bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping with stress, coping without stress, and stress with coping: On inter‐construct redundancies
Authors: Neufeld Richard W. J.
Published: May 2007

It is proposed that a proliferation of construct usage is risked by the routine separation of the constructs of ‘stress’ and ‘coping’, commonplace in the literature. Instead, stress, considered to be ‘an undesired state of the individual’, is seen as a byproduct of the ‘expenditure of energy in transacting coping responses’. The concepts employed in the preceding statement are elaborated upon and operationalized. A consequence of this position for stress measurement is that the latter becomes addressed to the stated properties of coping. Such properties can occur in various temporal locations vis‐a‐vis some ‘untoward event’. They may take place in advance of the event, in connection with ‘prophylactic coping’; during the event; or in connection with coping impelled by the aftermath of the event. Implications of the stated proposition for the structure of measurement devices are noted.
Stressful life circumstances: Concepts and measures
Authors: Moos Rudolf H. , Swindle Ralph W.
Published: May 2007

Conceptualizations of the role of life stressors in health and well‐being typically emphasize stressful events and tend to neglect the ongoing context in which events occur. We suggest that stress and coping theory will contribute more to research and clinical practice when stressful circumstances are conceptualized in terms of a person's life context, and assessed by examining chronic stressors and life events in specific life domains. We exemplify this broader perspective by presenting a new way to measure ongoing stressors, discrete life events, and social resources in multiple life domains, and by some relevant research on alcoholism and depression. Finally, we describe some applications of this approach to diagnosis and treatment, and to program planning and evaluation.
Controlling neuroticism in the measurement of stress
Authors: McCrae Robert R.
Published: May 2007

To assess stress — the demands placed on the individual by his or her environment — life‐event checklists and lists of daily hassles have been widely used. Such instruments are intended to reflect harmful, threatening, or challenging aspects of the environment, but they are likely to be strongly influenced by characteristics of the respondent, especially the personality disposition of neuroticism. Individuals high on this dimension perceive life as stressful, cope poorly, are dissatisfied with social supports, have low psychological well‐being, and make more somatic complaints. Relations among these variables may be due to the common influence of neuroticism rather than processes of stress and coping. Longitudinal designs and objective outcome measures can reduced the confounding effect of neuroticism. By including measures of neuroticism in their designs, researchers can increase their understanding of the mutual roles of stress and personality in determining mental and physical health. By measuring neuroticism in their clients, stress management practitioners can gain insight into the reports of stressful events and conditions their clients make.
Stress and anxiety: Conceptual and assessment issues
Authors: Endler Norman S. , Parker James D. A.
Published: May 2007

There is considerable confusion and disagreement in the psychological and psychiatric literature regarding the meaning of stress and anxiety. The present discussion offers several important distinctions between the two constructs, and outlines some causal relationships between them. Special emphasis is placed on the methodological issues involved in assessing anxiety. The usefulness of distinguishing between state and trait anxiety is discussed, along with treating both of these constructs as multidimensional. The interactional model of anxiety is examined and some recent empirical support for this approach is reviewed. The discussion concludes with a brief summary of an interaction process model of anxiety, stress and coping.
Measurement and the stress process: Retrospect and prospect
Authors: Kaplan Howard B.
Published: May 2007

An overview of papers on measurement issues in research on stress suggests a number of common themes that characterize the current status of, and probable future directions for measurement of the stress process. More general issues relate to (1) the development of valid and reliable measures of theoretically differentiated constructs, and (2) the simultaneous measurement of the differentiated constructs in the estimation of theoretically informed multivariate causal models. These and other measurement issues have been related more specifically to particular explanatory constructs including vulnerability, life events, chronic role strains, evaluative significance, coping mechanisms, and stressful outcomes. Success in resolving these issues will determine in large measure progress of the research enterprise in increasing understanding of the press process.
Different stress responses to mental and physical stressors in healthy volunteers
Authors: Albus Margot , Müller‐Spahn Franz , Ackenheil Manfred , Engel Rolf R.
Published: May 2007

To evaluate the proportion of individual‐ (ISR) and stimulus‐specific response stereotypy (SSR), 63 healthy volunteers were exposed to different structured situations: (1) cold pressor test (CP); (2) noise; (3) mental arithmetic task (MA); (4) active relaxation (AR). Physiological parameters were quantified on‐line in 10‐sec periods. Norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) were measured during rest and 2 min after the onset of each task. Subjective evaluation showed that CP, MA and noise were rated as similarly unpleasant. CP induced vasoconstriction, paralleled by an increase in NE and E secretion. Noise induced only a non‐specific increase in electrodermal activity. In contrast, MA led to a highly significant increase in heart rate and pulse wave velocity. Estimation of the variance components showed that the concepts of ISR and SSR coexist. Thus, our data show that the distinction between non‐specific and specific stress response is arbitrary and that ISR as well as SSR stereotypy plays an important role in autonomous responses to stressful stimuli.
Pain management training in the elderly: Matching interventions with subjects' coping styles
Authors: Fry P. S. , Wong Paul T. P.
Published: May 2007

