scholarly journals A Controlled Pre-Post Analysis Investigating The Effect of Mindfulness On Perceived Stress and Cortisol Levels and Exam Performance in Medical Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmine Heath Hearn ◽  
Claire J Stocker
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Group Work ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Exam Performance ◽  
Important Relationship ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Abstract Background. Medical students demonstrate higher levels of psychological distress compared with the general population and other student groups. Mindfulness interventions show promise in stress reduction for this group, and in the reduction of cortisol, an established clinical marker of the body’s stress response. This study investigated the relationship of mindfulness to perceived stress, salivary cortisol and assessment performance in undergraduate medical students in response to stressful and non-stressful events. Methods. A controlled pre-post analysis design with within-groups comparisons. 67 medical students completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and provided perceived stress ratings and saliva samples, from which cortisol was extracted, during group work (control/baseline) and immediately prior to end of year 2 examinations (experimental). Academic performance data was extracted for comparison with measures. Results. Salivary cortisol and perceived stress were significantly increased prior to examinations. The change in cortisol levels from baseline (non-stressful, group work conditions) to experimental (stressful, pre-exam conditions) showed a significant negative correlation with exam performance. FFMQ score showed a significant positive correlation with exam performance and a significant negative correlation with salivary cortisol concentration. Conclusions. This study suggests that there exists an important relationship between mindfulness and biomarkers of stress, which may manifest into improved assessment outcomes potentially through healthier, more adaptive coping and stress management strategies. A novel strength of the present study is the identification of individual facets of mindfulness associated with stress and exam performance (acting with awareness and non-judging) suggesting that these may be important targets for improving medical students’ stress management and exam performance.

scholarly journals A Complementary Intervention to Promote Wellbeing and Stress Management for Early Career Teachers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6320
Author(s):  
Stevie-Jae Hepburn ◽  
Annemaree Carroll ◽  
Louise McCuaig-Holcroft
Keyword(s):  
Stress Management ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Subjective Wellbeing ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Early Career Teachers ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Career Teachers

The educational climate and culture in our schools present a variety of environmental (contextual) factors that influence teacher wellbeing, job satisfaction, and work-related stress. The magnitude of contextual factors cannot be ignored, and directing attention towards the environment teachers face daily is essential. Primary (organisational)-level interventions are documented in organisational health and wellbeing literature; however, to provide teachers with stress management strategies for promoting wellbeing, attention must also be directed towards secondary (individual)-level interventions. The present study addressed the issue of stress management techniques for early career teachers (n = 24) and aimed to contribute to the research surrounding complementary interventions (CIs) for educators. The intervention was designed to include strategies that operated through cognitive and physiological mechanisms that regulated the stress response and increased awareness of behaviours, emotions, and reactivity. The self-report measures included perceived stress, attention awareness, subjective wellbeing, burnout, and job-related affective wellbeing. The results indicated a statistically significant decrease in perceived stress and increases in attention awareness and subjective wellbeing. The salivary cortisol levels (waking and resting) decreased from baseline to week 6, and the pre- and post-session salivary cortisol levels indicated an immediate decrease in cortisol for weeks 4 to 6.

scholarly journals Effects of Anosognosia on Perceived Stress and Cortisol Levels in Alzheimer’s Disease

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genevieve Arsenault-Lapierre ◽  
Victor Whitehead ◽  
Sonia Lupien ◽  
Howard Chertkow
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Anosognosia, or unawareness of one’s own cognitive deficits, may cause issues when measuring perceived stress and cortisol levels in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The goal of this study was to examine the effects of anosognosia on perceived stress and salivary cortisol levels in normal elderly (NE) adults, MCI individuals, newly diagnosed AD patients, and long-lasting AD patients, suspected to show more anosognosia. An anosognosia index for perceived stress was computed by subtracting the score on the Perceived Stress Scale measured in the participants and their relative. Cortisol levels were measured four times a day over two nonconsecutive days. Greater anosognosia for dementia correlated with greater anosognosia for perceived stress in the group as a whole. However, no correlation between cortisol levels and either anosognosia for dementia or perceived stress was observed. Our results suggest that measuring perceived stress in AD patients may be influenced by anosognosia.

scholarly journals Salivary cortisol responses to acute stress in students with myofascial pain

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 20-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Djordje Bozovic ◽  
Nedeljka Ivkovic ◽  
Maja Racic ◽  
Sinisa Ristic
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Trait Anxiety ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
State Anxiety ◽  
Myofascial Pain ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Introduction/Objective. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are characterized by the appearance of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction of the masticatory system. The aims of this study were to evaluate the salivary cortisol levels in students with chronic myofascial pain (MFP) related to TMD during oral exam, as well as to analyze the correlation between salivary cortisol levels, TMD-related MFP, the level of anxiety, depression symptoms, somatization, and perceived stress. Methods. The study included 60 university students, who were allocated either into the group of students with MFP (n = 30) or into the control group of healthy students (n = 30). The level of salivary cortisol was measured on the exam day and during the control day when the students had no exams. Depression symptoms, somatization, perceived stress and anxiety were evaluated according to Axis II RDC/TMD, Perceived Stress Scale and State?Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results. Levels of salivary cortisol were significantly higher in the group of students with MFP in all phases of measurements compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Students with MFP also showed significantly higher depression symptoms, somatization, and trait anxiety scores than the control group. No significant group differences were found on the scales measuring state anxiety and perceived stress. The level of salivary cortisol was found to be in correlation with depression symptoms, state anxiety, and perceived stress, but not with chronic pain, somatization, and trait anxiety in students with TMD. Conclusion. Salivary cortisol could be an important indicator of psychological distress in TMD.

