Comparative Analysis of Stress Levels Among Undergraduate Students at St. John's College, Agra.

Background Stress is prevalent among college students, impacting their mental health and academic performance. Understanding the distribution and determinants of stress levels in students is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study aims to assess the prevalence of stress and its association with sociodemographic factors among undergraduate students at St. John's College, Agra, India. Materials and methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between August 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, involving 160 undergraduate students from B.A., B. Com., and B.Sc. programs. Students were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), which classifies low, moderate, and high levels. Data were collected through a validated, semi-structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29 (Released 2023; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York), with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests used to examine associations between stress levels and sociodemographic variables. Results The study found that 103 (64.4%) of students experienced moderate stress, 34 (21.3%) reported high perceived stress, and 23 (14.4%) had low stress. A significant association was observed between stress levels and gender (p = 0.022), with female students more likely to experience high stress. Additionally, urban students reported higher stress levels than their rural counterparts (p = 0.012). However, no significant differences in stress levels were found across different courses. Conclusion The study reveals a substantial prevalence of moderate to high stress among college students, particularly among females and those from urban areas. These findings suggest the need for targeted stress management interventions to support student well-being. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying causes of stress and develop comprehensive stress reduction strategies in the student population.

Animal-Assisted Stress Management for Veterinary Staff.

High levels of stress have a detrimental impact on veterinary staff, negatively influencing their mental health and contributing to high rates of suicide. Veterinary social workers are tasked with providing interventions to reverse these consequences and support the professional's health and well-being. Twenty-one veterinary staff participated in a study to evaluate the impact of animal-assisted support. Over three months, participants attended one or two therapy dog visits per month, interacting with therapy dogs for a minimum of 10 minutes each session. Pre- and postmeasures of blood pressure, heart rate, and self-reported stress were taken at each session. A measure to assess compassion fatigue and satisfaction was administered at the end of each session, and at the conclusion of the study participants' thoughts about the visits from the therapy dogs were assessed. Significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found as well as significantly lower ratings of self-reported stress. Additionally, participants looked forward to these visits stating they made them happy, helped them feel better, and took their mind off their troubles. Considering the growing utilization of therapy dogs, this timely study adds to the body of evidence, highlighting the benefits of animal-assisted interventions with veterinarian staff.

An ecology of resilience: A nature-informed pilot curriculum for improving stress management in college students.

Objective: Mental health of college students is a matter of concern, and counseling centers have experienced a surge in demand and strain on capacity to provide services. This study explored the efficacy of a novel, nature-informed stress management curriculum entitled The Ecology of Resilience delivered via a for-credit general education course. The goals were a more favorable perception of stress and increased sense of bouncing back from stress (resilience). Participants: One hundred fifty-seven junior- and senior-level undergraduates participated in a project spanning three semesters from January 2022 to April 2023. Methods: The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) were employed in a pretest/post-test arrangement. Results: PSS scores decreased significantly and BRS scores increased significantly for students enrolled in the course versus a control group. Conclusions: Curricula like the Ecology of Resilience, presented within the contexts of for-credit academic courses, are viable options for addressing student mental health.

Effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 on Happiness and Mental Well-Being: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) is a probiotic strain widely studied for its potential to improve human health. Previous studies have demonstrated promising results for HN001 in the improvement of mental well-being, particularly in terms of increased happiness and support for stress management in healthy adults. METHODS: To further explore these findings, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 120 participants aged ≥ 18 years with mild to high stress measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The participants were randomly assigned to receive either HN001 or placebo for 28 days. Psychological assessments, including the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), were completed at baseline, day 14, and day 28. Secondary outcomes included changes in PSS scores, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and total score levels measured by the DASS-21 questionnaire. RESULTS: While not statistically significant, participants who received HN001 showed an improvement in OHQ (mean change, 13.3) and PSS total scores (mean change, -8.1) over time compared with the placebo group (mean change, 10.2 and -6.6, respectively). Furthermore, 39% of the participants moved from not happy to happy, compared with only 29% in the placebo group. Post-hoc analysis showed a statistically significant interaction between intervention and study day for OHQ and PSS total scores, with p-values of 0.014 and 0.043, respectively. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: HN001 showed improvements in both happiness and PSS scores. Furthermore, sex subgroup analysis revealed statistically significant differences in both outcomes, emphasizing the need for larger and longer intervention studies.