The long‐term beneficial effects of pain management training in homebound elderly were investigated. Sixty‐nine elderly persons were given the Ways of Coping Checklist to determine their coping style. Those who preferred problem‐focused coping were presented with a problem‐focused intervention. Those with an emotion‐focused orientation were matched up with an emotion‐focused intervention. A control group was given a mixed‐focused intervention. Postintervention and follow‐up measures were taken in the 16th week and 24th week, respectively. All three intervention procedures resulted in reduced pain and anxiety, as well as increased satisfaction and adjustment. As predicted, interventions that matched the subject's coping styles were more effective than the control group, with problem‐focused intervention yielding the best results.
Coping with depression
Authors: Hordern Anthony
Published: May 2007

Patients with depression often fail to recognize that they have an illness requiring treatment. Many non‐psychiatric clinicians also seem to be unaware of depressive illness as an entity and, in consequence, may prescribe a tranquillizer when an antidepressant is needed. Depressed mood is a leading symptom in only about 5 per cent of cases, and many depressive illnesses are masked by other symptoms. Stress is an important precipitating factor, as well as personality predisposition or a genetic tendency. Control of stress and other factors may be all that is required in mild cases, but in others the present antidepressant drugs available are adequate for the majority.
A validation study of the OSI on a blue‐collar sample
Authors: Cooper Cary L. , Williams Jan
Published: May 2007

The Occupational Stress Indicator is a diagnostic research tool which assesses seven different aspects of the stress—strain relationship. On the outcome or strain side, it measures job satisfaction, mental health and physical health. On the stressor or independent variable side of the equation, it assesses sources of job stress, type A behaviour, locus of control and coping styles. It has been previously validated for white‐collar and professional groups and this article describes its validation for a blue‐collar sample.
Caffeinated beverage use among type a male patients suspected of CAD/CHD: A mechanism for increased risk?
Authors: Ketterer Mark W. , Maercklein Gail H.
Published: May 2007

The possible interrelationship of the ‘AIAI’ (i.e. aggravation, irritation, anger and impatience) of type A behavior and habitual caffeine use was examined as one plausible mechanism relating AIAI/TAB to coronary heart disease. Total daily caffeine intake was calculated be weighing the daily use of cups of coffee (1.0), glasses or cups of tea (0.5) and glasses, bottles or cans of pop (0.25) reported by 36 male patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography. Highversuslow groupings, according to two measures of type A behavior (the type A scale of the Jenkins Activity Survey and an ‘AIAI’ scale from the Ketterer Stress Symptom Frequency Checklist), were constructed and caffeine intake compared. The high AIAI group reported almost two more units (cups of coffee) per day, and was substantially younger than its counterparts. The influence of type A behavior on CAD/CHD may be mediated, in part or whole, by elevated caffeine intake.
Is there a causal relationship of anxiety, stress or cardiovascular reactivity to hypertension?
Authors: Rosenman Ray H. , Hjemdahl Paul
Published: May 2007

Cardiovascular responses constantly occur in the waking state, whether or not associated with perceived stress, and any type of emotional arousal similarly raises the blood pressure. Differences during all types of emotions are largely quantitative, and there does not appear to be any specificity of sympathoadrenal response to emotional stress. These responses may be physiological and homeostatic, rather than psychologically reactive and do not provide evidence to support causal roles for anxiety, stress and cardiovascular reactivity in the pathogenesis of sustained hypertension.
Dissociation phenomena and age
Authors: Torem Moshe S. , Hermanowski Robert W. , Curdue Kathryn J.
Published: May 2007

Younger and older subjects selected from non‐psychiatric populations were administered two scales to determine frequency of dissociation. Younger subjects were found to dissociate more frequently than older subjects, suggesting that dissociative experiences become less common with increasing age.
The interval form of carbon monoxide poisoning: Oxygen at high pressure treatment and prediction of occurrence
Authors: Konishi Hiroyuki , Shimizu Akira , Nishimura Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2007

Patients suffering from the interval form of carbon monoxide poisoning, believed to recover only with difficulty, were successfully treated by application of oxygen at high pressure (OHP) treatment. Nine out of 10 patients responded well to the treatment and recovered to the level of normal daily life. The occurrence of this interval sequela of carbon monoxide poisoning is difficult to predict during the lucid interval. In two of our cases the findings of serial EEG examinations became worse during the lucid interval followed by the occurrence of clinical symptoms. In this article, first we show the results of the clinical course of 10 patients with OHP treatment, then report the method of prediction of the interval from by serial EEG examinations.
Stress induced sudden cardiac death: Can it be prevented?
Authors: Morse Donald R. , Martin John , Moshonov Joshua
Published: May 2007

