Showing papers on "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory published in 2004"

High antenatal maternal anxiety is related to ADHD symptoms, externalizing problems, and anxiety in 8- and 9-year-olds.

Abstract: Associations between antenatal maternal anxiety, measured with the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and disorders in 8- and 9-year-olds were studied prospectively in 71 normal mothers and their 72 firstborns. Clinical scales were completed by the mother, the child, the teacher, and an external observer. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that maternal state anxiety during pregnancy explained 22%, 15%, and 9% of the variance in cross-situational attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, externalizing problems, and self-report anxiety, respectively, even after controlling for child's gender, parents' educational level, smoking during pregnancy, birth weight, and postnatal maternal anxiety. Anxiety at 12 to 22 weeks postmenstrual age turned out to be a significant independent predictor whereas anxiety at 32 to 40 weeks was not. Results are consistent with a fetal programming hypothesis.

The Utility of Measures of Child and Adolescent Anxiety: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, the State?Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, and the Child Behavior Checklist.

Abstract: We evaluated the ability of the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to (a) discriminate between youth with an anxiety disorder and youth without a disorder, (b) discriminate between youth with an anxiety disorder and youth with either externalizing disorders or affective disorders, and (c) measure treatment change. In addition, variables, including age and sex, were explored as possible moderators of instrument utility. A meta-analysis of 43 articles was conducted. A large effect size was found when the instruments were used to compare youth with an anxiety disorder to youth without a disorder. When comparing anxious youth to psychiatric control groups, the picture was mixed; the instruments were found to be useful when discriminating between youth with an anxiety disorder and youth with an externalizing disorder, but not between youth with an anxiety disorder and children and adolescents with an...

High trait anxiety in healthy subjects is associated with low neuroendocrine activity during psychosocial stress.

Abstract: Altered stress responsiveness has been repeatedly related to mood and anxiety disorders. In a traditional view, a reduction of the stress response has been thought favorable. The goal of the present study was to verify the hypothesis that high anxiety is accompanied by enhanced hormone release during stress. Healthy subjects at the upper (anxious, n = 15) and lower (non-anxious, n = 12) limits of the normal range of a trait anxiety scale (State trait anxiety inventory) were exposed to psychosocial stress procedure based on public speech. Hormone levels, cardiovascular activation and skin conductance were measured. Exposure to psychosocial stress was associated with significant increases of all parameters measured. During the stress procedure, subjects with high trait anxiety exhibited lower levels of hormones of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, namely ACTH and cortisol in plasma, as well as cortisol in saliva. Similarly, the stress-induced activation of epinephrine, norepinephrine and prolactin secretion was significantly lower in anxious subjects in comparison with that in non-anxious subjects. Thus, in contrast to the traditional view, high anxiousness was not associated with exaggerated stress response. Our findings suggest that high trait anxiety may be associated with an inability to respond with adequate hormone release to acute stress stimuli.

Imagery reduces children's post-operative pain.

Abstract: This un-blinded experimental study investigated the effectiveness of imagery, in addition to routine analgesics, in reducing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy pain and anxiety after ambulatory surgery (AS) and at home. Seventy-three children, aged 7–12, were recruited from five AS settings. Thirty-six children randomly assigned to the treatment group watched a professionally developed videotape on the use of imagery and then listened to a 30-min audio tape of imagery approximately 1 week prior to surgery (T1). They listened to only the audio tape 1–4 h after surgery (T2), and 22–27 h after discharge from AS (T3). The 37 children in the attention-control group received standard care. Pain and anxiety were measured at each time-point in both groups. Measures of sensory pain were the Oucher and amount of analgesics used in AS and home; affective pain was measured with the Facial Affective Scale (FAS). Anxiety was measured using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC). When controlling for trait anxiety and opioid and non-opioid intake 1–4 h before the pain measures, MANCOVA showed significantly lower pain and anxiety in the treatment group at T2, but not at T3. When controlling for trait anxiety, a two-way RM MANCOVA indicated no significant group differences in combined opioid and non-opioid use between the groups, or between times. Appropriately trained health care providers should use imagery to reduce post-operative pain following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy in AS. Teaching parents about adequate home administration of analgesics may increase the effectiveness of imagery at home.

