Stress Response Scores Research Articles

Application of multi-disciplinary team nursing model enhances recovery after surgery for total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty.

To explore the effect of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) nursing model based on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in total hip arthroplasty (THA)/total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and evaluate its application in the perioperative period of patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 100 patients with THA/TKA treated at Shaoxing Second Hospital Medical Community General Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. The patients were divided into an observation group (n = 50) and a control group (n = 50) based on the nursing method employed. The control group received traditional perioperative nursing, while the observation group received an MDT nursing model intervention based on the ERAS concept. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded at 6, 24, and 72 hours post-surgery. Additionally, postoperative activities, hospitalization duration, and postoperative complications were documented. Differences in knee joint range of motion (ROM), hip Harris score, psychological stress response score, and quality of life score between the two groups before and one month after surgery were analyzed. At 6, 24, and 72 hours post-surgery, patients in the observation group had significantly lower VAS scores compared to those in the control group (all P < 0.05). The observation group had an earlier first-time mobilization (P < 0.05). The length of hospitalization and hospitalization cost were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (both P < 0.05). The incidence rates of postoperative adverse reactions were 22.00% in the control group and 6.00% in the observation group (P < 0.05). One month post-surgery, the observation group showed significantly greater ROM, lower psychological stress and reaction scores, and higher Harris score and quality of life score compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). The MDT nursing model based on ERAS concept for THA/TKA perioperative patients effectively alleviates postoperative pain, promotes early activity, shortens hospital stay, reduces hospital cost, decreases the incidence of complications, restores joint function, enhances quality of life, and reduces psychological stress.

Comparison of primary school teachers' stress responses between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods: a large-scale nationwide survey in Japan.

A schoolteacher's job is considered one of the most stressful occupations globally. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has posed further challenges for schoolteachers. This study aimed to examine the effects of the pandemic on primary school teachers' stress responses in Japan. We analyzed the data from a nationwide survey of public-school teachers conducted between June 2019 and December 2021. The total numbers of participants were 65,968 in 2019, 72,248 in 2020, and 75,435 in 2021. Working hours and perceived main stressors as well as stress response scores were assessed. Contrary to expectations, the results showed that the stress response scores among primary school teachers did not increase in the first year of the pandemic. Rather, the stress response scores and the proportion of high-stress teachers significantly decreased from the pre-pandemic year (2019) to the first year of the pandemic (2020). However, the stress response scores showed a rising trend in the second year of the pandemic (2021). Participants' working hours decreased from 2019 to 2021. The findings in relation to teachers' main stressors matched these trends. Continuous monitoring of teachers' stress levels is required both during and after the pandemic.

The analysis of main stressors among high-stress primary school teachers by job positions: A nationwide survey in Japan.

A school teacher's job is considered one of the most stressful occupations worldwide. To maintain the mental health of teachers, it is crucial to clarify the factors affecting work-related stress among teachers. The present study thus aimed to examine the main stressors among primary school teachers considering the difference in job positions by using data from a large-scale nationwide survey. We analyzed the data from a nationwide survey of public school teachers conducted between June and December 2021. The total number of participants was 138,651. The information of perceived main stressors, working hours per day, job workloads, job control, workplace support, and stress response scores were assessed by job position. Among all teachers' job positions, the working hours of vice-principals were the longest, but their stress response scores were the second lowest. In contrast, the stress response scores among diet and nutrition teachers and health education teachers were the highest; their supervisors' and co-workers' support scores were the lowest among all teachers. Quantitative and qualitative workloads, job control, workplace support from supervisors and co-workers are significantly associated with teachers' stress responses in all job positions. Perceived main stressors among teachers were different depending on job positions. However, regardless of job positions, relationships with supervisors and co-workers were significantly associated with stress response scores among teachers. Dealing with difficult students and parents as well as workloads of clerical tasks were also associated with teachers' stress responses depending on job positions. Perceived main stressors among teachers were different depending on job positions. However, relationships with supervisors and co-workers were significantly associated with stress response levels among teachers regardless of job positions. This study highlighted the importance of interpersonal relationships at the workplace in terms of teachers' mental health. The results suggest that providing interpersonal skills training targeting co-workers' relationships and harassment prevention measures would be crucial to maintain teachers' mental health. The results also suggest that increasing school staff and providing sufficient organizational support for teachers will be required to prevent teachers' burnout.

