Showing papers on "Stressor published in 1996"

Stress, social support and pregnancy outcome: a reassessment based on recent research

Abstract: We present an assessment of studies published in the last decade that consider the relationship of stress and social support to preterm delivery or fetal growth retardation. Included in the review are all reports on the direct effects of stressors or psychological distress; the indirect effects of stressors or distress through health behaviours such as smoking; and the direct and buffering effects of social support. Although an important stimulus for recent stress research has been the attempt to explain racial and social class differences in birth outcome, the recent data show that stressful life events during pregnancy, though more common in disadvantaged groups, do not increase the risk of preterm birth. In contrast, intimate social support from a partner or family member appears to improve fetal growth, even for women with little life stress. Questions unanswered by the research to date are whether elevated levels of depressive symptoms affect pregnancy outcome, either directly or by encouraging negative health behaviours, and whether chronic (vs. acute) stressors are harmful. Additional research is also needed to determine whether psychosocial factors interact with specific clinical conditions to promote adverse pregnancy outcomes. Focusing on intimate support and how it benefits pregnancy outcome could lead to the design of more effective interventions.

The use of multiple outcomes in stress research : A case study of gender differences in responses to marital dissolution

Abstract: This study tests the hypothesis that the use of a single outcome variable distorts the mental health consequences of a stressor among different social groups. It uses the example of the impact of marital dissolution on the mental health of men and women to see whether rates of depression and alcohol problems rise disproportionately among women and men, respectively, who experience the same type of stressor. The sample compares 465 married subjects with 127 separated or divorced subjects drawn from a longitudinal study of 25-, 28-, and 31-year-olds. With controls for earlier rates of depression and alcohol problems, as well as for secondary stressors connected with separation and divorce, women undergoing marital dissolution show significantly greater increases in rates of depression compared to men who experience this stressor. Although men report far more alcohol problems than women, rates of these problems do not increase disproportionately among men, compared to women, during marital dissolution. The results indicate that the use of gender-typical mental health outcomes reduce, but do not eliminate,gender differences in the response to marital dissolution. They also indicate the need to use outcomes that typify how each group under study responds to stressful social conditions.

Short-term estradiol treatment enhances pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic responses to psychosocial stress in healthy young men

Abstract: Evidence from animal studies and clinical observations suggest that the activity of the pituitary-adrenal axis is under significant influence of sex steroids. The present study investigated how a short term elevation of estradiol levels affects ACTH, cortisol, norepinephrine, and heart rate responses to mental stress in healthy men. In a double blind study, 16 men received a patch delivering 0.1 mg estradiol/day transdermally, and age- and body mass index-matched control subjects received a placebo patch. Twenty-four to 48 h later, they were exposed to a brief psychosocial stressor (free speech and mental arithmetic in front of an audience). In response to the psychosocial stressor, ACTH, cortisol, norepinephrine, and heart rate were increased in both experimental groups (all P < 0.0001). However, the estradiol-treated subjects showed exaggerated peak ACTH (P < 0.001) and cortisol (P < 0.002) responses compared to the placebo group. Also, the norepinephrine area under the response curve was greater in the estradiol group (P < 0.05). Although heart rate responses differences failed to reach statistical significance, they, too, tended to be larger in the estradiol group. Neither mood ratings before or after the stressor, nor ratings of the perception of the stressor could explain the observed endocrine response differences. In conclusion, short term estradiol administration resulted in hyperresponses of the pituitary-adrenal axis and norepinephrine to psychosocial stress in healthy young men independent of psychological effects, as assessed in this study.

Predictors of Stress Amongst Social Workers: An Empirical Study

Abstract: Much of what is known about stress amongst social workers is anecdotal and there is a dearth of systematic research findings on the subject. This questionnaire study examined the perceptions of work-related stress, and factors contributing to high and low levels of stress, in a sample of 243 social workers drawn from four local authorities in northern England. The sample was broadly based in terms of a range of personal background factors, and included social workers in urban, rural and semi-rural loca tions. A measure of overall stress was constructed encompassing psychological and physical aspects, and which permitted an analysis of the relative importance of predictor variables. A variety of rating scales was used to assess aspects of the work environment and perceived stressors. The most powerful predictor of overall stress that emerged related to the pressure involved in planning and reaching work targets. The study also identified certain caseload and supervision-related predictors of stress, but, apart from age and marital status, personal background factors seemed of weak predictive power. Social workers' perceptions of their image in society seemed an additional source of pressure. The study findings suggest a need for combining organizational with individual oriented initiatives to combat stress.

