Stress Coping Research Articles

Abstract LB035: Targeting cytoplasmic condensates in the stress response of cancer cells

Abstract RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) constitute a large and diverse class of proteins (>1400 human proteins) that control RNA metabolism and function. RBPs bind sequence and/or structural motifs in single- or double-stranded RNA using RNA-binding domains (RBDs) to assemble ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. RNPs regulate gene expression and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) function by organizing RNA-protein networks affecting the biogenesis, transport, translation, and degradation of bound RNAs. RNPs known as processing-bodies (P-bodies) and stress granules (SGs) form cytoplasmic membraneless condensates to compartmentalize cellular processes that facilitate survival of cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment and mediate resistance to anticancer treatments. The composition and dynamic regulation of RNPs and how these molecular features of RNA granules are regulated to promote cancer cell adaptation and progression remains poorly understood. Perturbing RBPs is a viable path towards RNP pharmacology but small molecules for this ‘undruggable’ class of proteins are currently lacking. Here, we described utilization of sulfonyl-triazoles (SuTEx chemistry) for disruption of cytoplasmic condensate through covalent binding of tyrosines to enable pharmacology of RNP function in cancer cells. A chemoproteomics platform founded on SuTEx chemistry was deployed for chemical biology and therapeutic investigation of P-bodies and SGs. Key findings to be presented include: (i) establishing a SuTEx-enabled screening platform for accessing ligandable tyrosine (Y)/lysine (K) residues in stressed cancer cells, (ii) identification of a set of SuTEx ligands capable of preventing or inducing SG and P-body formation in stressed cells, (iii) Discovery of a SuTEx ligand for the hyper-reactive EDC3 Y475 site for P-body modulation and (iv) validation of G3BP1 Y40 as a ligandable site that can disrupt arsenite-induced SG formation in cells. We will also describe unpublished work on efforts to advance discovery of new condensate modulators using global proteomic methods. Collectively, we describe a tractable means to reveal and ultimately target cancer vulnerabilities by disrupting tumor-specific stress coping mechanisms found in dynamic cellular compartments for therapeutic translation. Citation Format: Ku-Lung Hsu, Anthony M. Ciancone, Kyung W. Seo, Miaomiao Chen, Adam L. Borne, Adam H. Libby, Dina L. Bai, Ralph E. Kleiner. Targeting cytoplasmic condensates in the stress response of cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB035.

Self-employed and stressed out? The impact of stress and stress management on entrepreneurs' mental health and performance.

Entrepreneurs play a central role in economic and social stability, yet the start-up rate in Germany has declined in recent years, possibly due to the stress associated with entrepreneurial endeavors. Stressors such as financial uncertainty and time pressure are prevalent among entrepreneurs and negatively affect their psychological well-being. However, research on stress management strategies among self-employed individuals remains limited. This pilot study conducted a quantitative analysis with 117 self-employed participants in Germany. The study focused on typical entrepreneurial work demands and selected stress coping mechanisms. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between quantitative demands and mental exhaustion. Furthermore, a high positive correlation between presenteeism and workload suggests that presenteeism may partially explain the variance in workload. These findings underscore how high job demands can lead to self-endangering behaviors that are detrimental to mental health. Although no significant moderating effect of proactive coping on the relationship between job demands and mental exhaustion was observed, significant negative correlations between proactive coping and both job demands and mental exhaustion suggest a potential protective role of proactive coping against work-related stress. This study highlights the importance of understanding stress coping strategies among self-employed individuals and their impact on entrepreneurial success and mental well-being. Further research in this area is warranted to develop effective interventions to support the well-being and productivity of self-employed individuals in Germany.

Stress Coping in Mothers Who Accompany Elementary School Children to Learn From Home During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Stress Coping in Mothers Who Accompany Elementary School Children to Learn From Home During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Clinical and psychological associations and coping strategies for personality type D and depression in patients with coronary artery disease