Preliminary longitudinal evidence for stability of maternal behavior and infant stress regulation among infants born preterm at 4 and 9 months during the Still Face paradigm

Stress regulation begins to develop in the first year of life through interactions with caregivers, particularly in the presence of stressors. High quality caregiving, characterized by maternal sensitivity and responsiveness to the infant’s emotional cues, is particularly important in the development of infant stress regulation. The purpose of this study was to assess the longitudinal stability of, and associations between, maternal interactive behavior and infant stress regulation (indexed by positive infant affect and cortisol reactivity) in response to the Still Face paradigm (SF) in a cohort of infants born preterm (< 32 weeks gestation, N = 22) at four months and nine months (adjusted age). The percent of time mothers spent using specific interaction styles (contingent maternal interaction (CMI), attention seeking, and watching) during Play/baseline, Reunion#1, and Reunion#2 SF episodes was calculated To assess infant stress regulation, two indices were obtained at both 4 and 9 months during the SF paradigm: the percent of positive affect displayed over each SF episode (0-100%) and a neuroendocrine stress response score based on salivary cortisol reactivity. We found three non-significant but medium-large effect size differences between 4 and 9 month variables, with more positive findings at 9 months. Regarding stability within the 4 month and 9 month episodes, maternal behavior and positive infant affect were non-significantly but moderately stable, with maternal watching behavior being particularly stable. Positive infant affect stability between Reunion#1 and Reunion#2 at 4 months was significantly greater than positive infant affect stability across these two episodes at 9 months. Regarding stability across 4 and 9 month (same) episodes, CMI and positive infant affect showed modest but non-significant stability across (same) 4 and 9 month episodes. Finally, with positive infant affect at Reunion#2 as the “outcome” of the Still Face, CMI at both 4 month Play and Reunion#1 episodes were significantly correlated with this “outcome.” Further, positive infant affect at Reunion#2 was more strongly correlated with CMI at both Play and Reunion#1 for 4 month old compared with 9 month old infants. Thus, sensitive care appears particularly important for younger infants born preterm, and mothers’ behavior early in a repeated stress exposure paradigm may be particularly important in maintaining positive infant affect and in the development of infants’ stress regulation more generally. Identifying the longer-term effects of early stress on infant stress regulation, and its relationship with maternal interaction, has important implications for understanding trajectories of regulatory patterns and deficits. A greater understanding of these relationships is particularly important given that greater emotion and neuroendocrine stress regulation in infancy have been directly associated with numerous positive outcomes throughout childhood.

Analysis of the correlation between students' self-compassion and external pressure under chronic stress response.

Although the environment of college students is relatively safe, they are faced with the pressure of study, interpersonal relationship, and even future employment, which leads to a variety of psychological disorders, among which stress response is the most common one. As a new concept of healthy self, it is not clear how self - compassion affects students' stress response. This study aimed to analyze the role of students' self-compassion based on chronic stress response in negative emotional regulation and coping style selection caused by external pressure, and to provide a theoretical basis for the application of self-compassion in regulating individual emotions in the future. The 427 students from many universities in China who have applied for the 2020 postgraduate entrance examination and were preparing for the examination were classified into S1 group (preparation time < 2 months), S2 group (2 months < 5 months), and S3 group (preparation time > 5 months). The students who didn't apply for the examination were set as D0 control group. The total stress response score, learning pressure, and positive and negative emotional scores of each group were compared. The Bootstrapping sampling method was used to examine the mediating effect of self - compassion. The students applying for the examination were classified into high-level self-compassion group (G1) and low-level self-compassion group (G2). The scores of learning stress and negative emotion in S1, S2, and S3 groups were significantly higher than those in D0 group, and S1 > S2 > S3 (P < 0.05). The proportion of students in G1 group who responded to review setbacks in a mature way was significantly higher than that in G2 group, and the proportion of immature type was significantly lower than that of G2 group (P < 0.05). There was a very significant positive correlation between self-compassion and problem solving and asking for help (P < 0.001). Self-compassion concept can reduce students' negative emotions facing external pressure and protect individual positive emotions. In conclusion, faced at external pressure and stress, individuals with high self-esteem would not escape from their own negative emotions, and were more inclined to choose a positive way to solve problems and seek help from others.

