to trauma or had a history of surgery/hospitalization, or arrived at the hospital under their own means, experienced elevated anxiety levels. More multi-center studies are needed. July 2024; Vol. 18(2):008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.18.020 *Correspondence: Seçkin Bahar Sezgin, Emergency Department,Gaziantep City Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey. Email: seckinbahar34@gmail.com

Effect of Short-term Deep Breathing Exercises on Perioperative Anxiety and Pain in Pediatric Orthopedic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeThere are currently no pediatric studies examining the effects of deep breathing on perioperative pain and anxiety. This study sought to determine the effect of short-term deep breathing exercises on perioperative anxiety and pain in pediatric patients and their parents. DesignA randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery where pediatric patients about to undergo surgery were allocated to a control group or a deep breathing group. In the intervention group, patients and their main guardian were guided to practice 10 minutes of deep breathing exercises twice a day for 3 to 4 days prior to surgery. Perioperative anxiety and pain were measured for both the children and parents as outcome indicators. MethodsPerioperative anxiety was measured using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale-Short Form (mYPAS-SF) and state anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Patients reported their pain levels daily using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. The following cutoffs were determined as high levels of anxiety: STAI (adult) > 44, STAI (child) > 36, and mYPAS-SF ≥ 30. FindingsNo significant differences were found in the STAI, mYPAS-SF, and Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale scores of the patients between the intervention and control group. Overall statistics showed that parents had significantly higher postoperative state anxiety levels toward female children (44.93 ± 9.01) compared to male children (40.18 ± 9.89). Preoperative and postoperative parental state anxiety levels were correlated with the child’s postoperative anxiety. Furthermore, children’s postoperative state anxiety was slightly correlated with postoperative pain. ConclusionsShort-term use of our deep breathing exercises was ineffective in reducing incidences of perioperative pain and anxiety in pediatric orthopedic patients. A longer period of deep breathing administration may be required for the intervention to be effective. Parental anxiety may have an effect on anxiety levels in children, and postoperative parental anxiety may be affected by the gender of the child.

Effects of a Video-based Education Program for Cerebral Angiography on Patients’ Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: We investigated the effects of a video-based education program for cerebral angiography on patients' state anxiety, uncertainty, nursing care satisfaction, and complications.Methods: The randomized experimental study included patients who underwent cerebral angiography at a university hospital in Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do between January 2023 and August 2023. Patients were assigned to the experimental group (n=50) and the control group (n=48). The program included video- and pamphlet-based education. The intervention included video-based education provided to the experimental group and conventional pamphlet-based education provided to the control group. Data were obtained pre-, post-, and 2–7 days post-intervention. Data were analyzed using the x²-test and the repeated measures analysis of variance test with the SPSS software, version 28.0.Results: The experimental group showed lower levels of state anxiety (x²=4.316, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.038) and uncertainty (x²=3.974, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.046) than the control group. However, we observed no significant intergroup differences in satisfaction with nursing care and complication rates.Conclusion: The results suggest that a video-based education program for cerebral angiography can effectively reduce state anxiety and uncertainty in patients undergoing cerebral angiography. Video-aided educational interventions can improve the quality of nursing care with regard to reducing state anxiety and uncertainty in patients who undergo cerebral angiography.

The impact of patients' pre-treatment expectations on immunosuppressive treatment outcomes in myasthenia gravis: A pilot correlational study.

The impact of treatment expectations on active treatment outcomes has not been specifically investigated in neuromuscular disorders. We thus explored in myasthenia gravis (MG) the contribution of patients' pre-treatment expectations combined with an immunosuppressant drug on treatment outcomes. This pilot correlational study involved 17 patients with generalized MG, scheduled to start immunosuppressant azathioprine. At baseline, a healthcare professional administered: (i) the Stanford Expectations of Treatment Scale; (ii) a structured checklist paper form asking patients which side-effects they expected to develop after starting azathioprine, coupled with a standardized framing of statements. Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score and daily dose of concomitant drugs were assessed by neurologists as clinical outcomes. Clinical outcomes and side-effects were re-assessed at 3 and 6 months, and clinical outcomes were monitored at 18 months. Clinically significant improvement in the QMG scores was achieved at 3 or 6 months. The level of state anxiety appeared to act as moderator of pre-treatment negative expectations (strong, positive, indicative correlation, rs = .733, p = .001). The latter were, in turn, associated with the fulfillment of side-effects that patients expected to develop with the new treatment (moderate, positive, indicative correlation, rs = .699, p = .002). No significant correlation emerged between positive and negative expectations. Our findings show a very quick clinical response and also suggest that patients' expectations and anxiety contributed to treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of promoting safety messages and education strategies around newly introduced treatments. Future goals include evaluating a larger cohort that includes a matched control group.