Evaluation of advanced multi-purpose trauma moulage-based training on clinical skills for dealing with trauma-affected individuals in undergraduate nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based training courses have been developed and widely accepted.The use of simulators can prevent bitter consequences that may sometimes put human lives in danger. Increasing the skill of nursing students in dealing with trauma patients is of great importance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the simulation-based trauma training program for the management of trauma patients in nursing students. METHOD: It is an observational approach that focuses on improving the learning of trauma care skills. For this study, 6th and 8th semester nursing students were selected by appropriate sampling method. Previously, these students completed the trauma training course without simulation. Training of trauma skills was done using multi-purpose trauma mollage And we subsequently analyzed the effectiveness of the trauma simulation training program using the OSCE test. In the inferential statistics section, after examining the data distribution (Kolmogrove-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests), the Wilcoxon test was used to measure significance. SPSS 22 software was used. RESULTS: The results indicated that the lowest mean score obtained based on a scale of zero to one hundred was for the movement limitation of the injured long bone and the highest was in the skill of oral-nasal intubation and ventilation. The results of the paired t-test showed that clinical skills for dealing with trauma-affected individuals in undergraduate nursingafter simulation training was significantly higher . CONCLUSION: The implementation of the simulation is accompanied by an increase in the skills of the participants, which leads to the application of the acquired knowledge in real-life scenarios and positive changes. In the learning of the participants, the evaluation of conventional trauma training in Iran, like other countries, shows the need for specialized training through simulation. To ensure the continued effectiveness of simulation-based trauma training courses, it is recommended that administrators and policymakers encourage regular faculty participation in the program. Long term effects of trauma simulators training in nursing student requires further study.

We need better ways to help students avoid the harms of stress: Results of a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of school-based stress management interventions.

The level of psychological stress in children and adolescents has increased rapidly over the past decade. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based intervention programs targeting stress management and coping/resilience in school-aged children. The present study used more rigorous selection criteria than previous meta-analyses by only including randomized controlled trials to increase the validity of the meta-analysis. Fifty-five studies were selected for the analysis, including 66 comparisons in the case of stress and 47 comparisons in the case of coping/resilience outcomes. A meta-regression with robust variance estimation was used. Effects were calculated as the standardized mean difference (Hedges' g) between the intervention and control conditions at posttest. The results highlighted important methodological issues and the influence of outliers. Without outliers, the results indicated a small significant overall effect on stress (g = -0.15, p < .01) and coping/resilience (g = 0.14, p = .01). When outliers were included, the effect sizes markedly increased in both cases (gstress = -0.26, p = .022; gcoping/resilience = 0.30, p = .009). Stress management interventions were more effective if they were delivered by mental health professionals or researchers than by teachers. Coping/resilience interventions were more effective in older age groups, in selective samples, and if they included cognitive behavioral therapy. An explanation of the results and a detailed discussion of the limitations of the study and its implications for practice are considered.

Non-Pharmacological Pain and Stress Management (N-PPSM) in Pediatric Wards: A Nurses' Perspective.

PURPOSE: To describe the nurses' use of non-pharmacological pain and stress management (N-PPSM) in pediatric wards and their perceptions of the benefits and perceived barriers that encourage and limited their use of these methods. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 125 nurses working in the pediatric ward of an Indonesian hospital. Data collection utilized modified non-pharmacological method questionnaires, and data analysis involved t-tests and ANOVA. RESULTS: The most widely used N-PPSM by nurses are cognitive methods such as providing education (48%), physical methods by positioning (40%), emotional support (36%), environmental support (45%), and family support (60%). Nurses stated that N-PPSM had few side effects (50.4%), were inexpensive (49.6%), could be performed independently (51.2%), and were easy to use (52.8%). However, during its implementation, there were several obstacles including lack of experience (42.4%), lack of training (48%), lack of equipment (45.6%), nurse belief (36.8%), lack of time (44%), patient unwilling (47.2%), and patient belief (41.6%). Work experience influences the overall utilization of N-PPSM (p-value = .043). CONCLUSION: The findings from this research emphasize the significance of enhanced training for nurses working in the utilization of N-PPSM in pediatric wards. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Findings from this study can enhance nurses' knowledge and competence in using N-PPSM in pediatric wards, thus improving patient care. Hospitals may consider implementing new policies, education, training, and infrastructure to support N-PPSM. Educational institutions can also incorporate these methods into nursing curricula, increasing nurses' awareness and skills in using N-PPSM in pediatric patients.

