Stress Response Inventory Research Articles

Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue: a multicenter, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundThe causes of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF) are not clearly known, and there are no definitive treatments for them. Therefore, patients with CFS and ICF are interested in Oriental medicine or complementary and alternative medicine. For this reason, the effectiveness of complementary and alternative treatments should be verified. We investigated the effectiveness of two forms of acupuncture added to usual care for CFS and ICF compared to usual care alone.MethodsA three-arm parallel, non-blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed in four hospitals. We divided 150 participants into treatment and control groups at the same ratio. The treatment groups (Group A, body acupuncture; Group B, Sa-am acupuncture) received 10 sessions for 4 weeks. The control group (Group C) continued usual care alone. The primary outcome was the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at 5 weeks after randomization. Secondary outcomes were the FSS at 13 weeks and a short form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) at 5 and 13 weeks.ResultsGroup A showed significantly lower FSS scores than Group C at 5 weeks (P = 0.023). SRI scores were significantly lower in the treatment groups than in the control group at 5 (Group A, P = 0.032; B, P <0.001) and 13 weeks (Group A, P = 0.037; B, P <0.001). Group B showed significantly lower BDI scores than Group C at 13 weeks (P = 0.007). NRS scores from the treatment groups were significantly reduced compared to control at 5 (Group A and B, P <0.001) and 13 weeks (Group A, P = 0.011; B, P = 0.002).ConclusionsBody acupuncture for 4 weeks in addition to usual care may help improve fatigue in CFS and ICF patients.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service (CRIS) KCT0000508; Registered on 12 August 2012.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0857-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Gender plays significant role in short-term heart rate variability.

This study examined the role of gender on short-term heart rate variability (HRV) and the correlation between subjective ratings of stress and HRV in healthy adults. Standardized short-term HRV measurement and self-administered stress response inventory (SRI) were obtained in 441 healthy women and 1440 healthy men. Hierarchical multiple regressions suggested that there was no gender by stress interaction in explaining HRV. However, there were significant gender differences in the associations between stress and HRV (the standard deviation of the NN interval (SDNN), high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF)/HF (F(1, 1878)=7.706, p<.01; F(1, 1878)=29.132, p<.01; F(1, 1878)=49.685, p<.01). In men, only HF (r=-.56, p=.031) showed such an association; whereas in women, the SRI total scores were negatively correlated with SDNN (r=-.103, p=.032), total power (TP) (r=-.104, p=.030), and HF (r=-.129, p=.007), and positively correlated with LF/HF (r=.111, p=.020) when adjusted for age, alcohol drinking, smoking, and caffeine intake. There are gender differences in the association between psychological stress response and HRV. Gender also showed a significant impact on short-term HRV measurement. Given that both clinicians and researchers are increasingly relying on HRV assessment, our work suggest that gender based norms are very important.

The effects of brain wave vibration on oxidative stress response and psychological symptoms

ObjectiveBrain Wave Vibration (BWV) training is a simple healing practice, a kind of Mind Body Training. This study was designed to investigate the psycho-endocrine differences between BMV practitioners and naïve controls. MethodsThe experimental group included 54 individuals who had participated in BWV. The control group included 58 subjects who had not participated in formal BWV. Levels of plasma NO, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured, and the modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF), the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered. ResultsThe BWV group demonstrated significantly higher plasma NO levels (p=0.003), and levels of ROS and SOD did not differ between the two groups. The BWV group showed lower scores in BDI (p=0.009), BAI (p=0.009) and stress level (p<0.001) and higher scores on positive affect (p=0.023) compared with the control group. NO levels were associated with increased positive affect (p = 0.024) only in BWV subjects. ConclusionBWV may increase NO, a relaxation-related factor, possibly by improving emotional state.