Previously, psychosomatically induced death relative to stress, hypnosis, mind control, and voodoo was discussed. In this article, emphasis is on one aspect of that — stress induced sudden cardiac death (SCD). A brief review is presented of the sympathetic aspects of the acute stress response and stress induced SCD. Findings from previous studies are presented to highlight sympathetic aspects of the acute stress response. This is followed by a presentation of various strategies to prevent or decrease the possibilities for stress induced SCD. These include long‐term measures (eg diet control, smoking control, hypertension control, stress management strategies) and immediate measures (eg calm, controlled approach, elicitation of the relaxation response, selected use of drugs, and heart rate variability monitoring). Relative to prevention strategies, findings are presented both from previous studies and new investigations.
Toward the standardization of life stress assessment: Definitional discrepancies and inconsistencies in methods
Authors: McQuaid John R. , Monroe Scott M. , Roberts John R. , Johnson Sheri L. , Garamoni Gregory L. , Kupfer David J. , Frank Ellen
Published: May 2007

There has been considerable controversy about methods for assessing life stress. However, self‐report checklists and interview‐based measures (the predominant approaches used in current research) differ in several respects, ranging from basic definitions through theoretical assumptions. Most research comparing these two approaches has focused on global comparisons in predicting disorder, which fail to take into account more specific information on how the methods vary. The present article outlines three stages of assessment for life stress: definition, operationalization, and quantification. Detailed examination of these stages with a sample of depressed patients helps to demonstrate in an explicit manner how self‐report checklists and interview‐based methods differ at successive stages of the measurement process. Data are presented that indicate large endpoint discrepancies attributable to specific differences in the definitional and operational procedures used in the two assessment approaches. The nature of the discrepancies found is discussed, along with the implications for assessing life stress and testing its implications for health and well‐being.
Diet of women with severe premenstrual syndrome and the effect of changing to a three‐hourly starch diet
Authors: Dalton Katharina , Holton Wendy M.
Published: May 2007

Following a large meal there is a transient and large increase in the metabolic clearance rate of progesterone.1 Progesterone receptors do not bind to molecules of progesterone in the presence of adrenalin,2 which is released when the blood glucose level is low. While awaiting their first appointment, 84 women with severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) completed a questionnaire detailing all food and drink consumed on seven consecutive days. The average daytime interval between starch‐containing foods was 7 hours, with an overnight interval averaging 13 ½ hours. This suggested that women with PMS might benefit from shorter food intervals between starch‐containing foods and avoidance of large meals. On receipt of their questionnaires women were advised to follow a three‐hourly starch diet, which was beneficial in 54 per cent with improvement in a further 20 per cent. The diet alone proved effective in 19 per cent, who needed no additional medication for full relief of premenstrual symptoms.
Stress and isatin: Effects on the serotonergic system
Authors: Norman Trevor R. , Burrows Graham D. , McIntyre Iain M.
Published: May 2007

In experimental models stress produces a number of endocrine and biochemical changes. The identification of a monoamine oxidase inhibiting substance in normal human urine which is raised in stressful situations has been of heuristic importance. This compound, known as tribulin, has been characterized by mass spectrometry as indole‐2, 3‐dione (isatin) which in part is responsible for the effects of tribulin. Some properties of isatin are reviewed and its effects on the serotonergic system in rats are described. Isatin produces similar effects to cold immobilization stress in rats, lending further support to the notion that this compound may be an important mediator of stress responses.
Stress theory and therapeutic practice
Authors: Thompson James
Published: May 2007

There are many theories of stress, though few lead to detailed treatment techniques. These theories are often simple and non‐theoretical. They are based on the notion of a passive structure bearing a heavy weight. There is a need for more active models, which measure a person's capacity to cope with the demands of the environment. Learning theories have often provided a basic paradigm and vocabulary for stress research. Conditioning models certainly have explanatory power, though they cannot always account for some features of stress reactions. Nonetheless, conditioning provides a rationale for a treatment approach which has shown a good record of success. New developments in the treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder, in which patients are directly exposed to the feared stimulus, show promising early results. These findings strongly suggest that successful treatment of traumatic stress should include exposure techniques as a main part of a program of rehabilitation.
Dehydroepiandrosterone protects stressed mice from encephalitis by the attenuated west‐nile virus
Authors: Ben‐Nathan D. , Feuerstein G. , Danenberg H. D. , Kobiler D. , Olshevsky U. , Lustig S.
Published: May 2007