Virtual Reality and Stress Management: A Systematic Review.

Amidst the growing prevalence of chronic stress and its potential negative impacts on mental health, this review explores the use of virtual reality (VR) as a stress management solution, aiming to assess its viability and effectiveness in this context. A comprehensive search was conducted on MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase from inception until February 2024. Eligible studies were primary research papers that focused on the use of VR as an intervention to mitigate psychological stress and/or distress. We included studies where the assessment of stress levels primarily relied on self-report measures. A total of 50 studies involving 2885 participants were included in our systematic review. VR-based interventions varied across studies, implementing tools such as cognitive behavioural therapy, exposure therapy, mindfulness and relaxation, repetition tasks, and psychoeducation. The reviewed studies yielded mixed results; however, a strong indication was present in highlighting the promising potential of VR-based interventions. Many studies observed a decrease in psychiatric symptoms in participants and reported increased quality of life. Various studies also found VR to be a valuable tool in promoting stress reduction and relaxation. VR was proven useful in exposing participants to stressors in a safe, controlled way. These potential benefits appear to come with no risk of harm to the participants. Although the findings are heterogenous, there is sufficient evidence supporting the use of VR for stress management across a range of contexts and populations. Overall, VR appears to be a generally low-risk, feasible intervention for those struggling with stress.

Coffee and stress management: How does coffee affect the stress response?

This chapter explores the complex relationship between coffee drinking and stress management, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of this widely consumed beverage. The chapter explores the physiological, psychological, and social effects of coffee on stress response and resilience through a thorough analysis of recent studies. It highlights the negative consequences of excessive intake on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and mental health while also discussing how moderate coffee consumption may lower stress levels, improve coping skills, and promote relaxation. Considerations for vulnerable populations, interactions with medications and supplements, and sustainability concerns in coffee production and consumption are also addressed. By identifying missing gaps in our understanding of coffee and stress management, the chapter underscores the need for future research to elucidate underlying mechanisms and promote mindful consumption practices. Ultimately, by embracing a holistic approach that considers individual health, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility, we can harness the potential of coffee to support resilience, well-being, and sustainability for individuals and communities worldwide.

A rank ordering and analysis of four cognitive-behavioral stress-management competencies suggests that proactive stress management is especially valuable.

The main objective of this study was to determine the relative value of four cognitive-behavioral competencies that have been shown in empirical studies to be associated with effective stress management. Based on a review of relevant psychological literature, we named the competencies as follows: Manages or Reduces Sources of Stress, Manages Thoughts, Plans and Prevents, and Practices Relaxation Techniques. We measured their relative value by examining data obtained from a diverse convenience sample of 18,895 English-speaking participants in 125 countries (65.0% from the U.S. and Canada) who completed a new inventory of stress-management competencies. We assessed their relative value by employing a concurrent study design, which also allowed us to assess the validity of the new instrument. Regression analyses were used to rank order the four competencies according to how well they predicted desirable outcomes. Both regression and factor analyses pointed to the importance of proactive stress-management practices over reactive methods, but we note that the correlational design of our study has no implications for the possible causal effects of these methods. Questionnaire scores were strongly associated with self-reported happiness and also significantly associated with personal success, professional success, and general level of stress. Data were collected between 2007 and 2022, but we found no effect for time. The study supports the value of stress-management training, and it also suggests that moderate levels of stress may not be as beneficial as previously thought.

The work stress, occupational burnout, coping strategies and organizational support of elite sports coaches in Sichuan Province: the mediating role of organizational support.