Anaesthesia induction in children: a psychological evaluation of the efficiency of parents’ presence

Abstract: Summary Background : The induction of anaesthesia for surgery is a stressful time for both child and parents. To treat preoperative anxiety in children, pharmacological methods (premedication) and behavioural methods (the presence of parents during the induction of anaesthesia) have been used, both independently and in combination. The purpose of this investigation was to study the effect of both premedication and parental presence on preoperative anxiety in a homogeneous population. Methods : In this study conducted between January and April 2001 in the Meyer Hospital in Florence (Anaesthesia Department and Surgical Department), we studied 39 Italian speaking children aged 2–14 years who were undergoing minor surgery. Before the surgical intervention the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire and a questionnaire for the social-demographic characteristics were given to the parents. The stress of the children was evaluated during induction of anaesthesia. We also studied behavioural areas of both children and parents with two specific questionnaires administered after the surgery. Results : The STAI scores showed that the mothers had a higher level of anxiety compared with the fathers. The induction of anaesthesia for surgery was a stressful time for 23% of children of our sample. The correlation between stress of the child at induction and state (P = 0.034) and trait (P = 0.049) anxiety of parents was statistically significant. The child's loss of consciousness was for the majority of parents (56%) the moment of greatest stress and 97% of parents did feel useful during the induction of anaesthesia. There was a significant difference, P = 0.032, in the presence or absence of stress depending on whether the mother or father accompanied the child to the operating room. There was no significant difference in the presence of stress between children who did and did not receive premedication. Conclusions : Maternal presence, compared with the father's presence, is fundamental in helping to overcome anxiety in a child receiving anaesthesia. If the parents are present during the induction, the addition of premedication does not offer further benefit. Parents themselves judged their presence during the induction of anaesthesia in their child as a positive event. We also found a statistical significant correlation between anxiety of the parents with the level of the stress of the child during induction of anaesthesia.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on the Grieving Process and Emotional Well-Being of Chronic Pain Patients

Abstract: Losses in relationships, work, and other areas of life often accompany the physical discomfort of chronic pain. Often the depth and intensity of the grief associated with chronic pain are overlooked or possibly misdiagnosed and treated as depression. We used an 8-week mindfulness meditation program to determine its effectiveness in addressing the grieving process among 39 patients diagnosed with chronic pain. Eighteen patients volunteered to be in a comparison group. The study was conducted in a regional hospital's pain clinic and patients completed the Response to Loss Scale (measuring grief), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results indicated that the treatment group advanced significantly more quickly through the initial stages of grieving than the comparison group. In addition, the treatment group demonstrated significant reductions in depression and state anxiety, but no significant differences emerged when comparing groups on the final stages of grieving or trait anxiety.

Anxiety and extraction of third molars in Turkish patients

Abstract: Preoperative anxiety is widespread and adversely affects a patient's physical and psychological outcome. Extraction of third molars is common, and many patients complain of anxiety and emotional disturbance. We assessed the anxiety of patients in Turkey before extraction of third molars. A total of 120 patients were admitted for removal of one or more third molars under local anaesthesia. The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) and Spielberger's State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to evaluate anxiety. The results showed that women were significantly more anxious than men; women who had not had a previous operation were more anxious than other women; there was no difference in the anxiety scores of patients who had previously had a local anaesthetic and those who had not; there were no differences in anxiety as measured by trait scores; patients who wanted a lot of information were more anxious.

The effect of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome on health related quality of life

Abstract: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the most important factor limiting long-term survival after lung transplantation, and has a substantial impact on patients' daily life in terms of disability and morbidity. Aim of our study was to examine the effects of BOS on health related quality of life (HRQL) in lung transplantation patients. Data on HRQL from 29 patients who developed BOS at least 18 months earlier were studied longitudinally. HRQL measures were: the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Self-rating Depression Scale (ZUNG), and the Index of Well Being (IWB). Furthermore questions concerning activities of daily life and dyspnea were asked. The majority of the patients were male, and the most common diagnosis was emphysema. After the onset of BOS, significantly more restrictions were reported on the dimensions energy and mobility of the NHP. These restrictions appeared to increase over time. After the onset of BOS, STAI scores remained more or less stable and close to the value of the general population. ZUNG scores were significantly higher after the onset of BOS, and patients experienced a lower level of well being than the general population. The percentage of patients that reported to be able to perform activities of daily life without effort declined dramatically after the onset of BOS. Furthermore, the percentage of patients complaining of dyspnea increased after the onset of BOS. In conclusion, our study showed that HRQL was negatively affected by the onset of BOS. However, in spite of these less favorable long-term results, even patients who develop BOS may at least temporarily benefit from a lung transplantation.