The comorbidity of manifestations of psychological distress and cardiovascular diseases is complex. The degree of impact of psychological stress on the patient depends on the possibilities of the adaptive potential of the individual in the environment.Aim: To study the cognitive assessment of stress, coping strategies and clinical and psychological associations in personality type D and depression in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and Methods. The study included 112 CAD patients. The DS-14 questionnaire was used to determine personality type D.To determine the level of depression the hospital scale HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). To assess coping strategies, the questionnaires “Methods of Coping Behavior” and “Indicator of Stress Coping Strategies” were used. Difficult life situation (DLS) assessment was determined using the “Cognitive Assessment of DLS” methodology. The questionnaire “Types of Orientations in Difficult Situations” was used to study orientations in DLS.Results. Patients were divided into groups based on manifestations of psychological distress: with type D (n = 40), without type D (n = 72); with depression (n = 48) without depression (n = 82). In type D, there was a more frequent assessment of the situation as out of control (12.0 ± 4.6 points versus 11.0 ± 4.6 points, p = 0.049) and orientation towards losses in difficult situations (17.0 ± 4.1 points 15.5 ± 5.1, points, p = 0.016). In depression, less pronounced desire for difficulties (19.0 ± 5.0 points versus 23.0 ± 5.9 points, p = 0.006), orientation towards opportunities (15.5 ± 3.2 points versus 18.0 ± 3.5 points, p < 0.001). In type D, the strategies “Escape-avoidance” (p = 0.05) and “Self-control” (p = 0.04) were used more often. In depression, the strategies “Problem resolution” (p = 0.02), “Search for social support” (p < 0.001) and “Avoidance” (p = 0.02) were more often used, less often – “Confrontational coping” (p = 0.001).Conclusion. Differences in cognitive assessment and coping strategies were revealed in patients with coronary artery disease in personality type D and the development of depression symptoms. This study emphasizes the need for individualized behavioral interventions for patients with coronary artery disease with manifestations of psychological distress.

Work Stress, Fatigue, Shift Work, Workload Intensity, and Patient Safety Incidents Among Nurses

The prevalence of Patient Safety Incidents (PSIs) in Indonesia from 2015 to 2019 has increased. However, there have been limited previous studies addressing the correlation between work stress, fatigue, shift work, workload intensity, and patient safety incidents among nurses. This study aims to examine the correlation between work stress, fatigue, shift work, workload intensity, and patient safety incidents among nurses. The cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2023. The purposive sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 157 respondents. Data collection used questionnaires and internal reporting of PSIs. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and Chi-Square tests. There was a significant correlation between work stress (OR=3.361, 95% CI=1.688-6.693), fatigue (OR=5.690, 95% CI=1.873-17.284), shift work (OR=1.062, 95% CI=0.560-2.015), workload intensity (OR=2.227, 95% CI=1.155-4.297), and patient safety incidents among nurses. Nurses need to be aware of their levels of stress and fatigue, and they should develop stress management and coping strategies to overcome these challenges, enabling them to work optimally. Hospital management should pay increased attention to the issues of stress and fatigue experienced by nurses, particularly those with heavy workloads and night shifts.

Empathy as a determinant of perceived stress and styles of coping with stress in medical, law and psychology students

Empathy is an important part of the work of helping another person, but sometimes this work is exhausing and beyond the resources of the helper-especially when the helper does not choose a problem-solving style of coping with stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between empathy and perceived stress and coping styles in stressful situations among students from selected fields of study.A total of 90 students participated in the survey: this included 30 fifth-year students each from three fields of study - medical, law and psychology. They were mostly aged 23-25 and represented in greater numbers by women (65.6%). The Emotional-Cognitive Empathy Questionnaire (EEP) - by Wilczek-Rużyczka (2017), the PSS-10 test – Perceived Stress Scale in its Polish adaptation by Juczyński and Ogińska-Bulik (2009), the Questionnaire of Coping in Stressful Situations (CISS) in its Polish adaptation by Strelau et al. (2005) and the author's socio-demographic questionnaire were used as research tools.The regression analysis conducted showed that as the level of cognitive empathy increases, the level of stress will significantly decrease. A relationship was found between cognitive empathy and task-focused coping style. The students studied showed significant differences in their levels of empathy and perceived stress depending on their field of study: law students were characterized by lower empathy and higher stress compared to those in the medical and psychology fields.In contrast, no differences were found between students from different fields of study in terms of their choice of stress-focused coping style.Correlation analysis showed a significant opposite relationship between empathy and perceived stress, and differences were found in the level of empathy and the level of stress in students depending on their field of study. The obtained results indicate the necessity of empathy training in groups of students, which, as the obtained results and numerous scientific reports indicate, has a protective character, therein reducing stress and professional burnout levels.