Effect of a forest therapy program and the forest environment on female workers’ stress

This study aims to determine the effects of forest therapy (FT) program and the frequent use of forest environment in daily life on workers’ stress levels on the hypothesis that FT program and frequent use of forest environment in daily life would reduce workers’ stress level both psychologically and physiologically.Participants were workers in the healthcare and counseling service industries, which are known for their heavy emotional burden on workers, and thereby had high levels of employee stress and burnout. In total, 211 subjects were recruited and divided into two groups using a screening survey according to the frequency of using the forest environment in daily life. Of the 91 subjects who reported low frequency of use, 19 female workers volunteered to join the FT program and were assigned to the experimental group. Among the 120 subjects with a high frequency of use, 20 female workers volunteered for the assessment of stress levels and were subsequently assigned to the control group.We measured stress levels through heart rate variability, cortisol concentration, natural killer cell activity, and scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, Worker's Stress Response Inventory, and the Recovery Experience Questionnaire.The results showed subjective stress relief after the FT program. The experimental group exhibited higher scores on the mastery factor of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire. Further, the experimental group showed more recovery experiences following participation in the FT program. The control group showed a significantly higher standard deviation in normal-to-normal intervals and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (measures of heart rate variability) and lower cortisol level as compared to the experimental group.These results suggest that frequent users of the forest environment are less stressed than are low frequency users, and that the FT program relieves participants’ psychosocial stress.

가미귀비환 투여로 호전된 갱년기장애 환자 21례에 대한 증례보고

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Kamikubi-hwan on menopausal disorder patients. Methods: We surveyed 21 menopausal disorder patients was administered Kamikubi-hwan. The patients of menopausal disorder was estimated twice with Kupperman's index (KI) and Stress response inventory (SRI). Results: After treatment, the mean of KI and SRI score were decreased. Symptoms of menopausal disorder were decreased. Conclusions: This study shows that Kamikubi-hwan is significantly effective on menopausal disorder patients.

Development of the Daily Life Stress Response Inventory for a Middle-Aged Woman

Development of the Daily Life Stress Response Inventory for a Middle-Aged Woman

Development and Validity Study of the Daily Stress Response Inventory for Adolescent

Development and Validity Study of the Daily Stress Response Inventory for Adolescent

Effectiveness of a Comprehensive Stress Management Program to Reduce Work-Related Stress in a Medium-Sized Enterprise

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive workplace stress management program consisting of participatory action-oriented training (PAOT) and individual management.MethodsA comprehensive workplace stress management program was conducted in a medium-sized enterprise. The baseline survey was conducted in September 2011, using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS) and Worker’s Stress Response Inventory (WSRI). After implementing both organizational and individual level interventions, the follow up evaluation was conducted in November 2011.ResultsMost of the workers participated in the organizational level PAOT and made Team-based improvement plans. Based on the stress survey, 24 workers were interviewed by a researcher. After the organizational and individual level interventions, there was a reduction of several adverse psychosocial factors and stress responses. In the case of blue-collar workers, psychosocial factors such as the physical environment, job demands, organizational system, lack of rewards, and occupational climate were significantly improved; in the case of white-collar workers, the occupational climate was improved.ConclusionsIn light of these results, we concluded that the comprehensive stress management program was effective in reducing work-related stress in a short-term period. A persistent long-term follow up is necessary to determine whether the observed effects are maintained over time. Both team-based improvement activities and individual interviews have to be sustainable and complementary to each other under the long-term plan.

An open-label study of effects of acupuncture on chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEven though chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue are quite common, there are no clearly known causes. Most treatments are therefore symptomatic in nature, and chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue patients are highly interested in using oriental medicine or complementary and alternative medicine treatment. Acupuncture, one of the major treatments used in oriental medicine, is effective in treating various diseases. This study will attempt to analyze the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic fatigue by comparing the two treatment groups (body acupuncture, Sa-am acupuncture) and the control group (usual care).Methods/designThis study consists of a four-center, three-arm, randomized, controlled, and open-label trial. One hundred and fifty participants are randomly divided into treatment groups A and B and a control group. The treatment groups will receive acupuncture treatments either two or three times per week for a total of 10 sessions over a period of 4 weeks. The control group will not receive acupuncture treatments and will continue their usual care during this period. The primary outcome variable is the Fatigue Severity Scale, which will be utilized 5 weeks after randomization. Secondary outcome variables are the Fatigue Severity Scale at 13 weeks, a short form of the Stress Response Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Numeric Rating Scale, and the EuroQol-5 Dimension at 5 and 13 weeks after randomization.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence with high external validity on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service KCT0000508

Impact of the BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on Regional Brain Gray Matter Volumes: Relevance to the Stress Response