Previous studies have demonstrated that dehydroepiadrosterone (DHEA) bears an immunomodulating effect, and while having no antiviral activity in vitro, is capable of protecting against lethal viral infections. In the present study the effect of DHEA on protection from stress‐induced infection was examined. Mice were exposed to cold stress, isolation stress or dexamethasone injections and inoculated with the attenuated non‐invasive WN‐25 encephalitis virus. DHEA treatment prevented the induction of encephalitis and decreased mortality rate from 67 per cent, 75 per cent and 67 per cent to 22 per cent, 32 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively. Postponement of the onset of disease, reduced virus levels in the brain on day 7, increased mean time of death, and prevention of spleen and thymus involution was also observed. The protective effect is mediated probably by counteraction of stress‐induced immunosuppression that appears during viral infections. We suggest that DHEA may act as an ‘antistress’ agent, an agent that is effective in protection against viral infection by blocking stress‐induced immunosuppression.
Plasma ACTH, beta‐endorphin, prolactin, growth hormone and luteinizing hormone levels after thermal stress, heat and cold
Authors: Vescovi P. P. , Casti A. , Michelini M. , Maninetti L. , Pedrazzoni M. , Passeri M.
Published: May 2007

In the present study we have examined the response of ACTH, beta‐EP, PRL, GH and LH to heat and cold exposure (90° and 4°C, respectively) in eight young healthy subjects. Sauna‐induced hyperthermia resulted in an increase of plasma ACTH, beta‐EP, PRL and GH, but the exposure to cold did not stimulate the secretion of these hormones. This study indicates that hyperthermia represents a form of stress which can trigger a well‐defined neuroendocrine response, whereas cold exposure, at least under these experimental conditions, is unable to elicit significant hormonal changes.
Could stress help understand the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa?
Authors: Kahn J. P. , Gross M. J. , Mejean L. , Burlet C. , Laxenaire M.
Published: May 2007

The determinism and pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) remains to a large extent unknown. The nosographic debate is rather ideologically orientated, and neurobiological as well as psychodynamic or systemic hypotheses have been suggested and developed. Recent advances in neurobiology and the concept of ‘psychosocial stress’ could therefore provide an integrative approach which allows consideration of both neurobiological determinants of behavior and various psychological or interpersonal influences, as well as life events. Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), a hypothalamic neuropeptide, plays a major role both in the mechanisms underlying the stress response and in the regulation of eating behavior. The authors present an experimental study which was conducted in anorectic patients and age‐and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. They investigated the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) reactivity to a neurotropic stimulation of the HPA axis at the hypothalamic and suprahypothalamic levels (NST). The HPA axis reactivity was assessed by repeated measures of salivary cortisol. There were significant differences in the responses of the anorectic group and the control group.
A comparison of endocrine reactions to different types of acute stressors in rural and urban black populations
Authors: Malan Nicolaas T. , Eloff Frederick C. , Pretorius Petrus J. , Van Der Merwe J. Sanette , Huisman Hugo W. , Laubscher Petrus J.
Published: May 2007

Moving from a rural setting to an urban environment is a stressful experience. This situation will most likely result in changes in lifestyle and health. Changes in endocrine reactivity may contribute to the development of western‐type diseases in urban communities. In this study it was found that individuals in the process of urbanization exhibit significantly higher endocrine reactivity than rural communities during acutely stressful situations.
Stress among primary teachers: Individuals in organizations
Authors: Proctor John L. , Alexander David A.
Published: May 2007

The following article is based on a survey of over 250 class teachers working in 30 primary schools in a large regional authority in Scotland. The study aimed to: (i) establish the prevalence and nature of occupational stress among primary school teachers, and (ii) determine the relationship between stress, anxiety and organizational phenomena. The data were collected by means of a specifically designed questionnaire and standardized measures of psychiatric morbidity. These important data are discussed in terms of their implications for training, organizational change and the direction of future research.
Personality factors in analgesic usage
Authors: Roome Paul , Humphrey Michael
Published: May 2007

The relationship between personality factors and analgesic intake was studied in a population of chronic back sufferers. A survey of consecutive patients over a three‐month period was undertaken at the Wolfson Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Wimbledon. The personality factors measured were extraversion–introversion and neuroticism (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) and health locus of control (Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale). A drug diary was kept by each subject to monitor analgesic intake. Subjects tending towards neuroticism or introversion were inclined to take more analgesics, as also were those with a ‘powerful others’ health locus of control (all p ⩽ 0.05). Personality factors should be considered in the pharmacology of chronic pain.
A comparison of cardiovascular reactivity of rural blacks, urban blacks and whites
Authors: Malan N. T. , Van Der Merwe J. S. , Huisman H. W. , Kruger A. , Eloff F. C. , Pretorius P. J. , Laubscher P. J.
Published: May 2007