COUNSELING APPROACHES AND TECHNIQUES FOR MANAGING ACADEMIC STRESS IN STUDENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes and challenges to students, particularly in the realm of education, leading to the emergence of new problems such as academic stress. This study aimed to analyze counseling approaches and techniques applied to assist students in coping with academic stress during the transition from offline to online learning. A literature review method was employed to identify relevant articles published between 2019 and 2021. Eleven articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. The results revealed a variety of counseling approaches and techniques used to manage academic stress, including group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive writing therapy, self-control techniques, self-instruction techniques, stress inoculation training, cognitive restructuring, coping strategies, time management, and relaxation meditation techniques. Group counseling emerged as a preferred method due to its effectiveness in providing mutual support and addressing shared concerns among students. Cognitive behavioral counseling was found to be effective in modifying irrational thoughts and behaviors associated with academic stress. Techniques from other counseling approaches, such as expressive writing and stress inoculation training, complemented interventions for managing academic stress. Successful intervention requires counselors to consider individual student needs, the onset and causes of stress symptoms, and students' self-defense mechanisms. By tailoring interventions to these factors, counselors can effectively reduce academic stress and support students in achieving their academic and personal goals.

214 Racism-based stress injury and biomarkers of stress: A Feasibility and Correlation study

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Racial discrimination and its associated stress are well-documented contributors to health disparities among African Americans (AA).This feasibility study aimed to acquire methodological insights and build the infrastructure for a subsequent mindfulness interventional study to reduce the effects of racism-based stress. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: 20 AA participants ( female 12, male 8 )ages 18-50 were enrolled, and clinical data (blood pressure, waist/hip, BMI, lipids, HbA1c, creatinine) for Allostatic Index were collected. Racism-based stress was measured using RBTSSS and the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS). Psychometric measures (Coping, resilience, mindfulness, social connection) and sleep (PSQI) were included. Bivariate analysis explored associations between psychological measures and stress biomarkers, supported by Spearman’s correlation analysis. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Low discrimination (EDS) was associated with a lower Total cholesterol/HDL ratio (2.99 vs. 4.20, p=0.009) and higher HDL (62 vs. 52, p=0.001). Low EDS participants also had better sleep (mean=3, SD=1.33, vs. mean=5.8, SD=3.99, p=0.05*) but reported less coping through drugs and alcohol (p=0.022*) and higher resilience (p=0.047*). Mindfulness negatively correlated to sleep disturbance (r=-0.477 to r=-0.62), coping and resilience. . EDS correlated with overall life stress and drug and alcohol use. Sleep disturbance was negatively associated with social connection (r=-0.569**) and mindfulness. Sleep disturbance and discrimination correlated positively with drug and alcohol use and overall life stress (r=0.52 and r=0.0.59, respectively), while resilience was negatively correlated with sleep (r=-0.45). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Discrimination was associated with increased stress and unfavorable coping, while mindfulness may offer potential benefits for sleep, coping, and resilience. These preliminary findings provide a foundation for further exploring the potential of mindfulness interventions to address the biopsychological impacts of racism-induced stress.

Circadian Preferences and Coping Styles to Stressful Life Events in Depression Patients

IntroductionDepressive disorder is a common public health problem that significantly impairs quality of life and has a high risk of mortality and morbidity.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate circadian rhythm differences, stressful life events and coping styles in patients with depression.MethodsThe study involved 100 participants, including 50 patients with depression and 50 healthy controls, recruited from the psychiatric clinic of one-university hospital. The participants completed a sociodemographic information form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Life Events Checklist (LEC-5), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations-Short Form (CISS-21) and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ).Results The mean age of the patients with depression was 31.88±10.6 years, and the control group was 29.84±8.02 years. There were no significant relationships between the variables including gender and some other sociodemographic characteristics except education level. There were significant differences between the depression and control groups in terms of coping styles for stressful life events. Emotional coping was significantly higher in patients with depression compared to the control group, whereas task-oriented coping was significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). The majority of both depression and the control group consisted of intermediate type. Natural disasters, severe suffering, and other stressful events or experiences were more frequent stressful life events in the depression group. Task-oriented coping scores and emotional coping scores showed significant discrimination with sensitivity and specificity values.ConclusionsRecognizing stressful life events and the coping strategies used to deal with them is important for identifying future mental problems such as depression and developing treatment and follow-up plans. Longitudinal studies are needed to fully understand how the reporting of mature and dissociative coping methods interacts with depression in recovery from traumatic events.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The role of resilience and coping behavior in schizophrenia in the prevention of psychosis relapse