Maternal Anxiety Associated With Newborn Genetic Screening for Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract: OBJECTIVE—To describe maternal anxiety associated with newborn genetic screening for type 1 diabetes during the first year after risk notification. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Mothers of at-risk infants (n = 435), identified through newborn genetic screening as part of the Prospective Assessment of Newborn for Diabetes Autoimmunity (PANDA) study, were administered a short form of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) during telephone interviews ∼3.5 weeks, 4 months, and 1 year after risk notification. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine predictors of maternal anxiety at each interview as well as changes in anxiety over time. RESULTS—For the total sample, initial state STAI scores were not elevated and declined further over time. However, Hispanic mothers, those with low levels of education, those who overestimated the child’s risk for diabetes, and mothers of infants in the highest risk group exhibited significantly elevated initial state STAI scores. At 4 months, higher state STAI scores were associated with higher initial state STAI scores, single parent status, having an infant with a first-degree relative with diabetes, and overestimation of the child’s actual risk. Initial and 4-month STAI scores remained predictive of STAI scores at 1 year. In addition, single mothers and mothers of female children reported higher STAI state scores 1 year after risk notification. CONCLUSIONS—For most mothers, newborn genetic screening to identify infants at increased risk for type 1 diabetes is not associated with significantly elevated maternal anxiety; anxiety further dissipates over time. However, anxiety levels vary considerably as a function of maternal ethnic status, education, marital status, maternal estimation of infant risk, and sex of the child and may be significantly elevated in some women.

A longitudinal SEM approach to STAI data:two comprehensive multitrait-multistate models.

Abstract: I investigated psychometric properties of data gathered with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983, 1993) using structural equation modeling. Two features were integrated into the modeling: Bistability refers to the duality that is raised once the wording effect is recognized, and second-order, state-residual/trait decomposition refers to the basic bidimensionality of the data, which is revealed in a longitudinal perspective. I tested the approach on 2 samples of French adults (total N = 888) borrowed from Vautier and Jmel (2003). The models provided acceptable goodness of fit and supported the empirical need for hypothesizing 2 trait factors and 4 transient sources of true variance. I assessed the multidimensional composition of the composites using reliability analyses. I discuss theoretical consequences of the approach.

Psychoemotional assessment changes in patients treated with orthognathic surgery: pre- and postsurgery report.

Abstract: Aim To evaluate a sample of patients treated with orthognathic surgery, establishing the emotional and self-perception differences between the pre- and postsurgical assessment. Material and methods Several questionnaires (Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Oral Health Status Questionnaire, Post-Surgical Satisfaction Questionnaire) were administered to the sample of 30 patients; these were used to study the data related to body image, level of anxiety, eventual depressive status, quality of life, and postsurgical satisfaction. Results The longitudinal study results outline the impact of orthognathic surgery on the psychological and emotional well-being of the patient and the need for the specialist to understand the emotional status and expectations of the patient.

Evaluation of the effect of cognitive therapy on perioperative anxiety and depression among Nigerian surgical patients.