Urbanization is a worldwide phenomenon and is most often accompanied by an increased prevalence of western‐type diseases like hypertension. The higher cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) of black people compared to white people during passive coping stressors has often been linked to their greater vulnerability to hypertension. Blacks, however, display a lower CVR than whites during active coping stressors. In this study it was found that urban blacks show a higher CVR than whites during a passive coping stressor and a lower CVR than whites during an active coping stressor. However, rural blacks consistently show much higher CVR than either whites or urban blacks during both active and passive coping stressors. It seems that CVR is not only a function of the type of stressor applied but can be altered significantly by environmental factors like those experienced during urbanization.
Effects of apprehension of lumbar puncture procedure on salivary cortisol, plasma vasopressin and osmolality in man
Authors: Bohnen N. , Terwel D. , Twijnstra A. , Markerink M. , Jolles J.
Published: May 2007

Evidence has accumulated that arginine‐vasopressin (AVP) may play a role in the stress response, but little attention has been paid in this hormone during stress. The present study, therefore, investigated both plasma osmolality and salivary cortisol and levels of AVP in patients undergoing a lumbar puncture procedure for evaluation of nuclear disc prolapse. It was found that the emotional stress of the procedure significantly increased plasma levels of AVP and osmolality together with an increase in salivary cortisol. Correlational data indicated a significant positive relationship between the cortisol response and the changes in plasma osmolality. Interrelationships between osmolality, stress, vasopression and glucocorticoids are discussed.
Job stress among Muslim immigrants in North America: Moderating effects of religiosity
Authors: Jamal Muhammad , Badawi Jamal
Published: May 2007

This study examined the relationship of job stress with psychosomatic health problems, happiness in life, job satisfaction, job motivation, organizational commitment and turnover motivation in a sample of Muslims living in Canada and the USA. Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire (N = 325). Results generally supported the prediction that job stress will be positively related to psychosomatic health problems and turnover motivation, and negatively related to happiness in life, job satisfaction, job motivation and organizational commitment. Degree of religiosity was proposed as a moderator of job stress‐outcome relationships. Results from moderated multiple regression indicated that for this sample of Muslims religiosity was an important moderator of the stress‐outcome relationships. Implications of the findings for stress management and for future research in the racioethnic area are highlighted.
Psychosocial adaptation of children while housed in a swedish refugee camp: Aftermath of the collapse of Yugoslavia
Authors: Ekblad Solvig
Published: May 2007

This study examined the family functioning and the child's psychological adaptation while staying in a refugee camp in the Stockholm area. Data were collected by means of a structured interview from 66 children and their parents, mainly mothers, from the former Yugoslavia.

Results showed that homesickness had the highest frequencies among the children followed by depression and somatic symptoms, which had increased after arrival. The average number of symptoms was two and was unchanged after arrival. The number of children with no symptoms was about double for girls compared to boys (18 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively) and 2.5 times more common among preschool children than school children (24 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively).

Three‐quarters were judged after the interview as mentally healthy, 20 per cent at risk and 5 per cent mentally unhealthy. The risk factors for mental ill‐health among the children included experience of direct violence, apathetic or unstable mother, long time in Sweden, higher education level among fathers, lack of proper information about the flight, somatic symptoms, depression, homesickness, and reduced interest in school. The buffers were an optimistic mother and perception of social support.

Although the sample was too small to generalize the results, it can be concluded that perception of the mother's health and well‐being is very important in understanding the child's health. Family members should not be separated during the asylum and a follow‐up is needed when they have obtained permission to stay.
Life events in Japanese employees
Authors: Shima Satoru
Published: May 2007

The frequency and magnitude of life events and the relationships between these events and neurotic impairment were examined in 368 Japanese employees, using a life events questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). While both desirable and undesirable life events with a high frequency were related to work only, both kinds of life events with a high strength were related to both family and work. No significant relationship was found between GHQ scores and the frequency or strength of desirable life events, but it was found between these scores and the frequency or strength of undesirable events.
The stressful kiss: A biopsychosocial evaluation of the origins, evolution, and societal significance of vampirism
Authors: Morse Donald R.
Published: May 2007

First, the stress relevance of vampirism is discussed, and the current vampire craze is considered along with a rationale for the scientific investigation of vampirism. Second, the origins of vampirism are examined. Third, the origin of Dracula is presented. Fourth, cinematic portrayals of Dracula and other vampires are given. Fifth, methods of prevention of vampire formation are considered. Sixth, a typical vampire is examined. Seventh, creation of vampires is explored. Eighth, destruction of vampires is considered. Ninth, historical vampires are examined. Tenth, current vampires are discussed. Eleventh, the sociological, physiological, and stress‐‐related reasons for vampirism are explored. Twelfth, the anatomical, physiological, and stress‐related aspects of love, vampire, and lethal biting are considered. Forensic methods of bite detection are then examined. Afterwards, the sociological, physiological, and psychological aspects of vampirism are evaluated. Finally, the dangers of vampirism are detailed.
Decreased platelet aggregability in rats after immobilization stress
Authors: Sosnovsky Alexander S. , Kubatiev Aslan A.
Published: May 2007