Emergency stress management among nurses: A lesson from the COVID-19 outbreak in China-a cross-sectional study.

To assess the level of stress response, self-efficacy and perceived social support status of working nurses during the outbreak of the COVID-19 and investigate potential factors affecting their stress. The stress level of clinical nurses directly affects their physical and mental health and work efficiency. This study was a cross-sectional investigation, which was performed following the STROBE checklist. The current study was conducted in February 2020 by selecting clinical nurses from the Zigong First People's Hospital for investigation. At the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, we assessed clinical nurses with the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire, the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Perceived Social Support Scale. Specifically, the nurses were divided into three groups: (a) nurses supporting Wuhan; (b) nurses in the department of treating the COVID-19 patients in our hospital (epidemic department); and (c) nurses in the general department without the COVID-19 patients in our hospital (non-epidemic department). A total of 1092 clinical nurses were surveyed with 94 nurses in Wuhan, 130 nurses treating COVID-19 patients in our hospital and 868 nurses working without direct contact with diagnosed COVID-19 patients. The mean stress score of all surveyed nurses was 33.15 (SD: 25.551). There was a statistically significant difference in stress response scores between different departments. Noticeably, the nurses who went to support in Wuhan showed a weaker stress response than the nurses who stayed in our hospital (mean: 19.98 (Wuhan) vs. 32.70 (epidemic department in our hospital) vs. 34.64 (non-epidemic department in our hospital)). In addition, stress was negatively correlated with general self-efficacy and perceived social support. The present study suggested that the stress status of second-line nurse without direct contact with diagnosed COVID-19 patients was more severe than that of first-line nurses who had direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Our study indicated the importance of psychological status of second-line medical staff during the global pandemic.

Comparison between rectal and body surface temperature in dogs by the calibrated infrared thermometer

Because dogs tolerate conventional rectal temperature measurements poorly, a calibrated infrared thermometer was tested for assessing canine body surface temperature. Body surface temperature of 204 dogs was estimated on various sites (digit, snout, axilla, eye, gum, inguinal region, and anal verge). Having rectal temperature as the gold standard, temperature difference, Spearman's correlation coefficient, hyperthermia and hypothermia detection sensitivity and specificity, and stress response score was calculated for each measurement site. Although the canine body surface temperature was considerably lower than the rectal temperature, there was a moderate correlation between both temperatures. Spearman's coefficients were 0.60 (p < 0.001) for the inguinal region with a single operator and 0.50 (p < 0.001) for the gum with multiple operators. Measurement site on the gum additionally guaranteed hyperthermia detection sensitivity and specificity up to 90.0% (95% CI: [66.7 100]) and 78.6% (95% CI: [71.6 85.2]), respectively. Measurements with the infrared thermometer provoked a statistically significant lower stress response (mean stress scores between 1.89 and 2.48/5) compared to the contact rectal measurements (stress score of 3.06/5). To conclude, the correct body surface temperature measurement should include a calibrated thermometer, reliable sampling, and the control of external factors such as ambient temperature influence. The transformation of body surface temperature to the recognized rectal temperature interval allows more straightforward data interpretation. The gum temperature exhibited the best clinical potential since the differences to rectal temperatures were below 1°C, and hyperthermia was detected with the sensitivity of up to 90%.