Objective: This study investigated the relationships between job pressure, occupational burnout, organizational support and coping strategies among competitive sports coaches in Sichuan Province, China. It also assesses the impact of job pressure on occupational burnout and the mediating roles of organizational support and coping strategies. Methods: A survey was conducted with 207 competitive sports coaches from Sichuan Province, China. Basic information and data on job pressure, occupational burnout, organizational support and coping strategies were collected. Correlations between variables were analyzed, and a theoretical model for hypothesizing the mediating effects was established. A multiple regression model was used to predict the relationships between occupational burnout and job pressure, organizational support and coping strategies. Results: (1) Job pressure was significantly positively correlated with occupational burnout (R = 0.436, p < 0.001) and negative coping (R = 0.389, p < 0.001) but significantly negatively correlated with organizational support (R = -0.503, p < 0.001). Occupational burnout was significantly negatively correlated with academic title (R = -0.158, p = 0.023) and organizational support (R = -0.349, p < 0.001) but significantly positively correlated with negative coping (R = 0.440, p < 0.001). Organisational support was significantly positively correlated with positive coping (R = 0.222, p = 0.001) but significantly negatively correlated with negative coping (R = -0.207, p = 0.003). (2) Mediating effects: Job pressure indirectly affects occupational burnout via organizational support and negative coping strategies. (3) Multiple regression: Y1 (Job Pressure) = 69.262 + 1.172 × Emotional Exhaustion -2.231 × Emotional Support +1.041 × Negative Coping -6.554 × Academic Title (from high to low). Y2 (Occupational Burnout) = 25.609 + 0.141 × Job Pressure - 0.306 × Organisational Support +0.620 × Negative Coping -2.097 × Academic Title. Conclusion: Job pressure is a significant factor leading to occupational burnout among competitive sports coaches in Sichuan Province, China, and factors such as role, interpersonal relationships and career development are closely related to occupational burnout. The sense of organizational support and negative coping strategies play a mediating role between job pressure and occupational burnout. Reducing emotional exhaustion and negative coping, enhancing emotional support and improving the academic titles of coaches can help to reduce job pressure and occupational burnout among competitive sports coaches in Sichuan Province.

Implications of Family-Oriented Psychotherapy for Hereditary Angioedema Management: A Case Series.

The role of psychotherapy in the management of chronic conditions has been widely explored and supported. The current approach to the utilization of family-oriented psychotherapy in treatment plans is individualized to the patient and focused on the development of personal coping skills alongside identifying and changing negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Alleviation of symptom burden, improvement in psychiatric co-morbidities like anxiety and depression, and enhancement of quality of life have all been found to be associated with incorporating family-oriented psychotherapy in the management of chronic conditions. In contrast, heritable conditions, such as hereditary angioedema (HAE), have not been the center of extensive research. Heritable conditions introduce a new category of stressors that require management like the anxiety of a parent, a sibling, a child, or another family member decompensating at the same time as oneself. Family-centered psychotherapy focuses on discussing the stressors of the family unit and the development of coping strategies to prevent the time course of one family member's condition from exacerbating another family member's condition. This model has been utilized for families with separate chronic conditions, but its role and effectiveness in managing inherited conditions have room for investigation. This paper presents a case series on a family engaging in family-centered psychotherapy for HAE.

Wellness and Stress Management Practices Among Healthcare Professionals and Health Professional Students.

PURPOSE: Healthcare professionals experience stressors that begin during training and persist into their careers that adversely impact their well-being. This study aims to identify students' and professionals' stress levels, satisfaction with wellness domains, barriers to wellness, and stress management practices. DESIGN: This study was a cross-sectional self-reported survey study. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE: The study included students (N = 242) and professionals (N = 237) from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, social work, and counseling/psychology. MEASURES: The Managing Health & Wellness in Health Professions Training and Practice survey was used to capture wellness practices and barriers among participants. Results: Students reported significantly higher perceived stress compared to professionals (P < 0.001). Total wellness is significantly higher among professionals compared to students (P < 0.001). A higher stress rate is significantly related to being female, having a lower wellness score, and facing more barriers (P < 0.001). Intellectual health is the most valuable wellness domain for providers (M = 3.71, SD = 0.9) and students (M = 3.43, SD = 0.85), followed by spiritual health for providers (M = 3.4, SD = 1.1), and work/learning environment for students (M = 3.33, SD = 0.93). Professionals and students are least satisfied with their physical and financial health. Barriers include fatigue, workload/productivity in clinical practice, work hours, and burnout. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals exhibit a variety of stress management practices, encounter barriers, and prioritize different wellness domains. Healthcare systems should incorporate self-care education into their curricula and implement systemic changes to foster a thriving healthcare workforce.