Abstract: Study Objective: Surgical paients have been known to benefit immensely from psychological interventions. This study set out to assess the pre and postoperative anxiety levels and depression and the effect of cognitive therapy among Nigerian surgical patients. The effects of gender and educational status on perioperative anxiety and depression were also evaluated. Study design: The study utilized a controlled outcome design to evaluate the efficacy of self-instructional training (SIT) and rational emotive therapy (RET) in surgical patients. Preoperative anxiety and depression scores were used as co-variants. Patients: Thirty-three (33) elective surgical patients were sampled randomly, divided into 3 groups of eleven (11) patients each. Eight (8) subjects underwent gynaecological procedures while the remaining 25 subjects had general surgical procedures. The mean age was 32.72+ 15.83 years (range = 17-16 years.) Measurements: The major instruments used in the study were the State Anxiety Subscale of the Speilberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Inventory. Main results: SIT had the potential to reduce anxiety level among subjects postoperatively (t = 2.06; df = 10; p Conclusions: It was concluded that surgical patients manifest varying degrees of anxiety preoperatively and postoperatively. Patient's pre and postoperative anxiety and depression can be reduced by the introduction of SIT and RET. Key words . Cognitive therapy, Self-instructional therapy, Rational emotive therapy, Anxiety, Surgical patient, Perioperative Resume Objectif: C'est deja note que les operes beneficient enormement de l'intervention psychologique. Cet etude est pour but d'evaluer les niveaux de l'inquietude pre et postoperatoire et l'etat depressif et l' effet de la therapie cognitive chez les operes nigerians. L'effet de sexe et du diplome sur l'inquietude perioperatoire et etat depressif sont ete egalement evalues. Methodes: On a utilise un plan du resultat bien dirige pour evaluer l'efficacite de la formation autodidacte (SIT) et la therapie rationnelle sensationnaliste (RET) chez des patients operes. On avait utilise des Scores de l'inquietude preoperatoire et de l'etat depressif comme co-variants. Patients: Trente trois (33) patients operes de comfort ont ete passes par echantillonage au hazard divise en trois groupes compose de 11 patients dans chaque groupe. Huit (8) sujets avaient passe par des procedures gynecologiques tandis que les autres 25 sujets avaient subi des procedures chirurgicales generales. L'âge moyen etait 32, 72 + 15, 83 ans (de 17 a 61 ans). Mesurage: Des instruments les plus importants utilises dans cet etude etaient sous balance d'etat de l'inquietude de speilberger state-Trait Inquietude d'inventaire (STAI) et inquietude de l'hopital et l'inventaire de l'etat depressif. Resultats principaux: Le SIT avait le potentiel d'abaisser le niveau de l'inquietude chez des sujets postoperatoires (t = 2,06, df = 10, p Conclusion: Dans l'ensemble, on dirait que des patients operes temoignent les degres diverses de l'inquietude pre-operatoire et posteoperatoire. On peut abaisser l'inquietude et l' etat depressif des patients a travers le traitement avec le SIT et RET pre et postoperativement. West African Journal of Medicine Vol.22(4) 2003: 338-343

Measuring anxiety by ordered categorical items in data with subgroup structure: the case of the Hungarian version of the trait anxiety scale of the state-trait anxiety inventory for children (staic-h)

Abstract: The present study suggests a modelling methodology for examining measurement invariance of ordered categorical item indicators of latent constructs such as anxiety, coping, motives etc., in research settings with few subgroups and a large sample of individuals. The Hungarian version of the Anxiety Trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC-H) was administered to 605 boys and 975 girls of age 10–15 in 12 schools. A MIMIC model was suggested for examining measurement invariance across subgroups of schools and ages, while a multi-group analysis was recommended for investigating invariance across gender. High degree of invariance across groups was obtained for the Anxiety Trait scale in terms of item factor loadings, item thresholds and item homogeneity with respect to group contrast variables. Based on the diagnostic information obtained by the present methodology, the few item indicators showing non-invariance were discussed with reference to methodological and conceptual considera...

The association of anxiety with asthma among a sample of asthmatics in Ile-Ife Osun State Nigeria.

Abstract: Background. The association between asthma and anxiety has been a subject of various studies in developed countries, but there has been little work done in this area in developing countries. The goal of this study is to determine whether asthmatics are more anxious than orthopaedic patients and healthy individuals. Method. Fifty consecutive asthmatics were assessed. All completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ—30) and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI—1 and 2). Healthy individuals (30) and orthopaedic patients (30) were also recruited as controls; they also completed the GHQ and the STAI—1 and 2. Results. No significant difference was found in the sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, occupation, and marital status. The asthmatics had a mean GHQ score of 4.2 (SD ± 4.6) while orthopaedic and healthy control groups scored 1.6 (SD ± 1.8) and 2 (SD ± 1.8), respectively. There was a significant difference in the mean score of the index population (Asthmatic...