Stress, Coping and Burnout in Mental Health Nurses: Findings From Three Research Studies

Abstract: In this paper we present data from three research studies on stress, coping and burnout in mental health nurses. All three studies used a range of self report questionnaires. Measures included a demographic checklist, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the DCL Stress Scale and the Cooper Coping Skills Scale. In all, 648 ward based mental health nurses were surveyed. There were no significant differences between levels of psychological distress on GHQ Total Score, but there were differences in caseness rates. In Study 3, some 38% of nurses were found to score at or above the criterion for caseness. The main stressors for ward staff were to do with staff shortages, health service changes, poor morale and not being notified of changes before they occurred. Differences in coping skills were found across studies. The study group with the highest stress scores also had the lowest coping skills scores. This was also associated with significantly higher alcohol consumption and greater self reported sickness absence. Scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory showed higher levels of burnout amongst nurses in Study 3. These three studies have confirmed that stress is a problem for ward based mental health nurses. Two main implications arise from this work. Firstly we need models of the stress process that are empirically based, and which help us identify the moderating variables that reduce the impact of stressors on nurses. Secondly, we need to utilise this knowledge to deliver stress management interventions for staff. We end by outlining a model which may help us both understand the process of stress causation, and move towards our goal of stress reduction.

The stressors and stress of being HIV-positive

Abstract: Questionnaires were administered to 105 HIV-positive men to assess their stressful life events, rated stress, unhealthy behaviours, and psychological adjustment. Two hypotheses about the effects of stressors and stress were tested. It was found that HIV-positive men experience high numbers of stressors and elevated levels of perceived stress and depression. Stressors in the areas of relationships, finances, and the illness of others were the most problematic and were associated with more depression. Rates of alcohol consumption, smoking, and unsafe sexual behaviours were fairly high. There were some modest, but significant positive correlations between stressors, stress, and risky behaviours. Number of stressors was associated with more alcohol consumption and perceived stress was positively related to more tobacco use and unsafe sexual behaviours. The high levels of stress and stressors and negative effects of stressors have both theoretical and practical implications.

Work-related stress and blood pressure: current theoretical models and considerations from a behavioral medicine perspective.

Abstract: There is extensive evidence that the prevalence of human hypertension is related to psychosocial factors, possibly including chronic exposure to stress. A tripartite model, consistent with the literature on stress and health, may help to define this relationship better. Its 3 components are environmental stressors, individual factors affecting the perception of stress, and the individual's physiological susceptibility. To date, researchers have looked at individual parts of this model, but rarely at all 3. Some models of work stress (e.g., the job strain, effort-reward, and person-environment fit models) focus on work-related stressors alone or in conjunction with individual characteristics. Other models (e.g., the defense-defeat, John Henryism, and reactivity models) focus on individual differences in response, with little attention paid to the nature of the stressors. The authors suggest that it is timely to integrate these approaches and to look for physiological mechanisms.

The impact of stress in site management effectiveness

Abstract: This paper reports on the findings of a piece of research work aimed at investigating and analysing the impact of stress on the effectiveness of site managers as leaders. The sample of the study included semi-structured interviews with 71 site managers at the sharp end of production and their superiors. The investigation was more specifically concerned with the impact of three types of stressors, namely boss stress, job stress and environment-job stress. It was revealed, among other findings, that the impact of stress on site managers followed to a great extent the typical inverted U-shaped pattern. Moreover, the results showed that the impact of stress is contingent to a large extent upon the type of stressors.

Stress in clinical psychologists.