IntroductionAccording to scientific sources, personal resources in the form of resilience, stress coping skills play an important protective role in the prevention of psychosis recurrence. Weakening the psychological capacity of the patient and increasing stress are risk factors for psychosis.ObjectivesTo study the protective role of such personal resources as resilience and coping with stress in schizophrenia, as well as the influence of negative symptomatology and psychosociorehabilitation intervention on these factors.MethodsClinical-psychopathological, statistical, and psychometric methods were used (Alfimova-Golimbet’s resilience scale, Amirkhan’s coping strategies questionnaire, and PANSS). Patients of two groups participated in the study: 1 - members of a community organization (OO), n=49, who in addition to psychopharmacotherapy were given comprehensive long-term psychosociorehabilitation (3.7±2.5 years), 2 - patients of the medical-rehabilitation department of a psychiatric hospital (MRO), n=48, in whom the psychosociorehabilitation intervention was shorter (40.3±6.5 days).ResultsThe results of the study showed that significant predictors of a favorable course of the schizophrenic process were high indicators of resilience, coping behavior, and a small degree of negative symptomatology. Analysis of the data regarding patients’ coping with stress shows that constructive coping strategies are more frequent in both groups. Thus, “problem solving” (24.3 points in GS and 22.9 points in MPO) and “search for social support” (23.0 points and 22.7 points, respectively), that is patients of both groups are generally oriented to a productive way of coping with difficult situations and are ready to seek help from others in a difficult situation. Notably, the strategy of “problem avoidance” is less pronounced (18.5 points and 19.4 points, respectively). The high resilience scores in the GS group (32.5 points), comparable to the norm in the population (33.1 points), are explained by long-term comprehensive psychosociorehabilitation, while the resilience scores in the MPO group are lower - 28.7 points. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia were equally pronounced in both groups, manifested by difficulties in communication (2.6 points each), passive-apathetic social withdrawal (2.7 points each). Such negative symptoms as blunting of affect and emotional indifference were more pronounced in the MPO group - 3.2 points each vs. 2.8 points in the group from the GS.ConclusionsHigh levels of resilience and ability to cope with stress as a result of psychosociorehabilitation intervention allow patients to overcome difficult life circumstances more flexibly. They are associated with less pronounced negative symptoms, which generally helps prevent psychosis relapses and contribute to a more favorable course and prognosis of schizophrenia.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The use of complementary and alternative medicine and approaches to coping with stress in women with breast cancer: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe study aimed to reveal the approaches to coping with stress of women with breast cancer and the factors predicting these approaches, to determine the prevalence and characteristics of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), and to examine the relationship between use of CAM and approaches to coping with stress. MethodsA descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 women with breast cancer at a training and research hospital in Türkiye. Data were collected with the “Descriptive Information Form” and the “Stress Coping Styles Scale (SCSS)”. ResultsWomen's SCSS score was 47.26±6.39 (effective) and 37.76±6.33 (ineffective). The SCSS score were not significantly different between CAM users and non-CAM users (p>0.05). The prevalence of CAM use was 36%, the most common types of CAM were herbal products (55.1%) and prayer (33.8%) and the reasons for using CAM were for relaxation (symptomatic) (43.2%). As a result of multivariate logistic regression analysis, level of income, working, number of living children, receiving chemotherapy, receiving surgery, having a family history of cancer, and the interest of their partner after the disease were associated with effective coping with stress (p<0.05, adjusted R2=0.08, 0.05, and 0.33 respectively). Working, receiving chemotherapy, receiving surgery, stage of cancer, and having a history of cancer in a social environment were associated with ineffective coping with stress (p<0.05, adjusted R2=0.14 and 0.11 respectively). ConclusionsOne-third of women were using CAM and had a good level of approaches to coping with stress. Healthcare providers, especially gynecology-oncology nurses, should provide counseling on CAMs and develop strategies for coping with stress for women with breast cancer.

