Perfectionism Affects Blood Pressure in Response to Repeated Exposure to Stress

Stress Responses to One-Day Athletic Tournament in Sport Coaches: A Pilot Study

Simple Summary

Judo coaches respond to stress during one-day tournaments, as evidenced by significant changes in hormonal status. The cumulative effect of stressful stimuli was noticeable especially at the end of the day. The results of the present study indicate the usefulness of using tools and a way to study stress among coaches. A similar research protocol can be used to assess stress responses to single-day stimuli associated with other social and occupational roles in healthy middle-aged men.

Abstract

Background: Watching athletic tournaments induces emotional and physiological responses in sports fans and coaches. The aim of the study was to investigate hormonal and cardiovascular responses in judo coaches observing the fights of their athletes during one-day, high-level tournaments. Material and methods: We studied the biological responses of a group of seventeen judo club coaches between the ages of 39 and 57 years to a one-day judo tournament attended by the adult male and/or female athletes that they coached. At the time of the tournaments and also in neutral conditions, the coaches’ capillary blood and saliva samples were collected concurrently two times a day, both at 7:30 a.m. and after completion of the tournament (at about 8:00 p.m.). Cardiovascular parameters were also determined at the same times of day. Sleep quality (SQ) was assessed on a 6-point scale both on the night preceding the tournament and in neutral conditions. Cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) levels were determined from serum and saliva samples. The results for both days at different times of day were compared. Results: Statistical calculations showed higher concentrations of cortisol and a greater reduction of testosterone levels in serum and saliva at the end of the day during the tournament compared with those on a neutral day. Morning and evening cardiovascular indices were higher during the tournament. Conclusion: The study showed that during one-day tournaments, judo coaches were exposed to stress that induced intermittent hormonal changes in blood and saliva and activated the autonomic nervous system.

Is it better not to think about it? Effects of positive and negative perfectionistic cognitions when there is increased pressure to perform

With the present research, we aimed to extend prior knowledge on the associations between dispositional perfectionism, perfectionistic cognitions and indicators of distress by considering both the level of between-person differences and the level of within-person fluctuations. We conducted two studies in which we assessed dispositional perfectionism once, plus we assessed perfectionistic cognitions across a predefined period of time (Study 1) and on a daily level (Study 2) during a highly demanding period of time. We found evidence for differential bivariate and unique associations of perfectionistic strivings cognitions (PSC) and perfectionistic concerns cognitions (PCC) with dispositional perfectionistic strivings (DPS) and dispositional perfectionistic concerns (DPC), perfectionism-specific cues, and indicators of distress. Beyond this, PCC emerged as an important mediator of the effects of DPS and DPC on distress.

Perfectionism in occupational science students: occupational therapy implications

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to categorize perfectionism and determine how perfectionism impacts the occupations and perceived health of students in a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science program.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive study with a survey component was conducted. Participants were categorized as perfectionists or non-perfectionists using the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R). Time logs were collected to compare categories of time-use between groups over a one-week period. An online survey was conducted with a sub-sample of the perfectionists.

Findings

More students were categorized as perfectionists (N = 41) than non-perfectionists (N = 3). Both groups spent similar amounts of time engaged in productive, pleasurable and restorative occupations. Some perfectionists reported that perfectionism supported health, but others reported negative impacts on well-being.

Research limitations/implications

This study included a small sample size limited to one Occupational Science program in the USA.

Originality/value

Results demonstrated positive and negative health impacts because of perfectionism. The majority of participants were identified as perfectionists; rigorous academic programs may attract students with perfectionistic qualities. Findings are relevant for Occupational Therapy, as these students will become future occupational therapists after completing a Master’s program in Occupational Therapy and may be susceptible to negative outcomes associated with perfectionism such as workaholism and poor health.