Determining the impact of earthquakes on university students' hope and anxiety levels

ObjectivesThe seismic disturbances in Kahramanmaraş in February 2023 and their social effects highlight the potential adverse impacts on mental well-being, particularly anxiety and hopelessness. This study aimed to evaluate the hope and anxiety levels of university students studying health education and investigate the consequences of earthquakes on these emotions. MethodsA total of 398 students who were studying at Karabük University Vocational School of Health Services in May 2023 were selected through convenience sampling. Participants were assessed using the "Student Information Form," "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)," and "Dispositional Hope Scale (DHS)." Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and reliability analysis were used to assess the scales' internal consistency. Descriptive statistics were used to determine anxiety and hope levels and independent t-tests were used to compare group differences. ResultsStudents who experienced an earthquake showed higher state anxiety (0.75 ± 0.12) than those who did not (0.71 ± 0.12). Additionally, students who suffered material (0.77 ± 0.12) and moral (0.76 ± 0.10) damage had significantly higher state anxiety levels (p < 0.05). There was also a statistically significant but weak negative correlation between DHS and state anxiety. ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that exposure to earthquakes is correlated with an increase in state anxiety levels, while higher levels of hope are associated with a decrease in state anxiety. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of earthquakes on students' mental well-being and emphasizes the significance of integrating the therapeutic potential of hope into their training programs.

The effect of music therapy on non-stress test results and anxiety levels in high-risk pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of music therapy on non-stress test results and anxiety levels in high-risk pregnant women. This randomized controlled study was conducted in pregnant women who were hospitalized in the High-Risk Pregnancy Service of Meram Medical Faculty Hospital, Konya, Turkey, between April 1 and July 31, 2021. In the intervention group (n = 58), a 20-min music therapy with ney sounds was performed, while in the control group (n = 58), routine care practices were applied. Hüseyni maqam of ney was selected, a melodic mode used by Turks for music therapy. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the Non-Stress Test Evaluation Form, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. After music therapy, the intervention group experienced increased mean acceleration (p = 0.010) and foetal movement rates (p < 0.001) while no such difference was observed in the control group. The state anxiety levels of pregnant women differed significantly between the intervention and control groups (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that music therapy reduced state anxiety levels in pregnant women by a factor of 4.6 (p < 0.001). Based on the findings, music therapy was found to enhance acceleration and foetal heart rate in high-risk pregnant women while reducing state anxiety levels.

The Added Effect of Music-Assisted Kangaroo Care Applied to Mothers with Premature Babies in the Intensive Care Unit on the Amount of Breast Milk, the Initiation Time of Breastfeeding, and Anxiety Level.

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of music-assisted kangaroo care, applied to mothers with premature babies in the intensive care unit on the amount of breast milk, the initiation time of breastfeeding, and the level of anxiety. Methods: The study was carried out with mothers whose premature babies were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. The sample size of the study was 99 mothers. Results: 85.5% of the mothers were aged >35 years, 30.1% were high school graduates, 38.6% had equal income and expenses and 77.1% had a cesarean section. The state and trait anxiety levels of the mothers in the music assisted kangaroo care (MAKC), kangaroo care (KC), and control (C) groups decreased after the first day according to the follow-up times. The trait anxiety levels of the mothers in the MAKC group experienced on the first and sixth days were lower than those of the mothers in the KC and C groups, with the statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). It was found that the mothers in the MAKC group started breastfeeding earlier than those in the KC and C groups, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A significant difference was found between the MAKC and KC groups and the control group in terms of an increase in the amount of milk, a decrease in trait anxiety levels, and early initiation of breastfeeding (p < 0.05).