A longitudinal investigation of the cross-dimensional mediating role of negative life events between neuroticism and depressive symptoms in adolescents

BackgroundNeuroticism has been identified as a significant predictor for depression within the adolescent population However, few longitudinal studies have investigated this association and explored the mediation effect of the negative life events. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal association between neuroticism, negative life events, and depression in a large sample of Chinese adolescents. MethodsData on Five Factor Inventory-Neuroticism Subscale (FFI-N) was collected from 1150 participants aged 14–19 years old at baseline, and data on Adolescent Life Event Questionnaire (ALEQ) and Center of Epidemiological Study-Depression (CES-D) were collected both at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Multilevel modelings were used to analyze the longitudinal associations among neuroticism, negative life events and depression. ResultsThrough a longitudinal study design, results from multilevel regression analyses indicated a direct correlation between increased levels of neuroticism and the aggregation of negative life events with the prediction of more severe depressive symptoms. Further, results of multilevel mediations suggested that the negative life events served to partially mediate the relationship between neuroticism and each dimension of depression. LimitationsThe results cannot be used to make a clinical diagnosis. ConclusionThe current findings suggest the negative life events as a cross-dimensional mediator in the relationship between neuroticism and each dimension of depression. Regulating neuroticism levels and implementing strategies to coping stress derived from daily life events could be integral approaches to reducing the prevalence of depression within the adolescent population.

The problem of loneliness and coping with stress in the context of life situations experienced by war refugees (based on the research conducted in Rivne, Ukraine)

The article presents the findings of a thorough investigation of the problem of loneliness and coping with stress in the context of life situations experienced by war refugees, based on an empirical study of 304 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the city of Rivne. The study has shown that IDPs are currently the most vulnerable category of the population due to the following factors: these people have suffered a deterioration of their life quality in terms of the financial and social status which they enjoyed before displacement; they are emotionally unstable and psychologically exhausted as a result of the traumatic war-related events they experienced. Stress, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty have become typical reactions characteristic of displaced persons of any age. The psycho-emotional state of war refugees causes a feeling of alienation, severe stress and loneliness — phenomena that are the result of a number of factors associated with war as one of the most serious crisis situations. As part of the Science for Society II program, the Minister of Education and Science of Poland launched the Faces of Stress and Loneliness in the Context of Military Migration project (November 2023 – March 2024), which envisages conducting a comparative study with the participation of groups of refugees currently living in the cities of Legnica and Krakow (Poland), Drohobych and Rivne (Ukraine). The purpose of the study is to gain an insight into the feeling of loneliness experienced by refugees and internally displaced persons and the coping strategies they use, to determine the level of awareness of global loneliness and its three aspects (emotional, social, existential), to determine the characteristic features of coping strategies used by the respondents in various stressful situations, as well as their long-term and far-reaching social consequences for the further psychosocial functioning of a person in various areas of life. The objectives of the project include determining the possibility of coping with stress by refugees in order to adapt to new circumstances and to continue living an active life under the conditions of war and in the period of transition to peace. A theoretical analysis has been conducted of the phenomenon of loneliness and coping strategies as defined and described in the humanities; the methodology of the research has been substantiated, and the characteristic features of the respondents have been analysed. Based on a statistical analysis of possible loneliness factors and responses to stress, the relationship between socio-demographic and socio-economic variables and stress coping styles has been examined; the link between the feeling of loneliness and stress coping styles has been studied; the hypotheses that the existential face will be predominant among the other faces of loneliness and that war refugees are characterized by differentiated stress-coping styles have been verified. It has been proven that the existential loneliness rate is significantly higher than that of social and emotional loneliness, that is, the dominant face of loneliness is the existential one. As regards the positive statistically significant correlation, it has been found primarily between active and productive/semi-productive coping strategies: the intensity of the task-oriented style differs significantly from that of the emotion-focused and the avoidance-oriented styles. The research data show that the task-oriented style prevails among refugees. The obtained findings necessitated the development of a loneliness and stress coping training program, consisting of 10 sessions, and its implementation in working with war refugees in order to teach them constructive strategies and techniques for coping with stress and the feeling of loneliness under the conditions of reintegration.

