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Estradé M, Lightner A, Lewis EC, Adams E, Poirier L, Smith MT, Gittelsohn J. Sources of Stress and Coping Strategies Among Urban African American Adolescents: A Qualitative Study of Child and Caregiver Perspectives. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-02049-2. [PMID: 38884862 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-02049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Early adolescence is a critical point for intervention to protect against negative consequences of stress on the developing brain. This study aimed to gather perspectives on stress from adolescents and their caregivers living in under-resourced Baltimore City neighborhoods. Nine African American adolescents and their caregivers (n = 18 total) participated in qualitative interviews exploring neighborhood environments, sources of stress, and coping behaviors. Neighborhood social cohesion was described as a strength of participants' communities, despite concerns about neighborhood safety. Caregivers were highly aware of their child's stressors and coping behaviors. School-related pressure was a prevalent source of stress emphasized by adolescents, along with social stress due to disrupted routines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents described frequent use of electronics to cope with stress, as well as self-care and relaxation techniques. Themes identified from these data can be used to inform future adolescent stress-reduction interventions and stress-prevention efforts in this priority population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Estradé
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Alexis Lightner
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emma C Lewis
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Adams
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Lisa Poirier
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael T Smith
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel Gittelsohn
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Li Y, Jia W, Yan N, Hua Y, Han T, Yang J, Ma L, Ma L. Associations between chronic stress and hair cortisol in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 329:438-447. [PMID: 36868386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review systematically examined the associations between chronic stress and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in children, and the potential modification effects of type, measurement period and scales of chronic stress, child age and sex, hair length and HCC measurement method, characteristics of study site, and congruence between time periods measured for chronic stress and HCC. METHODS Pubmed, Wed of Science, and APA PsycINFO were systematically searched for articles examining the association between chronic stress and HCC. RESULTS Thirteen studies from five countries with 1,455 participants were included in the systematic review and nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that chronic stress was associated with HCC (pooled-r = 0.09, 95 % CI: 0.03, 0.16). Stratified analyses revealed that type, measurement time and scales of chronic stress, hair length and measurement method of HCC, and the congruence between time periods measured for chronic stress and HCC modified such correlations. The positive correlations between chronic stress and HCC were significant for studies measuring chronic stress as stressful life events, assessing chronic stress within the past six months, extracting HCC from 1 cm, 3 cm, or 6 cm of hair, measuring HCC by LC-MS/MS, or having congruence between time periods measured for chronic stress and HCC. The potential modifying effects of sex and country developmental status could not be concluded due to the limited number of studies included. CONCLUSIONS Chronic stress was positively correlated with HCC, varying by characteristics and measurements of chronic stress and HCC. HCC could be a biomarker for chronic stress among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wanru Jia
- Department of Disease Prevention and Control, Xi 'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Yan
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China; Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yiming Hua
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tuo Han
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Lu Ma
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China; Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Le Ma
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China; Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, China.
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Zhou X, Bambling M, Bai X, Edirippulige S. Chinese school adolescents' stress experience and coping strategies: a qualitative study. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:91. [PMID: 37004126 PMCID: PMC10064594 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01137-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress in adolescence is associated with adverse mental health outcomes. Coping resources have been proved by literature to have buffering effects on the impact of stress on mental health. It is imperative to understand the stress and coping strategies of adolescents. However, to date, there has been a scarce of qualitative examination of stress and coping strategies in adolescents in a Chinese population. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to understand the stress experience and coping strategies of high school students in China. METHODS This study adopted a qualitative design involving three focus group interviews. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit high school students who were enrolled in grades 10 to 11, and their teachers, at a Chinese high school which resulted in 20 students and 9 teacher participants. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 4 themes were identified: (i) sources of stress; (ii) impacts of stress (iii) coping strategies used by students; and (iv) recommendations for stress management programs. Students experienced excessive stress in their daily lives. The primary source of stress came from high expectations for academic achievement. Other sources of stress were peer relationships and family issues. The stress had negative impacts on students' emotions, sleep, study, and mental wellbeing. The students demonstrated various coping strategies, with the most common being avoidant coping. Students and teachers agreed that the coping strategies were not effective in reducing stress in the long run and that more coping skills training was needed. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to assess the perceptions of Chinese high school students and their teachers regarding adolescent stress experiences and coping strategies. Chinese high school students experienced significant stress in their daily lives and demonstrated unhelpful coping strategies. Participants demonstrated consensus that they did not have the skills to cope. There is a demonstrated need for interventions that focus on increasing coping skills in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Zhou
- Centre for Online Health, Princess Alexandra Hospital, The University of Queensland, Building 33, 199 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Matthew Bambling
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Psychology, Australian College of Applied Professions, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Xuejun Bai
- Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sisira Edirippulige
- Centre for Online Health, Princess Alexandra Hospital, The University of Queensland, Building 33, 199 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Davis C, Turner-Cobb JM. The Perceived Stress Scale for Kids (PeSSKi): Initial development of a brief measure for children aged 7-11 years. Stress Health 2023; 39:125-136. [PMID: 35688796 PMCID: PMC10084385 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Perceived stress, a known risk factor for poor health, has been extensively assessed in adult populations. Yet an equivalent assessment tool for measurement of global perceived stress in children is lacking. This study aimed to develop and provide initial validation of a scale to measure perceived stress in children aged 7-11 years. Using a two-phase design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with thirteen child-parent dyads for development of items. In a sample of 123 children (age range 7-11 years, Mage = 9 years 7 months, 54.5% male) we administered the resulting Perceived Stress Scale for Kids (PeSSKi). Exploratory factor analysis of the 10-item PeSSKi yielded support for both a one-factor and a two-factor solution (negative, positive item wording). The PeSSKi was associated positively with the Penn-State Worry Questionnaire for Children (r = 0.748, p < 0.001) and negatively with the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (r = 0.381, p < 0.001) indicating strong convergent/divergent validity respectively. Girls showed higher scores on the PeSSKi than boys with no effects observed by age. Initial psychometrics suggest the PeSSKi provides a robust scale for assessment of perceived stress in children. Further validation is needed across different child populations, over time and with physical measures of stress and health outcomes.