In August rats, a strain highly susceptible to emotional stress, 24 h immobilization stress (IS) decreased the rate and amplitude of platelet aggregation induced by collagen (2–4 m̈g/ml) or ADP (0.25–5.0 m̈M) in platelet‐rich plasma, but had no effect on ATP release reaction and calculated peripheral blood platelet counts. Platelet aggregability was unchanged in groups deprived of food and water for 24 h or subjected to a 6 h IS. Only after 24 h IS were the effects of collagen and low concentrations of ADP potentiated by preincubation with epinephrine (1 m̈M). The IS‐induced decrease of platelet aggregation significantly correlated with the thymus involution, and both effects were most pronounced in rats displaying low scores of activity in the hole–board apparatus. The data indicate that behavioural variables should be taken into account in the analysis of stress‐induced changes in platelet functions, and possibly of any other stress response.
Borderline hypertension, daily stress and psychological variables
Authors: Lázaro M. Luisa , Valdés Manuel , Marcos Teodoro , Guarch Joana
Published: May 2007

Borderline hypertensive patients (N = 33) were studied in order to ascertain if they showed a specific psychological profile and a greater emotional and cardiovascular reactivity than normotensive controls (N = 21). Borderline hypertensive patients scored significantly higher in type A behaviour (JAS), total hostility (BDI), anxiety, physical symptoms and general psychopathology (GHQ), but did not differ from controls in the frequency and intensity of stressful daily events, the quality and magnitude of emotional response (daily evaluated through visual analogue scales) and the degree of blood pressure variability. Taken in general, results did not confirm the psychological and psychophysiological profile repeatedly proposed for hypertensive patients.
Developing the occupational stress indicator (OSI) for use in Brazil: A report on the reliability and validity of the translated OSI
Authors: Swan Jacky A. , De Moraes Lucio F. Renault , Cooper Cary L.
Published: May 2007

The Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI) was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and administered to a sample of 84 white‐collar workers in Brazil. Five of the six scales of the OSI (job satisfaction, mental and physical health, coping, type A behaviour, sources of stress) showed acceptable reliability. The reliability of the sixth scale (locus of control) was disappointing, in keeping with earlier findings that suggest that this scale requires further development. Alternative measures of the stress outcomes — job satisfaction, mental health and physical health — were taken in order to assess the construct validity of these three scales. These measures included translations of the Hackman‐Oldham job satisfaction measure and the Crown–Crisp Experiential Index, as well as subjective measures of health‐related behaviours. Correlational and multivariate analyses of these data suggested that the job satisfaction, mental health and physical health scales of the OSI had good validity, with the physical health measure probably including a psychosomatic component. These findings are promising for the development of a new version of the OSI designed for use in South America.
Daily hassles and symptoms: Their relationship to enumerative immunologic measures
Authors: Jabaaij L. , Benschop R. J. , Oostveen F. G. , Ballieux R. E. , Vingerhoets A. J. J. M. , Kirschbaum‐Buske A. , Duivenvoorden H. J.
Published: May 2007

Two studies are presented, both of which aimed to establish the effects of psychosocial load and symptoms on the following enumerative immunologic parameters: leucocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, lymphocyte subsets, and plasma levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM. In study I, 83 and in study II, 95 subjects participated, who were selected based on their scores on questionnaires measuring daily hassles, and psychoneurotic symptoms. The following four groups were composed: (1) low load, few symptoms; (2) high load, few symptoms; (3) low load, many symptoms; (4) high load, many symptoms. The influences of the psychological variables were assessed using regression analyses, while controlling for age (study I), gender (study 2), smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, and plasma levels of adrenaline and cortisol. The psychological factors did not explain any of the variance in the dependent variables in either study. It is concluded that there is no relationship between the immunologic parameters under investigation and self‐reports of daily hassles and symptoms.
Wounding, shock and stress lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Dubravčić. D. , Pulanić R. , Katicearić M. , Car D. , Georgijević A. , Cvitanović B. , Jokić‐Begović N.
Published: May 2007