The effect of positive psychology group intervention for occupationally injured employees

The aim of this study was to measure changes in levels of self-esteem and the response to stress after positive psychology intervention for occupationally injured workers to motivate them to return to work. The participants included 221 male and 44 female employees of a corporation in Korea who attended a psychological rehabilitation program for 2 weeks. Questionnaires including the Multidimensional Psychological Test (MPT), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and a stress response test were administered to measure levels of self-esteem and stress. The significant increase in self-esteem levels was found in men and women (p < .001). In addition, there was a significant decrease in stress response scores after the intervention. Conclusions: The psychological rehabilitation program was effective in increasing self-esteem and reducing stress response among workers with occupational injury.

Effect of stress management intervention on stress response and job satisfaction among employees in Chinese auto enterprises

Objective: To understand the effect of stress management interventions on improving stress response and job satisfaction among auto company employees. Method: A total of 320 employees in three Chinese auto companies were selected in August 2017 by stratified random sampling method to detect the stress response and job satisfaction. According to the score of job satisfaction, we got the low job satisfaction group (experimental group, n=86) and high job satisfaction group (control group, n=86). The two groups accepted a twelve months stress management intervention and then the stress response and job satisfaction scores were measured in August 2018 to learn the intervention effect. Results: The stress response score had a significant correlation with the job satisfaction score (r=0.219, P<0.05). After the intervention, the stress response and job satisfaction scores in experimental group was significantly higher than that before intervention (19.38±9.54, 16.00±10.47, P<0.05). The job satisfaction score was significantly higher than that before intervention (11.07±4.59, 2.89±1.96, P<0.01). Conclusion: Stress management intervention can improve the stress response and job satisfaction of auto enterprise employees.

Subjective happiness among Japanese adults: An upward tendency associated with age

Objectives The present study investigated subjective happiness in Japanese adults and offers basic knowledge for future studies. In addition, how subjective happiness varies in relation to certain demographic variables, such as gender and age, as well as factors that influence this variability, are examined.Methods A total of 2,000 Japanese people (1,000 females and 1,000 males) over the age of 20 completed an anonymous self-report internet survey. There were approximately the same number of participants in each of six age groups ranging from the 20s to 70s. How Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) scores were related to various demographic variables, including gender and age, as well as happiness, life satisfaction, and stress response, were analyzed.Results The validity of the SHS was supported by positive correlations with happiness and life satisfaction scores and negative correlation with stress response scores. The results also showed that females had higher SHS scores than males, and this gender difference was distinctive, especially among young adults. In addition, there was a U-shaped change in SHS score by age. That is, subjective happiness dropped with age, but started increasing again after the 50s. The same findings were reconfirmed by an additional survey one year later. Moreover, those with a spouse showed higher SHS scores than unmarried participants. Lastly, SHS scores were low among those whose highest education was junior high school and those who lived alone, although the limitations of sampling bias should be considered.Conclusion The SHS is an internationally accepted measure of subjective happiness consisting of only four items and can easily be used in public health research and practice. The current study offers basic information regarding SHS scores as well as subjective happiness in Japanese adults of different age groups and genders. The findings of the present study clearly indicate higher levels of subjective happiness among older age groups than younger ones, those with a spouse than those without a spouse, and females than males. As many studies conducted in other cultures have shown no such gender difference, further cross-cultural comparison studies are needed to clarify this discrepancy. The SHS as an indicator of personal well-being can be strongly expected to show extended utility in the future.