Hope for good luck" during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The situation with COVID-19 is unexpected and unpredictable, and the consequences are tragic. The number of sick and dead has increased globally, including in Ukraine, and it is reasonable to assume that this will have a certain effect on the mental state of people, including their level of anxiety. Therefore, this study focuses on measuring the level of state anxiety and determining its relationship with the perception of various aspects of COVID-19 by the population of Ukraine. Material and methods: The survey was conducted by telephonic interview. Respondents were recruited randomly in the period from 17.04 to 22.05.2020. The sample consists of 412 people from all over Ukraine. State anxiety, which is dynamic and reflects the level of anxiety on the State Anxiety Scale from The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at a particular time, was studied. Results: Differences have been traced in responses of male and female respondents, where this indicator was higher among females. People tend to have a different subjective attitude towards the likelihood of finding themselves in the same situation, which for objective reasons is relatively equal for everyone who is in the same pandemic environment; they tend to believe they are more likely to protect themselves from the disease than those around them. Individuals tend to overestimate both their ability to achieve a certain success in the situation and the favorable circumstances ("hope for good luck"). There is a certain correlation between this assessment and the level of state anxiety (correlation = 0.2328 (p &lt;0.01)), i.e. the higher the anxiety, the higher a person estimates the probability of contracting the disease themselves or of others falling ill. There are two extremes in the Ukrainian society: the part of the population that reasonably estimates their place in the world (if it is a global problem, and I am a part of the world then this is my problem) constitutes 42% of respondents who participated in the study; the part of the population that tends to separate themselves from the society as a whole (state anxiety in this group is lower) – this is a problem of the world but not mine (and am I a part of the world?) – constitutes 41%. Conclusions: State anxiety is almost independent of characteristics, such as age, gender, or place of residence, but this anxiety differs among people with different views of themselves and their place in society, which necessitates some in-depth research of other personal factors in parallel with state anxiety that could further clarify the situation. Keywords: COVID-19, anxiety, optimism bias, Ukraine

Enhancing Working Memory and Reducing Anxiety in University Students: A Neurofeedback Approach.

(1) Background: Neurofeedback training (NFT) has emerged as a promising approach for enhancing cognitive functions and reducing anxiety, yet its specific impact on university student populations requires further investigation. This study aims to examine the effects of NFT on working memory improvement and anxiety reduction within this demographic. (2) Methods: A total of forty healthy university student volunteers were randomized into two groups: an experimental group that received NFT and a control group. The NFT protocol was administered using a 14-channel Emotiv Epoc X headset (EMOTIV, Inc., San Francisco, CA 94102, USA) and BrainViz software version Brain Visualizer 1.1 (EMOTIV, Inc., San Francisco, CA 94102, USA), focusing on the alpha frequency band to target improvements in working memory and reductions in anxiety. Assessment tools, including the Corsi Block and Memory Span tests for working memory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-2 (STAI-2) for anxiety, were applied pre- and post-intervention. (3) Results: The findings indicated an increase in alpha wave amplitude in the experimental group from the second day of NFT, with statistically significant differences observed on days 2 (p < 0.05) and 8 (p < 0.01). Contrary to expectations based on the previous literature, the study did not observe a concurrent positive impact on working memory. Nonetheless, a significant reduction in state anxiety levels was recorded in the experimental group (p < 0.001), corroborating NFT's potential for anxiety management. (4) Conclusions: While these results suggest some potential of the technique in enhancing neural efficiency, the variability across different days highlights the need for further investigation to fully ascertain its effectiveness. The study confirms the beneficial impact of NFT on reducing state anxiety among university students, underscoring its value in psychological and cognitive performance enhancement. Despite the lack of observed improvements in working memory, these results highlight the need for continued exploration of NFT applications across different populations and settings, emphasizing its potential utility in educational and therapeutic contexts.

Биологические механизмы тревожности: генетические ассоциации генов BDNF и AMPD1 с ситуативной и личностной тревожностью