This retrospective study included 2532 wounded, of whom 354 (14 per cent) were treated in surgical intensive care units. In 32 patients, 1.3 per cent of all admissions, upper gastrointestinal bleeding was detected. It occurred on average 8.9 days (3–21 days) after the wounding or surgical procedure in severely injured patients and those treated in intensive care units, respectively (32 of 354 patients, 9.0 per cent). All patients received different analgesic drugs and 17 of a group that presented with bleeding were given psychotropic agents as well. The majority of patients (96.3 per cent) were administered H2‐receptor antagonists as prophylaxis against stress ulcer disease. There was a statistically significant difference between these patients treated with H2‐receptor antagonists and those on no prophylactic therapy. No statistically significant difference was found between cimetidine and ranitidine in terms of their efficacy. Endoscopic examination revealed multiple bleeding gastric and duodenal erosions. The lesions were most commonly located in the corpus of the stomach. In the majority of patients (56.25 per cent), the haemorrhage stopped spontaneously and rebleeding presented in four of 32 (12.5 per cent) patients. Of 354 patients treated in intensive care units, five (1.4 per cent) had to be operated on because of bleeding arrest. Despite all therapeutic and surgical procedures undertaken, five of 32 (15.6 per cent) patients died.
Stress and cognitive performance of fire fighters during smoke‐diving
Authors: Kivimäki Mika , Lusa Sirpa
Published: May 2007

Appropriate performance under conditions of severe short‐term stress is a matter of considerable importance in fire fighting. This study examined the effects of stress reactions on cognitive functioning during stressful solitary smoke‐diving in a dark labyrinthine simulation track. To determine the stress reactions of male fire fighters, the changes in their heart rate (HR), compared to the individual resting and maximal HR, were measured during the smoke‐diving. While the fire fighters were performing the smoke‐diving, they also thought aloud all the time to demonstrate their cognitive functioning. The study indicated that as the stress reaction increased, the controlled task‐focused thinking decreased. This inverse relationship between stress and cognitive performance remained the same although the fire fighters′ age, resting HR, physical fitness and smoke‐diving time were statistically standardized. Training which increases automatic processing in standard performance operations under stress is suggested as a stress management strategy.
Psychological correlates of immunological indices
Authors: Kreitler Shulamith , Berliner Shlomo , Aronson Moshe , Arber Nadir , Kreitler Hans
Published: May 2007

Most psychoimmunological studies have focused on the effects of short‐term situation‐bound stress. This study was designed to explore the effects of different short‐and long‐term psychological factors on immunity, as reflected in the state of leukocyte adhesiveness/aggregation (LAA) in the peripheral blood, the white blood cell count (WBCC) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The subjects were 91 healthy men and women, aged 18–69 years. They were administered the tests for LAA, WBCC and ESR, the Life Experiences Survey (Sarason et al.), the Questionnaire of Personal Problems (Kreitler and Kreitler), three measures of emotions, scales of neuroticism (Eysenck), stress susceptibility (Tellegen), strength of excitation, inhibition and mobility of nervous processes (Strelau), and the cognitive orientation (CO) of health. The results showed that the state of LAA in the peripheral blood correlated with 21.3 per cent of the psychological variables and that in a regression analysis these accounted for 38.2 per cent of the variance in LAA, the major predictors being specific personal problems and a constituent of the CO of health. The former alone accounted for 22.8 per cent of the variance and the latter for 26.6 per cent. The major predictor in men was personal problems and in women CO of health. WBCC and ESR were related to psychological factors to a lesser degree and to other predictors, mainly emotional. The conclusions emphasize the relatedness of LAA to specific sources of stress of short (viz problems) and long (viz deficient means of reducing stress) duration.
Amelioration of stress in chemical dependency detoxification by transcranial electrostimulation
Authors: Patterson Meg , Krupitsky Evgeny , Flood Noel , Baker Denise , Patterson Lorne
Published: May 2007

Stress — in the form of the psychic distress and aggression traditionally experienced as a substantial part of the withdrawal syndrome — is a major obstacle to the successful detoxification and rehabilitation of the chemical dependant. Transcranial electrostimulation, a detoxification modality applied for a maximum of 10 days, and ‘cranial electrostimulation’ (known as CES), a treatment adjunct, significantly ameliorate these affective components resulting in a lowered drop‐out rate and enhancing the patient's ability to benefit from relapse‐prevention modalities. Electrostimulation has been demonstrated as efficacious in both inpatient and outpatient settings; and, used appropriately, has no unwanted side‐effects. The work of the authors in relevant animal and clinical studies over the past 20 years is summarized in the light of general electrostimulation research, and their recent clinical investigations described. Various representative psychological assessments are reported. The confusion and controversy arising from the embryonic nature of the electrical criteria integral to electrostimulation applications is considered to be the greatest single obstacle to controlled and replicable research.
A study of methods used by scottish police officers to cope with work‐induced stress
Authors: Alexander David A. , Walker Leslie G.
Published: May 2007

This study investigated how and with what success police officers combat, both off and on duty, work‐related stress. Their methods are not particularly successful, and the methods used do not differentiate between gender, rank and duties. While ‘healthy’ methods, such as exercise, are used, there is a tendency towards the increased use of alcohol, smoking and eating as means of relieving stress.
Effects of private self‐consciousness and control on the occupational stress‐strain relationship
Authors: Kivimäki Mika , Lindström Kari
Published: May 2007