Mobile App Promoting Resilience in Stress Management for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are at risk of poor psychosocial outcomes. AYAs grew up with the internet and digital technology, and mobile Health (mHealth) psychosocial interventions have the potential to overcome care access barriers. OBJECTIVE: This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to establish the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a fully automated mobile app version of the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management intervention (mPRISM). Promoting Resilience in Stress Management is an evidence-based intervention developed in collaboration with AYAs, based on stress and coping theory, resilience theory, and evidence-based coping strategies. We hypothesized that mPRISM would be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. METHODS: This is a parallel, 2-arm, single-site pilot RCT with a waitlist control design. The study will recruit 80 AYAs with cancer from a clinic. Eligible AYAs are aged 12 to 25 years, within 12 months of a new cancer diagnosis, receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy, speak, read, or write in English, and are cognitively able to participate in study procedures. Recruitment by clinical research coordinators will occur remotely by phone, video, or text. Participants will be randomized to psychosocial usual care (UC) alone or UC plus mPRISM for an 8-week intervention period, and will remain unblinded to study condition. Enrolled participants will complete surveys at baseline before randomization, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up. Using a waitlist design, the UC arm will receive mPRISM upon completion of 3-month follow-up surveys. Those in the UC arm will complete 2 additional measurement points at immediate posttreatment and 3 months later. The primary outcomes of interest are feasibility, defined as ≥60% enrollment and ≥70% retention (ie, percentage of participants who completed the study), and "feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness" as defined by cut-off scores ≥4/5 on 3 brief validated implementation outcome measures (feasibility of implementation measure, acceptability of intervention measure [AIM], intervention appropriateness measure [IAM]). We will apply top-box scoring for the implementation measures. Exploratory outcomes of interest include patient-reported health-related quality of life, resilience, distress, anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep. We will conduct an intention-to-treat analysis to compare the outcomes of the mPRISM arm versus the control arm with covariate-adjusted regression models. We will summarize individual digital usage metrics using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Since September 2023, we have enrolled 20 participants and recruitment is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: Although our previous work suggests AYAs with cancer are interested in mHealth psychosocial interventions, such interventions have not yet been sufficiently evaluated or implemented among AYA oncology patients. mPRISM may serve as a potential mHealth intervention to fill this gap. In this study, we will test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of mPRISM. This work will inform future larger-scale RCTs powered for efficacy outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05842902; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05842902. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/57950.

Zen Den: A Novel Approach to Promote Well-Being in the Workplace.

Purpose: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, holistic nurses at an academic level 1 trauma center in Hawaii utilized a novel holistic approach to combat stress and anxiety symptoms while promoting nurse's well-being. This assessment aimed to determine whether a brief session incorporating Reiki and meditation could decrease nurses' perceived stress and anxiety while increasing perceived happiness and coping ability. Methods: Two Reiki-certified holistic nurses developed a mobile 10-minute individual well-being session called "Zen Den." In each session, the holistic nurse provided hands-on Reiki concurrent with a meditation streamed by a free online application. Pre and post-self-assessments were measured using a Likert scale. Findings: Participants (N = 92) showed an average decrease in perceived stress by 46% and anxiety by 45%, and an increase in feelings of happiness by 17% and perceived coping ability by 18%. Conclusion: This novel approach to promote well-being in the workplace can be achieved using existing resources such as Reiki-trained staff, a quiet space, and a 10-minute well-being session with guided meditation using a free online application.