ObjectiveGenetic imaging is used to investigate the mechanism by which genetic variants influence brain structure. In a previous study, a structural change of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with symptom modulation in post-traumatic stress disorder patients. This study examined the effect of a polymorphism in the gene encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on regional gray matter (GM) volumes and the correlations between the dorsolateral prefrontal GM volume and the stress level in healthy volunteers.MethodsSixty-one volunteers underwent genotyping for the BDNF Val66Met single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and completed the Stress Response Inventory (SRI). Magnetic resonance images were also acquired, and the effect of each subject's BDNF genotype and SRI subscore on his or her dorsolateral prefrontal GM volume was evaluated.ResultsThe Val/Val homozygotes had significantly larger GM volumes in the prefrontal cortex and the precuneus, the uncus, and the superior temporal and occipital cortices than Met carriers. The Met homozygotes demonstrated a higher stress response in depression domain than Val/Val and Val/Met groups. A negative correlation between the middle frontal cortex GM volume and the SRI depression subscore was found.ConclusionThese findings indicate an interaction between genes and brain structure, and they suggest that differences in dorsolateral prefrontal GM volume related to the BDNF Val66Met SNP are associated with resilience to stressful life events, particularly in the dimension of emotion.

Cupping for Treating Neck Pain in Video Display Terminal (VDT) Users: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

This was a randomized controlled pilot trial to evaluate the effectiveness of cupping therapy for neck pain in video display terminal (VDT) workers. Forty VDT workers with moderate to severe neck pain were recruited from May, 2011 to February, 2012. Participants were randomly allocated into one of the two interventions: 6 sessions of wet and dry cupping or heating pad application. The participants were offered an exercise program to perform during the participation period. A 0 to 100 numeric rating scale (NRS) for neck pain, measure yourself medical outcome profile 2 score (MYMOP2 score), cervical spine range of motion (C-spine ROM), neck disability index (NDI), the EuroQol health index (EQ-5D), short form stress response inventory (SRI-SF) and fatigue severity scale (FSS) were assessed at several points during a 7-week period. Compared with a heating pad, cupping was more effective in improving pain (adjusted NRS difference: -1.29 [95% CI -1.61, -0.97] at 3 weeks (p=0.025) and -1.16 [-1.48, -0.84] at 7 weeks (p=0.005)), neck function (adjusted NDI difference: -0.79 [-1.11, -0.47] at 3 (p=0.0039) and 7 weeks (p<0.0001)) and discomfort (adjusted MYMOP2 difference score: -0.72 [-1.04 to -0.40] at 3 weeks and -0.92 [-1.24, -0.60] at 7 weeks). Significant improvement in EQ-5D was observed at 7 weeks (1.0 [0.88, 1.0] with cupping and 0.91 [0.86, 0.91] with heating pad treatment, p=0.0054). Four participants reported mild adverse events of cupping. Two weeks of cupping therapy and an exercise program may be effective in reducing pain and improving neck function in VDT workers.

Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Idiopathic Chronic Fatigue: a Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives : Our aim is to evaluate feasibility for massive clinical research and to make basic analysis of efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue. Methods : This study is a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial. It was developed through literature searches and discussions among researchers. Results : Forty participants allocated to acupuncture group and wait-list group. Participants allocated to acupuncture group will be treated three times per week for a total of 12 sessions over four weeks. Eight points (GV20; bilatral GB20, BL11, BL13, BL15, BL18, BL20, BL23) have been selected for the acupuncture group. Participants in the wait-list group will not receive acupuncture treatment during study period and follow-up will be made in the 5th and 9th weeks after random allocation. Then the same acupuncture treatment as that performed to the acupuncture group will be made to the wait-list group. Fatigue Severity Scale, a short form of Stress Response Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Insomnia Severity Index will be used as outcome variables to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture. Safety will be assessed at every visit. Conclusions : The trial based on this study will be performed. The results of the trial will provide basis for the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue.

Depression and Quality of Life in Patients within the First 6 Months after the Spinal Cord Injury

ObjectiveTo evaluate the severity of depression, degree of life satisfaction, level of stress, and resilience among patients in the first 6 months after a spinal cord injury (SCI).Method36 patients with SCI were asked to fill out questionnaires concerning Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-BREF, Stress Response Inventory, and Connor-Davidson resilience scale. All patients had experienced an SCI within the last 6 months before the commencement of this study.ResultsIn our study, the patients who experienced the SCI within the last six months had a higher rate of depression (63.9%) and a higher overall level of depression (13.8 points). The unmarried group had a significantly higher quality of life (QOL; p<0.05) when compared with the married group. In the motor complete group, severity of depression and level of stress were higher, whereas QOL was lower than the motor incomplete group (p<0.05). The mean American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Motor Score (AMS) was much higher in the non-depressive group (p<0.05) when compared with the depressive group.ConclusionWe found the patients within six months after SCI injury had higher rate of depression and higher overall level of depression. Also, patients with motor complete injury had affected significantly on depression, QOL and stress. We found the married patients had poorer QOL and depressive group had lower AMS score of lower extremity. Therefore, there should be emphasis of psychological care who have motor complete injury and are married during the early stage.