scholarly journals Relationship Between Salivary Cortisol, Self-Assessed Stress Levels, and Body Mass Index in High Achieving High School Adolescents

Elements ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Samir
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
The Body ◽  
Metabolism Regulation ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
High Achieving

Studies of stress and cortisol levels in adults indicate that keeping normal levels of cortisol is beneficial to subjects. The hormone cortisol has many functions including proper glucose metabolism, regulation of blood pressure, immune function, and inflammatory  response. When cortisol levels spike, as with stress, there can be a negative effect on the individual. Due to the hectic pace of modern life, the body’s stress response does not always have time to return to normal, leading to cortisol levels remaining too high. This can lead to suppressed thyroid function, blood sugar imbalances, higher blood pressure, lowered immunity, and increased abdominal fat. Stress plays a prominent role in the lives of millions of people all across the globe. This problem is not one that affects solely the adult population but also a multitude of adolescents and children. Oftentimes, stress can have both a physical and psychological effect on an individual. Many persons report an effect on food consumption when under stressful situations, causing one to either eat more or less than normal. In turn, these eating patterns can potentially influence the Body Mass Index (BMI) of an individual. While increased stress can lead to a higher or lower than normal cortisol level and BMI in adults, the role in adolescents is not entirely clear. This study investigated whether there is a relationship between stress and BMI in high-achieving adolescents, aged 14 to 18. The Perceived Stress Scale survey paired with additional questions that helped determine variables believed to impact stress levels were administered to determine overall stress levels in each subject. To determine cortisol levels, a competitive enzyme immunoassay was used.  This study indicates that there   are no significant correlations between perceived stress levels, salivary cortisol levels, and BMI in this group of individuals. However, a distinct difference in self-assessed stress levels was apparent between males and females. Somewhat unexpectedly, a negative relationship was found between BMI and salivary cortisol levels and perceived stress and salivary cortisol levels.

Examination Stress, Salivary Cortisol, and Academic Performance

2003 ◽  
Vol 93 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1133-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Ng ◽  
David Koh ◽  
Sin-Eng Chia
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Final Examination ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Examination Stress ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Immediately before and after participation in a written final examination, 11 graduate students rated their self-perceived stress and provided saliva samples for cortisol assay. Students rated stress higher before the examination, and these ratings were associated with increased salivary cortisol. Students who reported higher stress and had higher cortisol levels before the examination tended to have significantly lower examination scores.

Psychological and Physiological Response of Students to Different Types of Stress Management Programs

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. e149-e158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia L. Iglesias ◽  
Sergio Azzara ◽  
Juan Carlos Argibay ◽  
María Lores Arnaiz ◽  
María de Valle Carpineta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Rate ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Guided Imagery ◽  
Relaxation Response ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Deep Breathing ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Imagery Techniques

Purpose. To design, implement, and examine the psychoneuroendocrine responses of three different types of stress management programs. Design. Randomly assigned. A pre/post experimental design comparing variables between three different programs and a control group. The first program included training in deep breathing, relaxation response, meditation, and guided imagery techniques (RRGI). The second program included training in cognitive behavioral techniques (CB). The third program included both RRGI and CB (RRGICB). Setting. The study was conducted at Buenos Aires University. Subjects. Participants (N = 52) were undergraduate students. Measures. Anxiety, anger, hopelessness, neuroticism, respiration rate, and salivary cortisol levels were assessed. Analysis. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to investigate differences in pre and post variables. Results. Subjects in the RRGI group showed significantly lower levels of anxiety (p < .011), anger (p < .012), neuroticism (p < .01), respiratory rate (p < .002), hopelessness (p < .01), and salivary cortisol (p < .002) after the treatment. Subjects in the CB group showed significantly lower levels of anxiety (p < .018), anger (p < .037), and neuroticism (p < .03) after the treatment. Subjects in the RRGICB group showed significantly lower levels of anxiety (p < .001), anger (p < .001), neuroticism (p < .008), hopelessness (p < .01), respiratory rate (p < .001), and salivary cortisol (p < .002) after the treatment. Subjects in the control group showed only one variable modification, a significant increase in cortisol levels (p < .004). Conclusions. The combination of deep breathing, relaxation response, meditation, and guided imagery techniques with CB seems to be effective at helping people to deal with stress.

scholarly journals Medical students’ perceptions of stress factors affecting their academic performance, perceived stress and stress management techniques