The Effects of a Complex Interactive Multimodal Intervention on Personalized Stress Management Among Health Care Workers in China: Nonrandomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) frequently face multiple stressors at work, particularly those working night shifts. HCWs who have experienced distress may find it difficult to adopt stress management approaches, even if they are aware of the effects of stress and coping processes. Therefore, an individualized intervention may be required to assist distressed HCWs in bridging the "knowledge-practice" gap in stress management and effectively alleviating stress symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this research was to compare the effects of a complex interactive multimodal intervention (CIMI) to self-guided stress management interventions on stress symptoms of distressed HCWs, as measured by physiological (heart rate variability), psychological (perceived stress, mental distress, and subjective happiness), and sleep disorder (fatigue and sleepiness) indicators. METHODS: We conducted a nonrandomized, controlled study in 2 Chinese general hospitals. The participants in this study were 245 HCWs who fulfilled at least 1 of the 3 dimensions on the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. All eligible individuals were required to complete a questionnaire and wear a 24-hour Holter device to determine the physiological signs of stress as indexed by heart rate variability at both baseline and after the intervention. The CIMI group received a 12-week online intervention with 4 components-mobile stress management instruction, a web-based WeChat social network, personalized feedback, and a nurse coach, whereas the control group simply received a self-guided intervention. RESULTS: After a 12-week intervention, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores reduced significantly in the CIMI group (mean difference [MD] -5.31, 95% CI -6.26 to -4.37; P<.001) compared to the baseline levels. The changes in PSS scores before and after the intervention exhibited a significant difference between the CIMI and control groups (d=-0.64; MD -4.03, 95% CI -5.91 to -2.14; P<.001), and the effect was medium. In terms of physiological measures, both the control group (MD -9.56, 95% CI -16.9 to -2.2; P=.01) and the CIMI group (MD -8.45, 95% CI -12.68 to -4.22; P<.001) demonstrated a significant decrease in the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) within the normal clinical range; however, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups (d=0.03; MD 1.11, 95% CI -7.38 to 9.59; P=.80). CONCLUSIONS: The CIMI was an effective intervention for improving sleep disorders, as well as parts of the psychological stress measures in distressed HCWs. The findings provide objective evidence for developing a mobile stress management intervention that is adaptable and accessible to distressed HCWs, but its long-term effects should be investigated in future research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05239065; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05239065.

Effectiveness of meditation on wellness management among corporate employees in India: An interventional study.

Background and Aims: Urban corporate sector relies heavily on workplace well-being, with meditation being a potent stress reduction method that significantly enhances the quality of life (QoL) and wellness. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of meditation on wellness management among corporate employees in India. Methods: The quasi-experimental controlled study design was employed from May to June 2021, which assessed stress, QoL, and wellness indices (satisfaction with life, well-being) with meditation practice as the intervention. The online questionnaire incorporates questions from the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale, World Health Organization (WHO) QoL Scale, Five-item Satisfaction with Life scale and WHO-5 Well-being Index. A nonrandom sampling technique selected 146 and 74 subjects in the intervention and control groups, respectively, among the employees of Star health- and allied insurance company. The data was analyzed using SPSS V27 (©IBM SPSS Statistics). The Wilcoxon signed rank test for the dependent groups, and Mann-Whitney U test for the independent groups (between subjects) was performed. Results: Among a total of 220 subjects who enrolled in the recruitment survey, 146 subjects underwent the intervention thus providing a response rate of 66.4%. For the intervention group, the difference (within group) in mean scores between baseline and endline assessment shows a reduction in stress (0.02) and significant improvement in QoL (0.21) and wellness indices (satisfaction with life: 0.21, well-being: 0.24). The difference (between the experimental and control groups) in mean endline scores shows a decrease in stress (0.07), an increase in wellness indices (satisfaction with life: 0.12, well-being: 0.23), and a significant change in the QoL (0.17). Conclusion: Meditation intervention in corporate wellness programs enhances the QoL, wellness, and stress management, establishing the effectiveness of health profile-raising ingenuities at the workplace.

Robots as Mental Health Coaches: A Study of Emotional Responses to Technology-Assisted Stress Management Tasks Using Physiological Signals.