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;This article delves into the genetic underpinnings of anxiety, indicating that both state and trait anxiety have heritable components. However, there is no consensus on the degree of heritability, and much remains to be understood about the specific genetic variants involved and their mechanisms of action. The study explores the role of the &lt;em&gt;BDNF &lt;/em&gt;gene, which is involved in the synthesis and transportation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein, and the &lt;em&gt;AMPD1 &lt;/em&gt;gene, which facilitates the conversion of inosine monophosphate to adenosine monophosphate, the intracellular precursor for adenosine in the pathophysiology of anxiety. The methodology of this study involved a combination of genetic testing, psychological assessments, and statistical analysis. Participants were recruited from diverse demographic groups to ensure the findings were broadly applicable. DNA samples were collected for genetic testing, and participants completed the STAI questionnaire to measure their state and trait anxiety levels. The genetic data were analyzed to identify associations between variants in the &lt;em&gt;BDNF&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;AMPD1&lt;/em&gt; genes and levels of anxiety; specifically, the frequency of these variants in participants with high anxiety scores was compared to those with low anxiety scores. The study provided evidence of the association between &lt;em&gt;BDNF &lt;/em&gt;variants and levels of trait anxiety and &lt;em&gt;AMPD1 &lt;/em&gt;variants with levels of state anxiety, implicating different biological mechanisms underlying these components of anxiety.&lt;/p&gt;

To behave or not (un)ethically? The meditative effect of mindfulness on statistics anxiety and academic dishonesty moderated by risk aversion

Despite the growing interest in mindfulness in higher education, the literature on its relation to decision-making under risk (i.e. academic misconduct) and statistics anxiety is scarce. The present research shall fill this gap. Based on the prospect theory, we assessed the mediating effect of mindfulness on the relationship between statistics anxiety and academic dishonesty moderated by risk aversion. Data were collected from 791 undergraduate students in six Israeli academic institutions studying for bachelor’s degrees in social sciences. Questionnaires included the following measures: risk behaviour according to the prospect theory framework, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Statistics Anxiety Rating Scale, Academic Misconduct Scale and sociodemographic variables. Correlations among these variables were explored. The data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results indicate that the variance in academic dishonesty is explained by students' statistics anxiety with a mediation of Mindfulness moderated by Risk Aversion. Mindfulness negatively affects Academic Dishonesty, while Risk Aversion has a significant positive effect on Mindfulness. Finally, among individuals with high statistics anxiety, Risk Averse individuals show significantly higher Mindfulness than Risk Seekers. We conclude that mindfulness-based interventions might be a constructive tool to reduce risk-taking and promote ethical decision-making among individuals who experience high levels of statistics anxiety. Furthermore, developing mindful skills may help individuals with higher anxiety levels neutralize these unwanted feelings and get along with their learning tasks. Hence, avoid academic unethical behaviours.

Prospective Association of Psychological Distress and Sexual Quality of Life Among Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Survivors.

Sexual health concerns are one of the most common late effects facing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors. The current study tested whether self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms before transplant were associated with embedded items assessing two specific areas of sexual health-sexual interest and sexual satisfaction-one year post-HSCT. Of the 158 study participants, 41% were diagnosed with a plasma cell disorder (n = 60) and most received autologous transplantation (n = 128; 81%). At post-HSCT, 21% of participants reported they were not at all satisfied with their sex life, and 22% were not at all interested in sex. Greater pre-HSCT depressive symptomology was significantly predictive of lower sexual interest (β = -.27, p < .001) and satisfaction (β = -.39, p < .001) at post-HSCT. Similarly, greater pre-HSCT trait anxiety was significantly predictive of lower sexual interest (β = -.19, p = .02) whereas higher levels of state and trait anxiety were both predictive of lower satisfaction (β = -.22, p = .02 and β = -.29, p = .001, respectively). Participant sex significantly moderated the relationship between state anxiety and sexual satisfaction (b = -.05, t = -2.03, p = .04). Additional research examining the factors that contribute to sexual health post-HCST is needed to inform and implement clinical interventions to address these commonly overlooked survivorship concerns.

Fear of Cancer and State Anxiety Among Women Undergoing Hysterectomy

Background Fear of cancer may develop after surgery in women who underwent surgery for suspected malignancy in preoperative examinations. It is important from a psychosocial point of view that the fear of cancer and the factors affecting anxiety are determined and necessary interventions are made. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the level of state anxiety, fear of cancer, and influencing factors in women who had hysterectomies with a risk of cancer in the waiting period for the pathology result. Methods The research data were collected from 109 women who underwent hysterectomy while waiting for the pathology result on the third or fourth postoperative day. Patients completed the Personal Information Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I, and Cancer Worry Scale. Results Women who underwent hysterectomy with the risk of gynecological cancer had high levels of state anxiety and cancer fear after hysterectomy; type of hysterectomy significantly affected cancer fear (P = .022), and social support (P = .015), type of hysterectomy (P = .024), and family history of cancer (P = .022) significantly affected state anxiety. Conclusion The management of these women’s concerns can be improved if healthcare professionals know more about the factors affecting their state anxiety and fear. Implications for Practice Health professionals witness patients’ most private experiences and play a key role in providing care and support. This study may be foundational in the planning and implementation of nursing interventions to manage causes of anxiety and fear during this waiting period.