Relationship between the Onset of Depression and Stress Response Measured by the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire among Japanese Employees: A Cohort Study

BackgroundThe proportion of Japanese workers experiencing intense worry or stress during working life is in excess of 60%, and the incidence of psychiatric disorders and suicide due to psychological burden from work duties is increasing. To confirm whether the stress response measured by the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) can identify risk for depression, a cohort study was conducted to evaluate whether the stress response measured by BJSQ was associated with the onset of depression.MethodsA total of 1,810 participants aged 20–70 years in 2005 completed the stress response of the BJSQ and were followed-up until August, 2007 by examining sick pay records. Depression was defined by a description in sick pay records that included “depression” or “depressive symptoms” as a reason for sick leave according to a physician's medical certificate. The participants were divided into quartiles (Ql, Q2, Q3, and Q4) according to the total stress response score of BJSQ at baseline. Furthermore, the participants were divided into a higher score category (Q4) and a lower score category (Q1–Q3). Risk ratios of the stress response of the BJSQ for onset of depression were calculated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsAmong 1,810 participants, 14 developed depression during a mean of 1.8 years of follow-up. The risk ratio was 2.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–8.42, p for trend = 0.002) when the higher stress response score category of BJSQ was compared with the low stress response score category for sick leave due to depression. After adjusting for gender, age, marital status, and having children, the risk ratios were similar to no adjustment.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the stress response measured by the BJSQ can demonstrate risk for the onset of depression.

A Comparison between Effects of Aroma Massage and Meridian Massage on Constipation and Stress in Women College Students

This study was done to compare the effects of abdominal aroma massage and meridian massage on constipation and stress in college women with functional constipation. The participants were 38 college women, 18 were in the aroma group and 20 in the meridian group. The aroma massage was given using aroma oil which was a mixture of lemon, lavender, rosemary, and cyprus. The meridian massage was given at 9 accupoints which influence intestinal functions. The treatment was given 5 days a week for 4 weeks. A constipation severity score, weekly defecation frequency, and a stress response score were measured before and every week of 4 weeks of the experiment. While there was no significant difference between two groups, there was a significant difference within the groups in the constipation severity (aroma group: 1st week, meridian group: except 4th week), defecation frequency (aroma group: 3rd week, meridian group: 2nd and 3rd week), and stress (aroma group: all weeks, meridian group: except 4th week) after different duration of experiment. Based on these results, both abdominal massages relieved constipation and stress. Resorting to either types of massage will contribute to the reduction of use of stool softeners, suppositories, or enemas.

Effects of stress management program for teachers in Japan: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a stress management program for teachers on their stress responses, social support, and coping. Participants (n=24) were assigned to either an intervention or a waiting list control group. A five-session program, including psychoeducation, group discussion, role-playing and relaxation training, was conducted for the intervention group at two week intervals. Eight participants from each of the groups responded to pre- and post-intervention questionnaire surveys. The positive intervention effect was significant for social support from co-workers (p=0.035), whereas the negative intervention effect was significant for proactive coping (p=0.033). No significant effect was observed for stress responses (vigor, anger, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and somatic stress responses) (p>0.05). The positive intervention effect was marginally significant for social support from co-workers (p=0.085) and anger (p=0.057) among those who at first had high stress response scores in the pre-intervention survey (n=5 and n=4 for the intervention and waiting list control groups, respectively). Furthermore, the positive intervention effect was significant for social support from co-workers (p=0.021) and marginally significant for resignation coping (p=0.070) among those who at first had high job control scores (n=4 and n=5 for the intervention and waiting list control groups, respectively). Results showed that the stress management program conducted in this study contributed to increasing social support from co-workers. This study suggests that a program that focuses on a particular subgroup (e.g., those with high stress responses or high job control) might be effective in enhancing coping skills, increasing social support, and reducing stress responses.