지시적 심상요법이 임상 실습시 간호학생의 스트레스와 불안에 미치는 효과

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of Guided Imagery on the stress and anxiety of nursing students in clinical practice. Method: The research design was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The data were collected from the 20th of June to the 11th of July 2003. The objects of this study were 32 nursing students of college(16 for the experimental group, 16 for the control group). The instruments used in this study were State Trait Anxiety Inventory, the stress scale developed by Choi(1991). The guided imagery was provided through audiotapes to the subjects for 8 minutes, a time for 5 days. The pretest was given before the therapy to measure variables for both groups and the posttest was performed after intervention. The data were analyzed by the SAS program using t-test. Result: The results of this study are as follows. The stress scores of students were decreased in the experimental group, but were not significantly different between the experimental group and the control group after the guided imagery. The anxiety scores of students were significantly different between the experimental group and the control group after the guided imagery. Conclusion: The guided imagery can be suggested as an effective nursing intervention to reduce the anxiety. Further studies to identify the effects of stress reduction according to the frequency of the guided imagery can be needed.

The association of working memory and anxiety with skill acquisition and transfer in young and older adults

Abstract: Two studies, involving a total of 184 adults between 17 and 89 years of age, were conducted to determine whether age differences in skill acquisition and transfer could be related to age differences in working memory functioning and anxiety. In both experiments, working memory functioning was measured using the Digit Span task (Wechsler, 1997) und the Reading Span tusk (Daneman & Carpenter, 1980), while anxiety levels were measured using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983). Participants were required to perform a mental arithmetic task in Experiment I, and a visual numerosity task in Experiment 2. In each experiment, participants received 240 trials of the task during u training phase (in which one set of stimuli were used) and 240 trials during a transfer phase (in which a second set of stimuli were used). The results from both studies revealed that partial positive transfer occurred from one phase to another for both young and older adults. This indicates that both age groups learned the skills in a similar way: using a combination of general und specific learning, Moreover, the older adults in both experiments became faster with practice, they generally improved as much as younger adults with practice, and they were able to achieve the same or better levels of accuracy compared to younger adults, This suggests that healthy older adults possess the ability to learn new skills. When scores for working memory span and anxiety were analysed, working memory span was found to correlate significantly with the accuracy levels and reaction times of the young age group in Experiment l, and of both age groups in Experiment 2. Similarly, anxiety levels were related to reaction times for both age groups in both experiments, with higher levels of anxiety also associated with smaller working memory spans for the young adults in both experiments. These results suggest that both working memory span and anxiety hove an impact on the performance of participants, and can account for some of the age differences observed during skill acquisition and transfer.

Comparison of chemosensory function and psychological profile in patients with idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI)/multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), odorant sensitive and insensitive controls

Abstract: Rationale Since patients with Idiopathic Environmental Intolerances frequently report unspecific polysomatic complaints effected by odorants we addressed the question if they differ from subjectively olfactory sensitive subjects not reporting IEI and subjectively insensitive controls regarding chemosensory, cognitive and clinical psychological parameters. Methods In an age-and-gender matched case control study 23 patients with IEI, 21 subjectively olfactory sensitive subjects and 23 subjectively insensitive controls have been investigated. Chemosensory event related potentials (CSERP) have been recorded and the olfactory threshold for n-butanol and the odor identification have been determinated by means of Sniffin' Sticks. A trigeminal provocation with menthol by lateralized stimulus presentation has been performed. Psychometric instruments such as a questionnaire about subjective feeling regarding olfactometry, the List of Complaints (BL), the Symptom Check List 90 Revised (SCL-90-R), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-G) and the MCS-questionnaire regarding symptoms and triggers were filled in by the participants. Results The olfactometric investigations showed no significant differences between the study groups. The IEI collective reached significantly higher scores on negative subjective feeling regarding olfactometry, on subjective health complaints (BL), on global indices and the somatization subscale of the SCL-90-R, on state anxiety and on symptoms and triggers of the MCS Questionnaire. Conclusions Our findings revealed that there are no changes in olfactory performance, central chemosensory and cognitive olfactory information processing in patients with IEI. They support previous findings of changes in the psychological profile and elevated clinical psychopathological parameters in IEI in these patients.