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Violet N. Pinto ◽  
Sumit Wasnik ◽  
Sumedha M. Joshi ◽  
Deepa H. Velankar
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Clinical Teaching ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Management Techniques

Background: Medical students during their training period to become competent physicians are themselves vulnerable to various stresses which can affect their health and academic performance. The objectives of the study were to study MBBS students perceptions of stress factors affecting their academic performance; to assess the perceived stress in the students; to identify the stress management techniques used by the students.Methods: A cross-sectional was conducted on 169 MBBS students in a private medical college in Navi Mumbai after taking their consent. Data collection was by pretested, pre-coded, semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS Version 20.0 and relevant tests for data analysis.Results: The mean PSS score in the students was 26.96 (SD=6.332). Moderate stress and severe stress were present in 37.3% and 1.1% students respectively. Perceived stress was significantly associated with female sex, mother tongue; vastness of curriculum, dissatisfaction with clinical teaching, competition with peers and high parental expectations. More than 50% students felt that they were not able to adequately manage their stress. The most commonly used stress management techniques were social media usage and engaging in hobbies/sports.Conclusions: There is an urgent need for conducting screening programmes for stress in medical students and implementing measures which will equip them with skills to manage their stress.

scholarly journals Relationship Among Emotional Intelligence and/or Extrovert Bias on Perceived Stress Levels in DPT Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Richardson ◽  
Jordan Auvinen ◽  
Brennan Bonnett ◽  
Lucas Takeuchi ◽  
Erin Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Spearman Correlation ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Stress Levels

Purpose/Hypothesis: Students in graduate level DPT programs function at varying levels. Some students thrive and others struggle to maintain required minimum levels of academic performance. When considering admission of applicants, and when assisting enrolled students, consideration of factors contributing to academic success is of interest. Stress has been shown to be prevalent in a wide range of students and has many negative effects including poor life satisfaction, increased clinical burnout, and reduced academic performance. Research has shown a correlation between higher emotional intelligence (EI) and decreased stress levels in medical, nursing, and undergraduate students. The purpose of this study was to examine if emotional intelligence (EI) and/or extrovert bias correlates with perceived stress levels in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. It was hypothesized that students with higher emotional intelligence and more extroverted personalities would experience lower levels of perceived stress. Participants: After providing consent, a convenience sample of 60 first and second year DPT students (33 female) with age range 23 to 38 participated in the current study. Participation was voluntary and 60 of a possible 72 students chose to participate. Materials/Methods: After obtaining informed consent, participants completed Goldberg’s IPIP-Neo questionnaire (extraversion), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Assessing Emotions Scale (emotional intelligence). Each of these tools have demonstrated validity and reliability for the respective areas measured. Surveys were administered to students and results were analyzed for possible relationships between extraversion and stress levels as well as EI and stress levels using a Spearman Correlation test. Results: Spearman Correlation analyses were conducted with a significant negative correlation between EI and perceived stress rs = -0.291, p= 0.026 and a non-significant negative correlation between extraversion and perceived stress rs = -1.36, p= 0.305. Discussion: In the current sample, EI had a significant negative relationship with perceived stress levels, with higher EI scores correlating to lower levels of stress. The relationship between extraversion and perceived stress was non-significant. Clinical Relevance: Doctorate level graduate programs can be considered intense and very stressful. Admission of qualified students equipped to meet the demands of a DPT program has great importance. Establishing a correlation between EI, introversion/extraversion bias, and stress may help DPT programs further assess prospective students. Consideration of factors correlated with higher perceived stress may be useful when providing resources to admitted students to facilitate academic success.

scholarly journals Nursing students’ perceived stress and influences in clinical performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laila Akhu-Zaheya ◽  
Insaf Shaban ◽  
Wejdan Khater
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Professional Knowledge ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
The Mean

<p><strong>Background:</strong> It is known that stress related to clinical training among nursing students could contribute to many physical and mental problems. However, little empirical evidence about the influence of stress in nurse students’ clinical performance<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Objective:</strong> The objective of this study was to assess the association between perceived stresses, stress related factors, and students’ clinical performance.</p><p><strong>Method</strong>: Using the perceived stress scale, 539 Jordanian nursing students from 2 public universities in Jordan participated in the study.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: The results showed that the mean of stress perceived by students was 45.9. Students’ assignment were perceived as the main source of stress (M= 10.7, SD= 4.5) followed by stress related to patients’ care (M= 10.5, SD= 5.5) and stress from teachers and nursing staff (M= 9.6, SD= 5.3). The lowest source of stress is from students’ lack of professional knowledge and skills (M= 3.96; SD= 2.8). The mean of students’ clinical performance is 73.4%. Students’ perceived stress has a significant negative correlation with students’ clinical performance (<em>r</em>= -.09; <em>p</em> &lt;.05). The results also showed significant negative correlation between stress related to lack of professional knowledge and skills, and stress related to patient care and students’ clinical performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: This study expanded on students’ stress in clinical settings, and warrants further research in assessing its impact on their performance. Teachers should be aware of and help students to overcome and cope with said stress related factors in the clinical settings effectively.</p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document