An assessment of psychological stress in patients with facial palsy

Facial palsy may cause excessive stress due to the obviousness of its manifestations. We evaluated psychological stress in patients with facial palsy. Subjects were 57 patients with Bell's palsy, 12 with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and 11 with zoster sine herpete. Eighteen of 50 questions from the Psychological Stress Response Scale (PSRS) were selected and used to in a questionnaire completed by each patient on 2 separate occasions the first hospital visit and after recovery from facial palsy. They also completed a second bodily condition questionnaire before and after treatment. The psychological stress response score of patients with facial palsy was high on the first visit. Intermediate and high psychological stress were observed in 35% on the first visit. These psychological stress response score decreased after recovery from facial palsy. The psychological stress response of patients under 65 years of age in those over 65 years. No gender difference was seen in psychological stress response. Those with herpes zoster showed a higher psychological stress response than others and this decreased after recovery from facial palsy. Psychological stress response score of patients with facial palsy was high on the first hospital visit, suggesting that we must treat the psychological aspects of this manifestation by adequately explaining prognosis and pathology, in addition to physical therapy.

A study on stress processes for college students during semester-end examinations

The present study examined individual differences in psychological and physiological stress responses to the same stressor. In Study 1, psychological stress responses were assessed at three time periods: four weeks before, the day before, and the middle day of the semester-end examination period (N = 69). Both stress coping and MPI were assessed once during the study. In Study 2, 15 subjects were exposed to the same psychological stressor in an experiment to measure heart rate. The stressors were memorization of material relevant to the examination (Test 1), and mental calculation irrelevant to the examination (Test 2). Subjects were divided into 2 groups on the basis of their Study 1 psychological stress response scores: the low stress group (LS, N = 10) and the high stress group (HS, N = 5). The results of Study 1 and Test 1 of Study 2 suggested that there were significant differences between LS and HS in stress responses. These findings were discussed in light of cognitive appraisal and controllability of time. Further studies are needed to clarify the aspect of time span in cognitive appraisal.

Stress and suicidal ideation.

Several studies have indicated that attempted suicides have experienced more recent stressful life events (Conte & Plutchik, 1974). The present study was designed to explore instead the level of subjective stress as reported by suicidal people and the type of response made to stress. From college classes 71 male and 59 female students (LM,,, = 21.5 yr., SD = 5.2) were given the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck, et ul., 1961) on which M = 27.8 and SD = 6.2, the Langner (1962) stress scale on which M = 58.3 and SD = 10.4, and the Goleman (1986) mind/body response to stress scale on which the mind subscale M = 17.9 and SD = 3.6 and the body subscale M = 16.9 and SD = 3.4. Students were also asked whether they had ever threatened or attempted suicide in the past. For the women, stress scores were not significantly related to suicidal preoccupation. For the men, however, the response to the suicide item on the Beck Depression Inventory was correlated with the Langner stress score (Pearson r = 0.29, p < .01) and the mind and body stress response scores (n = 0.25 and 0.22, p < .05). Partial correlations controlling for the total Beck depression score eliminated these significant correlations. However, those who had previously attempted suicide ( ~ z = 3 ) and those who had previously threatened suicide ( n = 8 ) did have higher current stress scores even after controls for total depression scores (partial rs = 0.27 and 0.21, p < .05). Over-all, this analysis found little evidence that current suicidal preoccupation was related to current subjective stress or rhe type of response to stress.

The measurement of subjective response to stressful life events.

A scale was developed to assess subjective responses to stressful life events. Over 400 subjects (divided between psychiatric patients and nonpatients) completed the 14-item response-to-stress scale for events perceived as personally important. Optimal scale item weights were assigned on the basis of Nishisato's dual scaling procedure. Four items, typically associated with responses to stress, did not contribute to the item-weight solution and were dropped from the scale. Factor analyses showed that responses to stress loaded on one bipolar factor composed of four emotional distress items and six control-management items. In contrast to previous methods developed to assess response to stress, there was less than 4% overlap between the subjective response to stress mean scores and the total number of events endorsed by each subject. Also, the correlations between simple event counts and symptom index scores were smaller than those between the subjective stress-response scores and the symptom variable. The influence of demographic factors on both the patients' and nonpatients' responses to stress were analyzed.