미자립교회 목회자의 스트레스와 자존감에 관한 통합예술심리치료 프로그램 개발 및 효과

The purpose of this study is to develop and verify the effectiveness of an in-tegrative art psychotherapy program on stress and self-esteem of pastors of dependent churches. To this end, 9 male and female pastors of independent churches in their late 50s to early 70s in J Province were tested by quantitative and qualitative methods after devel-oping and implementing an integrative art psychotherapy program to reduce stress re-sponse in terms of emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral aspects, and to improve stress coping ability and self-esteem. As a result, there was a reduction in stress re-sponse in quantitative terms, a significant improvement in stress coping ability and self-esteem, and a significant change in qualitative aspects. These results suggest that this program is a meaningful first step toward reducing the stress response of pastors of dependent churches and improving their ability to cope with stress and to improve their self-esteem. In addition, it is expected that the program will help not only pastors of de-pendent churches but also counselors of various counseling sites to lead a healthy life by preventing psychological disorders caused by stress and improving their ability to cope with stress and to improve their self-esteem.

The problem of loneliness and stress coping styles among war refugees in the context of their life experience (based on a study conducted in Drohobych)

This article presents the findings of an empirical study of the feeling of loneliness experienced by war refugees relocated to Drohobych, and the stress coping styles they use. The study included a theoretical analysis of available materials on the issue of loneliness and stress coping styles. The conducted analysis has shown that the problem of loneliness is widely described and interpreted from different aspects in literature on psychology. According to the sources, the problem is complex and there is no unambiguous solution to it. The phenomenon of loneliness is examined from the standpoint of numerous conceptual approaches. However, there is rather little research into the subject of loneliness experienced by war refugees in Ukraine and its connection with the stress coping styles they use. The aim of the study was to identify the specific manifestations of loneliness, in particular its three aspects: the social, emotional, and existential ones, and also its relationship with the stress coping styles used by forced migrants living in the territory of Drohobych and the Drohobych district. The above phenomena were analysed using the following psychodiagnostic tools: a short scale for measuring loneliness (SBS-AD), developed by Z. Dołęga; the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), developed by N. S. Endler and J. D. A. Parker, in the Polish adaptation of P. Shchepanik, Ya. Strelau, and K. Wrzeshnevsky (P. Szczepanik, J. Strelau, K. Wrześniewski); an original questionnaire, specifically developed for the needs of the research. The findings of the study of the theoretical and methodological aspects of the issue and the conducted empirical research have confirmed the hypothesis that loneliness experienced by war refugees has an existential face and is related to their stress coping styles. It has been found that the task-oriented style dominates among war refugees. The research has shown that the problem of loneliness and the related stress coping styles requires further study, while the research findings should be implemented in the provision of psychological help to war refugees.

Teacher Stress and Resilience During the Cascading Events of Winter Storm Uri and COVID-19

Teachers experienced additional hardship throughout the pandemic, including new stressors, contributing to worsened mental health. Many teachers across the Southwest endured the added strain of Winter Storm Uri in February of 2021. This qualitative study explored the impacts of the winter storm on teachers' experiences of stress and trauma within their work and personal lives, with the intention of better understanding support options to provide teachers during and after similar crises. Qualitative analysis was conducted using inductive thematic analysis and yielded five main themes: instructional impacts, administrator and district relations, psychological impacts, basic resource impacts, and concern for others. Results from the analysis illuminated teachers’ sources of stress, resilience, and support in coping with trauma. Implications for responses to potential future natural disasters, including possible policy changes and interventions, are explored.

Integrated Health and Personality Adaptation Model (IHPAM) for Men Amidst Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Navigating Psychosomatic Health

In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing challenges of the post-COVID era, this study presents the Integrated Health and Personality Adaptation Model (IHPAM), focusing on the critical examination of psychosomatic health determinants in Ukrainian men. Materials and methods. Conducted on a sample of 708 men from the Kyiv region, the research applies a comprehensive set of assessment tools to probe the complex interactions between physical health, psychological stress, personality dynamics, and adaptive coping mechanisms. We used the I-structural test of Ammon, Lifestyle Index (LSI), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Assessment of the level of health by the main functional systems, Clinical questionnaire for the identification and assessment of neurotic conditions and rigorous factor analysis with SPSS-28. Results. The study identifies five key factors within the IHPAM: Physical Functioning Nexus, Destructive Functions of the Personality, The Psychological Stress Nexus, The Constructive Personality Matrix, and The Adaptive Defense Mechanisms. The IHPAM model underscores the multifaceted impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic on men’s health, revealing significant psychosomatic disturbances. The study highlights the necessity for healthcare systems to adopt a holistic view, recognizing the pivotal role of psychological support, alongside physical health care, in mitigating the adverse effects of such unprecedented global and local stressors. Conclusions. IHPAM advocates for an integrated healthcare approach to the complex interdependencies between physical health, psychological wellbeing, and the socio-political environment, urging for targeted interventions that address the comprehensive health needs of men during times of crisis.