The current study investigated the effectiveness of social robots in facilitating stress management interventions for university students by evaluating their physiological responses. We collected electroencephalogram (EEG) brain activity and Galvanic Skin Responses (GSRs) together with self-reported questionnaires from two groups of students who practiced a deep breathing exercise either with a social robot or a laptop. From GSR signals, we obtained the change in participants' arousal level throughout the intervention, and from the EEG signals, we extracted the change in their emotional valence using the neurometric of Frontal Alpha Asymmetry (FAA). While subjective perceptions of stress and user experience did not differ significantly between the two groups, the physiological signals revealed differences in their emotional responses as evaluated by the arousal-valence model. The Laptop group tended to show a decrease in arousal level which, in some cases, was accompanied by negative valence indicative of boredom or lack of interest. On the other hand, the Robot group displayed two patterns; some demonstrated a decrease in arousal with positive valence indicative of calmness and relaxation, and others showed an increase in arousal together with positive valence interpreted as excitement. These findings provide interesting insights into the impact of social robots as mental well-being coaches on students' emotions particularly in the presence of the novelty effect. Additionally, they provide evidence for the efficacy of physiological signals as an objective and reliable measure of user experience in HRI settings.

Impact of Drought Stress on Plant Growth and Its Management Using Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria.

Drought stress is a significant environmental challenge affecting global agriculture, leading to substantial reductions in crop yields and overall plant productivity. It induces a cascade of physiological and biochemical changes in plants, including reduced water uptake, stomatal closure, and alterations in hormonal balance, all of which contribute to impaired growth and development. Drought stress diminishes crop production by impacting crucial plant metabolic pathways. Plants possess the ability to activate or deactivate specific sets of genes, leading to changes in their physiological and morphological characteristics. This adaptive response enables plants to evade, endure, or prevent the effects of drought stress. Drought stress triggers the activation of various genes, transcription factors, and signal transduction pathways in plants. In this context, imposing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) emerges as a promising strategy. PGPR, employing diverse mechanisms such as osmotic adjustments, antioxidant activity, and phytohormone production, not only ensures the plant's survival during drought conditions but also enhances its overall growth. This comprehensive review delves into the various mechanisms through which PGPR enhances drought stress resistance, offering a thorough exploration of recent molecular and omics-based approaches to unravel the role of drought-responsive genes. The manuscript encompasses a detailed mechanistic analysis, along with the development of PGPR-based drought stress management in plants.

Caffeine, Alcohol, and Drug Use as Work Adjuncts Among Neurosurgeons. Prevalence, Contributing Factors, and Proposed Strategies.

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgeons may resort to caffeine, alcohol, and various drugs to maintain peak performance as they grapple with work demands and escalated stress. The prevalence of this controversial strategy remains largely unexplored. METHODS: An anonymous survey of 23 questions formulated by our research group was distributed through personal contacts and neurosurgical societies. Inquiries revolved around the use of medications and other substances for job-related reasons. Data were analyzed via regression and descriptive statistics in python. RESULTS: In total, 215 neurosurgeons (43 residents) were included, with 213 disclosing their gender (94 females). Out of all, 9.3% were <30, 38.1% were 30-39, 44.6% were 40-59, and 7.9% were >60 years old. Most (70.7%) practiced in Europe, 18.6% in Asia, 6.5% in North and South America, and the rest in Africa or Australia. While 132 participants stated they consume caffeine to manage challenging schedules, drugs for cognitive and mood enhancement were utilized by 18 and 35 respectively. Alcohol was employed for stress relief by 28 with 4 reporting as heavy drinkers. Drugs posed a solution to sleep disorders for 82, and helped 8 others in strengthening their hand dexterity. Notably, 12 of those claiming drug use initiated it in medical school. Exercise, self-care activities, and relational support were the main alternatives sought. Ultimately, most responders recommended extending mental health assistance and raising awareness about drug use. CONCLUSIONS: Reflecting on our results on job-associated drug use by neurosurgeons, we propose the judicious use of pharmacological or nonpharmacological adjuncts, alongside the prioritization of neurosurgeons' well-being.