Research on characteristics of affective status in military personnel and affective assessment methods

Abstract: AIM: To investigate the correlation of state anxiety, trait anxiety, and positive and negative emotional states in young military servicemen METHODS: Following surveying of the Positive and Negative Affective Scales, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in 112 military servicemen, the correlations between affective experience, anxiety liability and emotional states were compared in order to assess their mental conditionRESULTS: The scores of negative emotion was significantly correlated with that of state anxiety or trait anxiety(P001),and the correlation coefficient between negative emotion and trait anxiety was larger than that between negative and state anxiety There was significant negative correlation between positive affect and trait or state anxiety Compared with servicemen,service women were found to have higher scores in state anxiety, trait anxiety and negative affect, but lower scores in positive affectCONCLUSION: There is significant correlation between affective and anxiety status, and military women are more liable to negative emotion and anxiety state than servicemen

Coping Strategies and Depression in Caregivers of Patients with Mental Disorders: A Case Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract: Caregivers of mental patients are assumed to be of sound mental health to be able to give care for such patients. Observation has however shown that this assumption may not be true. The objectives of this study include finding out the coping strategies used by these caregivers of mental patients and the level of anxiety and depression of these caregivers in a hostile situation. This study was on 57 caregivers (36 males and 21 females) attending to patients who were receiving psychological treatments for mental disorders in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital complexes at Ile-Ife and Ilesa in Nigeria. Three standardized instruments viz Coping Strategies, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for measuring depression and anxiety. Regression and Correlation were used to find the levels of depression and anxiety and their relationship with coping strategies. The result shows that these respondents used two (avoidant and problem solving) out of the three coping strategies. Mild to moderate depression was found in 21 (36.8%) of the respondents while (10.5%) had moderate to severe depression. All the respondents experienced anxiety ranging from mild to severe. A positive insignificant correlation was found between BDI and STAI of those using problem solving coping strategy. The implication of these findings is the necessity for urgent therapeutic intervention for caregivers of mental patients. Further investigation on the role of social support and other environmental factors affecting care giving should be conducted. Key Words: Coping strategies, depression, caregivers, patients and mental disorders. Nig. J. Health and Biomed. Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 103-107

Effects of Social Support on New Mothers' Mental Stress Related to Infant Care Stressors

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to further clarify the quality and function of social support and whether it acts as a buffer against stress or leads to conflicts as ob­ served in the emotional reaction of new mothers during the early period of first infant caring. Seventy women in the early puerperal stage after normal childbirth through normal pregnancy progression at two general hospitals in H. prefecture took part in this study from July through November, 2002 after giving their in­ formed consent. The subjects were interviewed by the authors at least three times during the early period of infant caring. The quality and function of the social support as perceived by the mothers was assessed according to House's four sub­ concepts: emotional, material, informational, and appraisal support. The mental stress of the mothers was evaluated according to the Japanese State Trait Anxiety Inventory (JSTAI). Two-way layout ANOVA was used for a comparative analysis of these scores related to the mental stresses caused by infant caring. It was found that the perceived material support from the subjects' mothers showed positively direct and buffer effects related to their recognition of stressors on both state and trait anxiety. In terms of appraisal support, however, its direct effect related to their recognition of a stressor was inversely related to the sub­ ject's state anxiety. Nurses should recognize the importance of social support for the new mothers be­ cause of the effects, both positive and negative, on their mental condition, as well as its potential to lead to conflict.

Comparación entre los niveles de ansiedad y stress presentados y percibidos por el colectivo de enfermería.

Abstract: Exploratory descriptive study carried out with 65 professionals of nursing of a private hospital in the city of Sao Paulo, in the period from May to June, 2004, that aimed at identifying and comparing the levels of those professionals´anxiety in the units of Emergency, Admission, Intensive Care Unit and Surgical Center and to evaluate the relation of the data obtained in the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) with the professionals' perception in relation to their stress and to the factors that influence its occurrence or not. It was possible to observe that the professionals of ER and SC present larger variations of the anxiety state in relation to the trait, suggesting that the professional activity developed in those sections influences in the levels of the professional´stress.

Self-Esteem: A Critical Examination of its Relationship to Narcissism, Anxiety, and Contingencies of Self-Worth

Abstract: Despite the strong educational and lay belief in the valency of global self-esteem, evidence of the effectiveness of self-esteem enhancement programs remains limited The current study is a critical and empirical exploration of self-esteem in relation to anxiety, narcissism, and contingencies of self-worth Self-report surveys from 92 young adults (43 male, 49 female, aged 23-37) indicated that self-esteem was negatively correlated with trait anxiety (r = -064) as well as to external contingencies of self-worth (r = -037), and positively correlated with narcissism (r = 038) Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that these factors significantly predicted 47% of the variance in reported self-esteem The outcomes of this study challenge the notion that high self-esteem scores are necessarily reflective of overall psychological health It is proposed that the conceptual basis of self-esteem requires revision within the framework of current psychological understanding