Trajectory of change in perceived stress, coping strategies and clinical competence among undergraduate nursing students during clinical practicum: a longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundClinical practicum is crucial for strengthening nursing students' clinical competence. However, nursing students often experience considerable stress during clinical practicum, and so they employ coping strategies to alleviate it. There is almost no empirical evidence on the change trajectory of perceived stress, coping strategies, and clinical competence among nursing students during a one-year clinical practicum. This study aimed to investigate the trajectory of change in perceived stress, coping strategies, and clinical competence among undergraduate nursing students during a one-year clinical practicum.MethodsThis study used a longitudinal cohort design. Undergraduate nursing students were recruited from a science and technology university in Taiwan to participate from February 2021 to January 2022. Perceived stress, coping strategies, and clinical competence among students in basic training practicum (T1), advanced training practicum (T2), and comprehensive clinical nursing practicum (T3) were surveyed by using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Coping Behaviour Inventory (CBI), and Clinical Competence Scale (CCS). PSS, CBI, and CCS in T1, T2, and T3 were compared using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) to deal with correlated data. The level of statistical significance was set at α = 0.05.ResultsA total of 315 undergraduate nursing students completed the questionnaire. The study results show that the overall perceived stress of the students is the highest in T2 and the lowest in T3. The main source of stress of the students is 'taking care of patients' at T1 and 'lack of professional knowledge and skills' at T2 and T3. Students' perceived stress in 'taking care of patients' gradually decreases over time. The four coping strategies of CBI, which are 'stay optimistic', 'problem-solving', 'transference' and 'avoidance' in this order, remain the same ranking in three surveys.The main stress coping strategy used by students is 'stay optimistic', while the coping strategy 'avoidance' is used more frequently in T2 than in T1 and T3. Students' mean scores of the overall clinical competence and in the 'general nursing' and 'management' subscales in T3 are higher than those in T1 and T2. However, their mean scores in 'self-growth' and 'positivity' subscales are the highest in T1 and the lowest in T2.ConclusionsThe results show that through experiential learning in clinical practicum at different stages time after time, students' overall perceived stress is the lowest and their overall clinical competence is the highest in T3. The main coping strategy used when students managed stress is 'stay optimistic'. According to the results, we suggest that clinical educators provide students with appropriate guidance strategies at different stages of stress and continue to follow up the clinical competence and retention rates of these nursing students in the workplace in the future.

Stress and Coping Strategies among Women in Late Motherhood.

Background: The shifting reproductive age of women is reflected in European populations. Pregnancy in women older than 35 years is considered high-risk and can be an additional source of stress. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived stress of women experiencing late motherhood and the coping strategies used. Methods: The study was conducted in Poland by means of a diagnostic survey, using the COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), and a self-administered questionnaire. The study included 310 women who gave birth to their first child after the age of 35 and 313 respondents in a control group who gave birth before this age. Results: Based on the results, there were no statistically significant differences in feelings of stress among women who gave birth to their first child after the age of 35 (M = 18.33) compared to the control group (M = 18.14). However, statistically significant differences were observed regarding stress coping strategies. Conclusions: Women giving birth after the age of 35 were more likely to use strategies including active coping, planning, positive reformulation, acceptance, turning to religion, and seeking instrumental support.

Working While in College Brings Happiness? Financial Stress-Coping Resources, Coping Strategies, and Life Satisfaction Among College Students

College students often experience financial stress, which can interfere with their educational attainment. By applying the stress-coping theory, this study examined the relationships between financial stress and financial coping resources (self-earned income, financial knowledge, and financial self-efficacy), financial coping strategies (problem-focused and emotion-focused), and life satisfaction in a sample of 313 Korean college students. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results demonstrated that emotion-focused coping, rather than problem-focused coping, was related to financial stress. College students’ use of problem-focused coping was positively associated with self-earned income but not with financial knowledge and self-efficacy. While self-earned income was linked to reduced life satisfaction, it was also connected to increased utilization of problem-focused coping, potentially enhancing life satisfaction. The findings indicate the importance of providing college students with opportunities to enable them to earn their own income and improve their overall well-being.