Abstract: This paper summarises the findings of a series of studies of British clinical psychologists and discusses them in relation to the (mainly US) literature Four main questions are addressed: (1) How stressed are clinical psychologists? (2) Which psychologists are most stressed? (3) What are the main sources of stress for clinical psychologists? and (4) What coping strategies are used by clinical psychologists? A figure summarises the main risk factors emerging from the literature which appear to be important mediators between the stressor and the psychological outcome variables These are: (1) low job satisfaction; (2) low range of active coping strategies; (3) high use of avoidance coping strategies involving denial; (4) stressor not externalised and objectified; (5) stressor threatens other roles/relationships; (6) low experience in job; (7) no quality relationship with confidant(e)/poor quality relationship with partner; and (8) female

Coping Styles Among Adolescent Competitive Athletes

Abstract: The use of approach and avoidance coping styles and task-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies in competitive sport was explored. Four hundred twenty-one adolescent males from New South Wales, Australia, who were currently competing in team sports indicated their usual responses to each of 8 acute stressors commonly experienced in sport, using a 128-item inventory. The reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) for each stressor ranged from .81 to .92. Twenty-six of the original 128 items on the inventory were retained, on the basis of factor analysis. Correlations between stressors indicated that coping styles were a function of type of stressor, providing support for the transactional model. Goodness of fit was high (.87). The present results partially support the construct of coping style among adolescent-aged sports competitors.

Coping with School Stress: A Comparison of Adolescents With and Without Learning Disabilities

Abstract: The experience of school-related stress during the transition to junior high school is compared in a sample of 59 students with learning disabilities (27 females, 32 males) and 402 students without learning disabilities (241 females, 161 males). Using a checklist of 11 stressful school events, the authors found that adolescents with learning disabilities were more likely to report that they had failed a class and less likely to report they had been chosen for a school activity than their non-learning disabled peers. However, the two groups of students did not differ in their perceived stressfulness of any of the pertinent school events. Students with learning disabilities reported relying on cognitive avoidance as a coping strategy more heavily than did non-learning disabled students when coping with an academic stress event, and reported that they mobilized fewer peers for social support when dealing with an academic stressor or with an interpersonal problem. The implications of these differences for the students' well-being are discussed. It is also suggested that school policies need to be examined for their impact on the opportunity for students with special needs to form supportive peer relations within the school environment.

Female Adolescents With a History of Sexual Abuse Risk Outcome and Protective Factors

Abstract: This study examined the school performance, suicidal involvement, disordered eating behaviors, pregnancy risk, and chemical use of female teenagers with a history of sexual abuse and found that they had higher rates of these adverse outcome than a comparison group of teenagers without a background of abuse. Among index group members, protective factors against adverse outcome included a higher degree of religiosity, perceived health, caring from adults, living with both biological parents, and the presence of a clinic or nurse at school. Risk factors that increased the likelihood of adverse outcome included perceived substance use in school, mothers' use of alcohol, family stressor events during the past year, and worry about sexual coercion.

ABC of Work Related Disorders: STRESS AT WORK

Abstract: Changes in the work environment have led to a change in the balance between physical and mental activity. Technological developments have reduced the amount of heavy physical work. Mental and emotional strain have increased in new working environments that are characterised by lack of time, more uncontrollable factors, background distractions, lack of space, general uncertainty, and more administrative work. The general adaptation syndrome, described by the physiologist Selye in 1975, characterises the process of prolonged exposure to stress and is a useful staged concept. #### General adaptation syndrome 1. Alarm reaction 2. Resistance stage 3. Exhaustion stage Stressors are the agents which trigger the various stress reactions. Today's environment provides physical, emotional, and mental stressors that set off the initial alarm reaction. Physical stressors in factories are usually linked to noise and physical and chemical hazards. Emotional or mental stressors can be unpleasant or pleasant. A promotion can be just as stressful as the loss of a position. Stressors are additive and can build up. The way in which people are affected depends on their values, experience, and adaptability. A single stressor can become compounded if elements of the established support system fail—for example, if a car breaks down on the way to an important meeting. #### Work related stressors Physical stressors Emotional and mental stressors This is the immediate response to a challenge or threat. Mobilisation of the autonomic nervous system triggers the stress response (“fight or flight” response). The various body systems involved coordinate the readiness for …

Severe stress and mental disturbance in children.