유아의 기질 및 성격에 따른 어머니의 스트레스 우울 수준의 차이

Objectives : The purpose of this study was investigated that correlation between The Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI3-6) and Mother's Stress Response Inventory(SRI) and Beck Depression Inventory(BDI). Methods : We investigated 48 cases of 3-6 year old infants. Mothers of infants answered that questionnaire about temperament, character of infants and stress, depression of themselves. JTCI3-6 and SRI, BDI were used to get to know that answers. Results : Infants of mothers with high stress levels were lower than infants of mothers with low stress levels in cooperativeness. Infants of mothers with high depression levels were lower than infants of mothers with low depression levels in cooperativeness. Stress of mothers was negative correlated with cooperativeness in temperament of infants. Depression of mothers was negative correlated with cooperativeness in character of infants. Conclusions : Stress and depression of mothers were negative correlated with cooperativeness in character of infants.

Influence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and catechol O-methyl transferase polymorphisms on effects of meditation on plasma catecholamines and stress

Meditation may show differential effects on stress and plasma catecholamines based on genetic polymorphisms in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and catechol O-methyl transferase (COMT). Eighty adults (40 men, 40 women; mean age 26 years) who practiced meditation regularly and 57 healthy control adults (35 men, 22 women; mean age 26 years) participated. Plasma catecholamines (norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and dopamine (DA)) concentrations were measured, and a modified form of the Stress Response Inventory was administered. The results were analyzed using two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with control and meditation subjects, gene polymorphism as factors, and meditation duration as the covariate. Two-way ANCOVA showed a significant interaction between control and meditation subjects, and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on DA/NE+DA/E (p = 0.042) and NE/E+NE/DA (p = 0.046) ratios. A significant interaction was found for control and meditation subjects with COMT Val158Met polymorphism and plasma NE concentrations (p = 0.009). Post hoc ANCOVA in the meditation group, adjusted for meditation duration, showed significantly higher plasma NE concentrations for COMT Met carriers than COMT Val/Val subjects (p = 0.025). Significant differences of stress levels were found between the control and meditation subjects in BDNF Val/Met (p < 0.001) and BDNF Met/Met (p = 0.003), whereas stress levels in the BDNF Val/Val genotype did not differ between the control and meditation groups. This is the first evidence that meditation produces different effects on plasma catecholamines according to BDNF or COMT polymorphisms.

The effects of mind–body training on stress reduction, positive affect, and plasma catecholamines

This study was designed to assess the association between stress, positive affect and catecholamine levels in meditation and control groups. The meditation group consisted of 67 subjects who regularly engaged in mind–body training of “Brain-Wave Vibration” and the control group consisted of 57 healthy subjects. Plasma catecholamine (norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and dopamine (DA)) levels were measured, and a modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF) and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) were administered. The meditation group showed higher scores on positive affect ( p = .019) and lower scores on stress ( p < .001) compared with the control group. Plasma DA levels were also higher in the meditation ( p = .031) than in the control group. The control group demonstrated a negative correlation between stress and positive affects ( r = −.408, p = .002), whereas this correlation was not observed in the meditation group. The control group showed positive correlations between somatization and NE/E ( r = .267, p = .045) and DA/E ( r = .271, p = .042) ratios, whereas these correlations did not emerge in the meditation group. In conclusion, these results suggest that meditation as mind–body training is associated with lower stress, higher positive affect and higher plasma DA levels when comparing the meditation group with the control group. Thus, mind–body training may influence stress, positive affect and the sympathetic nervous system including DA activity.