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Zhang J, Li Y, Li J, Lyu M, Chen Y, Yang S, Tan C, Tao Y, Ye B, Zhang J, Cheng F, Mao T. The effect of life events, resilience, self-esteem, and coping styles on aggressive behavior among left-behind adolescents: Structural equation modeling. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:991608. [PMID: 36793944 PMCID: PMC9922842 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.991608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Without parental support, left-behind adolescents are more likely than their peers to experience negative emotions and demonstrate aggressive behavior in the same frustrating situation. However, research on this subject has been sparse. To fill this gap and identify potential targets for intervention, this study sought to examine the relationships among factors influencing left-behind adolescents' aggressive behavior. METHODS A total of 751 left-behind adolescents were enrolled in a cross-sectional survey, with data collected using the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist, Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Coping Style Questionnaire, and Buss-Warren Aggression Questionnaire. The structural equation model was used for data analysis. RESULTS The results showed that left-behind adolescents reported higher levels of aggression. Further, the factors found to have a direct or indirect effect on aggressive behavior included life events, resilience, self-esteem, positive coping, negative coping, and household income. The results of confirmatory factor analysis indicated goodness of fit. In the face of negative life events, left-behind adolescents with high resilience, self-esteem, and positive coping were less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION Left-behind adolescents can reduce their aggressive behavior by assuaging the adverse effects of life events via increased resilience and self-esteem as well as the adoption of positive coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengmeng Lyu
- National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yiping Chen
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Silan Yang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chuxia Tan
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingxiang Tao
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Biyun Ye
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingping Zhang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Ting Mao
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
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South K, Bakken S, Koleck T, Barcelona V, Elhadad N, Dreisbach C. Women's Experiences of Symptoms of Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Illness During the Pandemic. Nurs Womens Health 2022; 26:450-461. [PMID: 36265561 PMCID: PMC9575040 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore experiences of symptoms of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 illness among women using the CovidWatcher mobile citizen science app. DESIGN Convergent parallel mixed-methods design. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-eight self-identified women consented for follow-up after using CovidWatcher. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 83 years old. METHODS We collected data via semistructured, virtual interviews and surveys: the COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures. We used directed content analysis to develop codes, categories, themes, and subthemes from the qualitative data and summarized survey data with descriptive statistics. RESULTS We derived five themes related to symptom experiences: (a) Physical Symptoms, (b) Mental Health Symptoms, (c) Symptom Intensity, (d) Symptom Burden, and (e) Symptom Trajectories. Subthemes reflected more nuanced experiences of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 disease. For those without COVID-19, anxiety and mental health symptoms were still present. Of those who attested to one of the PROMIS-measured symptoms, all but one had at least mild severity in one of their reported symptoms. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the cross-cutting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals who identify as women. Future research and clinical practice guidelines should focus on alleviating physical and mental health symptoms related to the ongoing pandemic, regardless of COVID-19 diagnosis. Furthermore, clinicians should consider how patients can use symptom reconciliation apps and tracking systems.