A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of a Brief Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training-Informed Intervention for Test Anxiety

ABSTRACT Data testing the effectiveness of third-wave interventions to decrease college students’ test anxiety is sparse. We conducted a randomized controlled trial with college students to examine whether an intervention using several DBT skills (DBT; Linehan, 2015a, 2015b) would decrease test anxiety. Participants (N = 48) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions, the brief DBT condition (n = 26) or the control condition (n = 22), a brain-training activity group. Participants in both conditions met for a single, two-hour session. After the intervention, participants completed an exam in their psychology course. Results indicated that individuals in the DBT intervention group had greater reductions in levels of test anxiety and state anxiety, and greater increases in mindfulness, than individuals in the control group. This study provides data supporting DBT skills training as a promising treatment for students with test anxiety.

Anxiety characteristics in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: first vs. recurrent episodes

PurposeTo assess the difference in state and trait anxiety levels in patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) at the first episode (FE) versus recurrent episodes (RE), before and after vestibular physiotherapy. A secondary objective was to assess the difference in the prevalence of underlying health conditions between FE and RE BPPV patients.MethodsFifty-five patients with BPPV, aged 40–70, were recruited. The diagnosis of BPPV was confirmed based on subjective complaints of vertigo and positive results from the Dix–Hallpike and Supine Roll tests. Twenty-four patients were in their FE, and 31 had RE. All patients completed the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire three times; before, immediately after, and a week after vestibular physiotherapy treatment.ResultsThe RE group demonstrated higher trait anxiety than the FE group in all testing points: before treatment (median value of 38 versus 29, p-value = 0.02), immediately after treatment (median value of 36 versus 28, p-value < 0.01) and a week later (median value of 38 versus 28, p-value < 0.01). State anxiety decreased immediately after treatment in both groups, but at the second session, it was significantly higher in the RE than in the FE group (median value of 38 versus 28.5, p-value = 0.03). Hypothyroidism was significantly more frequent in the RE group (RE 16%, FE 0%, p-value = 0.04).ConclusionsBased on the current study’s findings, we recommend assessing anxiety levels in patients with recurrent BPPV and consider referring them for appropriate treatment when necessary.

Effects of Two-dimensional Self-directed Humor on State Anxiety: A Vignette Experiment

Correlational studies have suggested that self-directed humor (SDH) has positive and negative dimensions, namely deleterious and benign SDH, that have opposite functions on psychological well-being. Therefore, this study conducts two vignette experiments to test the causal relationships between deleterious SDH and increased state anxiety and between benign SDH and decreased state anxiety in stressful situations involving exclusion by others. In Experiment 1, college students were instructed to imagine they used deleterious or benign SDH after being ostracized by others. Participants in the control condition only imagined that they had been excluded by others. As a result, participants in the benign SDH condition reported lower levels of state anxiety than participants in the control condition. This result was replicated in Experiment 2 for working adults. Overall, the experimental results support a causal model indicating that benign SDH positively affects psychological well-being, supporting and extending the results of correlational studies.

Examining the Effect of Physical Training on Competitive State Anxiety Levels of Players

This study investigated the influence of physical training on competitive state anxiety in athletes. Ninety athletes (19-25 years old) from three public and private universities in Lahore participated (n = 30 per sport category). The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) assessed pre- and post-training anxiety levels. Descriptive statistics (Mean ± SEM) were used to summarize data. Paired-sample t-tests explored the impact of the training program on overall state anxiety, while a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) examined the program's effect on CSAI-2 sub scales cognitive, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence. Results revealed significant reductions in state anxiety for ergometer rowing, middle-distance, and long-distance athletes following the 8-week training intervention. We propose that the structured training program improves state anxiety in these athletes by potentially enhancing their fitness and psychological resilience. This study highlights the potential of physical training programs to optimize athletic performance by mitigating competitive anxiety.