Abstract: Prologue. Neurodevelopmental and Neurobiological Models of Stress in Human and Nonhuman Subjects. Effect of reactivity and social competence on individual responses to severe stress in children: investigations using nonhuman primates. Neurophysiological mechanisms of stress response in children. Early environment and the development of individual differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress response. Sudden Unexpected Trauma. Coping with natural disasters. The avianca airline crash: implications for community health care response. Exposure to catastrophic violence and disaster in childhood. Relationship Between Medical Illness and Stress. Emotional stressors and the onset of asthma. Stress, depression, mood, and immunity. Stress and pediatric medical technology. The severe stress of childhood cancer: a systems perspective. Coping with chronic medical illness: lessons from children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus. Suicide as Stressor and as Mediator of Stress. Suicidal behavior as a response to stress. A test of the diathesis-stress model of adolescent depression in friends and acquaintances of adolescent suicide victims. Siblings of youth suicide victims. Abuse and its traumatic impact. Physical and sexual abuse and mental disturbances in children. Multiple personality disorder: a legacy of trauma. Abuse and the development of dissociative symptoms and dissociative identity disorder. A developmental-interaction model of child abuse. Effects of Extreme Stress Factors on Developmental Processes. Traumatic stress in infancy and early childhood: expression of distress and developmental issues. Adoption: its benefits and problems. Family transitions as stressors in children and adolescents. Bereavement as a significant stressor in children. Epilogue: implications for clinical practice and research. Index.

Social support in children with a chronic condition.

Abstract: This study used a descriptive exploratory design to describe social support in children with a chronic condition and how children use social support in coping with everyday demands and demands related to their condition. Participants comprised 62 school-aged children (16 with diabetes, 16 with cystic fibrosis, 15 with spina bifida, and 15 with no chronic illness). Data were collected about their social-support networks, the support functions provided by the networks, and their satisfaction with support. The children also described the social support they received and their use of social support as a coping strategy in specific stressful situations. The healthy children had the largest support networks overall and the largest peer networks. Children with spina bifida had the smallest networks overall and the smallest number of peers in their networks. Healthy children reported more support overall than the children in the illness groups. Both the healthy children and the children with a chronic condition described academic issues as the main source of everyday stress. Children with a chronic condition identified restriction due to illness as the key illness-related stressor. Children with a chronic condition reported more stress and more support-seeking in everyday stressful situations than in illness situations. The results will guide the design of a future social-support intervention for children with a chronic condition.

Time course of natural killer cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation in response to two acute stressors in healthy men.

Abstract: To clarify the time course of immune system activity during and after acute stressor exposure, this study collected immune measures from 31 men at 6 times (before, during, and after 2 common laboratory stressors; mental arithmetic with harassment or a cold pressor task). The 6-min stressor period was associated with increased self-report of pain and distress in both stressor groups and with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in the mental arithmetic group. Increased natural killer cell activity in this group was observed during the task (2 and 5 min into the task) and 5 min after the task ended. A significant Group x Time effect was observed for lymphocyte proliferation to pokeweed mitogen, and a significant Group x Time x Dilution effect was observed for proliferation to concanavalin A. Inspection of the data suggested that this interaction was due to a reduction in proliferation in both stressor groups during the task period.

Stress in the offshore oil and gas exploration and production industries: An organizational approach to stress control

Abstract: Many researchers have pointed out the limitations of stress management strategies which aim solely to help the individual employee cope with stress in the work environment. In this study a stress audit approach to stress control was used to identify sources of stress which might be either reduced or eliminated by organizational change strategies. Three hundred and ten males (92 per cent British) on 97 installations working in the UK offshore oil and gas exploration and production industries took part in a stress audit. By using interview (N = 50) and questionnaire techniques, personnel were monitored over an 18-month period. Factor analysis and multiple regression analyses were used to identify sources of negative stress in the offshore environment. In this article, some of the stressors associated with job dissatisfaction are discussed and a variety of methods, including work redesign, are recommended as stress control strategies.

The Causes and Influence of Transitional Stress Among Chinese Students in Japan

Abstract: The structure, characteristics, and influence of stressors among Chinese students in Japan were examined. One hundred seventy-five Chinese students completed questionnaires that included stressor items from Holmes and Rahe (1967) and Yo and Matsubara (1990) and mental–physical health items that assessed depression, somatic complaints, and happiness. Stressors among Chinese students in Japan were classified as 5 factors: Interpersonal Problems, Academic Problems, Health/Living Problems, Financial Anxiety, and Environmental Problems. These 5 factors accounted for 36%, 18%, and 4%, respectively, of the variance in depression, somatic complaints, and happiness. Thus, the factors were clearly detrimental to mental health but had a limited influence on physical health and happiness.