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Lynch T, Davis SL, Johnson AH, Gray L, Coleman E, Phillips SR, Soistmann HC, Rice M. Definitions, theories, and measurement of stress in children. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 66:202-212. [PMID: 35868219 PMCID: PMC10085063 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Stress in children remains a complex concept to examine due to the inherent subjectivity and lack of specific manifestations, as well as the multiple ways stress can be defined and measured in children. Because stress is multifactorial,is experienced daily by children, and undergirds adolescent health and early mental illness, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of stress and the effects of stress in children from infancy through age twelve years. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA To be included in this review, literature must pertain to and highlight theories, definitions/classifications, and measurements of stress in children from infancy to 12 years of age. SAMPLE The most pertinent articles identified through database searches (PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar), gray literature sources (e.g., child health websites), and reference lists of identified articles were included in this narrative overview. RESULTS The results of this review are organized by themes and include: classifications and definitions of stress, stress-related theories, and tools to measure stress in children. CONCLUSIONS Research addressing stressors and stress in children is limited, and there is wide variation in how researchers define and classify stress in children. Existing measures of stress in children younger than 12 address physiological, psychological, and observational components, but may be inconsistent and threaten validity of otherwise well-designed and well-executed studies. IMPLICATIONS Improving the understanding and accurate measurement of stress in children enables researchers and clinicians to curtail undesirable health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Lynch
- University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
| | - Sara L Davis
- University of South Alabama, 5721 USA Drive, N., Mobile, AL 36688, USA.
| | - Ann Hammack Johnson
- Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, 2800 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA.
| | - Laura Gray
- Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing, Belmont University, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Coleman
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | | | - Heather C Soistmann
- Penn State Health Children's Hospital, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Marti Rice
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Hyysalo N, Sorsa M, Flykt M. Preschool children’s coping and caregiver support in families with maternal substance misuse: A qualitative study. NORDIC PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19012276.2022.2085160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noora Hyysalo
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Psychology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Minna Sorsa
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Nursing Science, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Child Psychiatry, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marjo Flykt
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Psychology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of psychology and logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Niman S, Dewa DK, Indriarini MY. The prevalent anxiety disorders among elementary students in Bandung, Indonesia. J Public Health Res 2021; 10. [PMID: 34060747 PMCID: PMC9309639 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety constitutes one of the most prevalent childhood mental health
problems. It affects social functions, academic functions and increases the
risk of mental health problems at the next stage of development among
elementary school children. Besides, psychopathologic disorders in teenagers
appear in form of emotional symptoms. Early anxiety screening is important
for elementary students as anxiety disorders incur huge financial treatment
costs, meanwhile, related data are needed to provide early and adequate
interventions. This study is expected to be the basis for developing mental
health programs at the elementary school level. Furthermore, aims to
identify types of anxiety disorders among grade 4 and 5 students at the
elementary level. Design and Methods The study was conducted using a quantitative method with a descriptive
design. Meanwhile, the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED)
model consisting of 41 questions was used, while the instrument's
Reliability and Validity was 0.81 and 0.67 respectively. A total of 135
students from the private elementary schools participated in this study. Results Among the 135 elementary students aged 10 to 11, 48.9% were males while 51.1%
were females, 79.3% had anxiety consisting of generalized anxiety 40%, panic
disorder 48.1%, separation anxiety 40%, social anxiety 65.9%, while 28.9%
experienced school avoidance. Conclusions Based on the results, health workers, teachers and parents need to work
together to manage anxiety in elementary students. In addition, nurses as
health workers at community primary health need to work together with
counselling and guidance teachers to provide preventive and promotive
interventions through the school's mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanti Niman
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok; Department of Mental Health, Bachelor Nursing Programme, STIKes Santo Borromeus, Padalarang, West Java.
| | - Deo Kumala Dewa
- Department of Mental Health, Bachelor Nursing Programme, STIKes Santo Borromeus, Padalarang, West Java.
| | - Maria Yunita Indriarini
- Department of Medical Surgical, Bachelor Nursing Programme, STIKes Santo Borromeus, Padalarang, West Java.
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Warghoff A, Persson S, Garmy P, Einberg EL. A Focus Group Interview Study of the Experience of Stress amongst School-Aged Children in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17114021. [PMID: 32516950 PMCID: PMC7312672 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17114021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The study explored experiences of stress in children aged 10–12. An inductive qualitative design was used. Ten focus group interviews were conducted with Swedish schoolchildren (n = 42) aged 10–12. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The study identified one theme—“Body and mind react”—and three subthemes: (1) Friendships matters, (2) Parental stress affect, and (3) Trying to do my best. Stress often occurred in the children’s everyday environment. The children had experienced how stress could be expressed both physically and mentally, inside and outside school. The children also had the experience of seeing people in their environment being stressed, which could create feelings that affected the children. The experience of the children was also that stress can sometimes be good. Stress related to peers, family, school, and society was commonly experienced by children aged 10–12. Both positive and negative stress was reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Warghoff
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Kristianstad University, 291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden; (A.W.); (S.P.); (E.-L.E.)
| | - Sara Persson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Kristianstad University, 291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden; (A.W.); (S.P.); (E.-L.E.)
| | - Pernilla Garmy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Kristianstad University, 291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden; (A.W.); (S.P.); (E.-L.E.)
- Clinical Health Promotion Centre, Medical Faculty, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-44-2503877
| | - Eva-Lena Einberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Kristianstad University, 291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden; (A.W.); (S.P.); (E.-L.E.)
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