Crisis Intervention for Workers in Severely Stressful Situations After Massive Layoffs and Labor Disputes

Due to the economic crisis and globalization, many workers have been suffering from severe occupational stress due to job insecurity and struggles related to downsizing and restructuring. This study aims to assess the stress levels among workers involved in fierce labor disputes and massive layoffs and to evaluate their specific needs and satisfaction with counseling services set up to help workers cope with severely stressful situations? The authors provided crisis intervention to workers in traumatic situations to compare the differential level of stress responses and needs among the workers remaining employed in a large auto factory, those laid off by it, and those laid off by other companies in the same region (Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province). We measured stress levels using the worker's stress response inventory (WSRI) and heart rate variability (HRV), and assessed workers' satisfaction with the counseling services. 502 workers participated in the program. Fifty-seven percent of them consulted with occupational problems. The mean WSRI score of the workers remaining employed in the automobile factory was higher than that of the unemployed (employed: 39.8+/-19.9, unemployed: 29.3+/-18.8). Ninety-five percent of workers responded that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the counseling services. This study suggests the urgent need for the establishment of a national crisis intervention program dedicated to supporting workers in severely stressful situations.

Spirituality and Stress Responses in Small Industry Employees

Purpose: Thisstudywasconductedtoidentify therelationshipof spiritualityand stressresponse includinganger, depression, somatization, and job stress among Koreanemployees insmall industries. Methods:The participants were 199 employees, aged 20 to 59, working in sixteen enterprises in C province. Workers responded to a questionnairethat included itemson spirituality, a modifiedformof the stress response inventory (SRI-MF), and items ongeneral characteristics. The data wereanalyzedusingtheSPSS/WIN 15.0program. Results:Thelevel for spirituality was moderate and for SRI low. The score for anger was found to be the highest stress response. Therewas significant negativerelationships betweenspiritualityandstress response, depression, and jobstress. Spirituality differed by age, religion and stress response differed by age, education level, marital status, and religion. Simple regression analysis showed that spirituality accounted for 37% of the SRI, a significant level. Conclusion:Asthe findingshow that spirituality influencedthe stress response of employees insmall enterprises employee assistant programs(EAP) for stressmanagement, which focus on thespirituality, age, marital status, religion, and education level, should be developed and provided for these employees.

Alexithymia and Stress Response Patterns among Patients with Depressive Disorders in Korea

ObjectiveAlexithymic characteristics may represent cognitive and affective mediators between stressors and stress responses among those with depressive disorders. This study evaluated how alexithymic characteristics, as measured by the Korean version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20K), could be related to stress response patterns, as measured by the Stress Response Inventory (SRI), within a sample composed of individuals diagnosed with depressive disorders.MethodsParticipants comprised a cross section of patients diagnosed with depressive disorders (n=98). Data on demographic and psychosocial factors (i.e., sex, age, and level of education), clinical profiles {i.e., primary and comorbid psychiatric conditions meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria at the time of the evaluation}, duration of illness, medications, and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scores, and the results of psychological assessments (TAS-20K, SRI) were analyzed.ResultsPatients having depressive disorders with alexithymia obtained significantly higher scores in terms of all seven subscales of the SRI, as compared to those without alexithymia, a logistic regression model was used to assess possible predictors for the presence of alexithymia in patients with depressive disorders, including the seven subscales of the SRI, gender, age, and duration of illness. We found that aggressive and somatizing responses to stress were significantly associated with the presence of alexithymia among patients with depression.ConclusionThese findings suggest that patients having depression with alexithymia were more susceptible to stress than those without alexithymia. Clinicians might improve their treatment of depression by identifying the clinical predictors for alexithymia and by helping those individuals demonstrating such symptoms in coping with emotionally stressful situations.

Antioxidant Effect of Tianwang Buxin Pills A Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula: Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their derivatives play important roles in the development of diseases such as, cardiovascular disease, ischemic disease, and aging. Much effort has been devoted to finding both an effective and non-toxic antioxidant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formula. Tianwang Buxin Pills (TBPs) have been used in TCM to treat mild cognitive impairment and palpitations. Recently, research has revealed that TBPs are effective against oxidative stress and psychological stress in experimental studies. However, randomized controlled trials (RCT) are rare. This study was conducted to assess the antioxidative and anti-stress effects of TBPs by analyzing (determination) reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs test) of the blood, the stress response inventory (SRI), and the Korean version of the WHO Quality of Life Scale Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-BREF) in 39 healthy volunteers (Placebo group = 20, TBPs group = 19) before and after oral administration of TBPs for 4 weeks. However, d-ROMs test, SRI, and WHOQOL-BREF values did not differ significantly between the two groups. These results indicate that TBPs do not effectively restrain ROS or their derivatives.