It was hypothesized, based on the cybernetic stress model, that the occupational stress‐strain relationship is moderated by private self‐consciousness (PSC) and control. If the possibility to control is perceved as favourable, high PSC was assumed to buffer against strain by inceasing the likelihood of active coping with stressors. In the opposite case, when the possibilities of controlling job stressors are experienced as low, high PSC was assumed to exacerbate the relationship between stress and strain, because paying attention to internal reactions to stressors beyond one's control only intensifies the experience of distress. Support for these hypotheses was obtained by the questionnaire method and hierarchical moderated regression analyses with a sample of 377 nurses. Consistently with the cybernetic model, the effects of work overload on mental strain symptoms depended on perceived control, especially among high PSC individuals. Work overload produced fewest mental symptoms when PSC and control were high, and most mental symptoms when PSC was high but control low. If PSC was low, the effects of stressors were between the two extremes. Implications for further research on the cybernetic stress model are discussed.
Discourse analysis and psychological adaptation to high altitude hypoxia
Authors: Noel‐Jorand M. C. , Reinert M. , Bonnon M. , Therme P.
Published: May 2007

In order to contribute to the study of psychological adaptation to extreme environments, a discourse analysis was carried out on 10 European lowlanders during a 3‐week scientific expedition under survival conditions at the top of Mount Sajama (6542 m). This discourse analysis was part of a large scientific investigation (involving 12 scientific and medical research procedures) on human adaptation to high altitude chronic hypoxia. The study of discourse was carried out on several freely delivered oral accounts on the same topic, which was always the survival experience itself. This study involved a method developed by Benzécri and Reinert which is partly described in the first part of the article. With this textual analysis technique, it was possible to determine the main word distribution patterns within a discourse and to identify the repetitive language patterns most frequently used. The results on the overall corpus, consisting of the pooled discourses, indicated three specific classes of vocabulary from which three different types of discourse were identified. The data showed that the speaker's discourse did not change during exposure to extreme environmental conditions; the discourse was not correlated with the events but referred only to the speaker himself. The three types of discourse had one main focus: the anxiety, fear or extreme fear (anguish) experienced by all the subjects as psychological states. In response to these feelings, they used various psychological strategies to escape or to face the situation in different ways, as shown by the terms of the different types of discourse. One question which arises about this discourse analysis is: what was tested when the subjects were examined with regard to their psychological acclimatization to altitude? The biological effects of severe chronic hypoxia, or those of stress in response to the fear caused by the extreme environment or/and by psychological adaptation to high altitude.
Work and career experiences and emotional well‐being of managerial and professional women
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , McKeen Carol A.
Published: May 2007

This study examined a research model developed to understand emotional well‐being among managerial and professional women. Data were collected from 792 women using questionnaires completed anonymously. Although considerable diversity was present in the sample, most women were in early career, married but still without children. Four groups of predictor variables identified in previous research were considered: personal demographic variables. Organizational and situational characteristics, work experiences associated with job and career satisfaction and work outcomes. Work experiences and work outcomes were fairly consistently and significantly related to self‐reported emotional well‐being. Implications for managerial women and their employing organizations are offered.
War and the family
Authors: Schwab John J. , Ice John F. , Stephenson Judith J. , Raymer Kathy , Houser Kris , Graziano Lisa , Winkler Paul , Eiland Diane S.
Published: May 2007

Although war can impose powerful stresses on family relationships and functions, and its horros have been described since Euripides wrote The Trojan Women, the subject has received little scientific study. The American Civil War had significant effects on the family and increasing industrialization further disrupted family ties and transformed women's roles. Twentieth‐century wars have had both immediate and delayed effects on the family, ranging from anxiety and grief about losses and separations to increased antisocial behavior and juvenile delinquency. Subsequent problems stem from readjustments to civilian life, high divorce rates and women assuming more powerful roles in the family and society. Analysis of a random sample of child guidance clinic records 1923‐1983 revealed an increase in children's academic problems and aggressive behaviors during and after World War II. Increases in anxiety and obsessive and aggressive behaviors were evident following the Vietnam conflict along with the adverse effects of post traumatic stress disorder on family life. Although US participation in the Gulf War was limited, disruptive effects were seen in the children of affected military families, and for Iraqi children the consequences were devastating. War generally accelerates dormant changes in family life not yet fully apparent or appreciated.
Information asymmetries: A source of competitive advantage for diversified service firms
Authors: Nayyar Praveen R.
Published: May 2007

Information asymmetries are generally considered as leading to costs for both parties in an exchange transaction. They can, however, also be a source of competitive advantage. Potential buyers face information asymmetries in evaluating services prior to purchase. Since such asymmetries impose costs on buyers, there exists an incentive to lower such costs. This incentive may be exploited by service firms that diversify into other services that meet the needs of existing customers.