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Turner MJ, Evans AL, Fortune G, Chadha NJ. "I must make the grade!": the role of cognitive appraisals, irrational beliefs, exam anxiety, and affect, in the academic self-concept of undergraduate students. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38825960 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2024.2360732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Examination anxiety is a common occurrence, and is potentially detrimental to student attainment. In recent theorizing, it has been suggested that cognitive appraisals, as put forth in cognitive appraisal theory, and irrational beliefs, as put forth in rational emotive behavior therapy, may interact to predict affectivity. The current research examines the antecedents and associates of examination affect and academic self-concept in undergraduate students. DESIGN A preliminary study applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test the factor structure of an irrational beliefs inventory. Study 1 utilized a cross-sectional and correlational approach to testing core theoretical assumptions. Study 2 took a two-wave longitudinal and path analytical approach to examine temporal effects between target variables. METHOD All self-report data collection took place in the United Kingdom with university students. We recruited n = 1150, n = 362, n = 662 for preliminary, study 1, and study 2, respectively. RESULTS Across studies, data indicated that a pattern of adaptive cognitive appraisal was associated with more advantageous affectivity, and better academic self-concept. CONCLUSIONS Reciprocal temporal relationships were revealed between many variables, supporting an interactive and bidirectional view of how cognition and affect are related pertaining to examination anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Turner
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - A L Evans
- School of Health and Society, The University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - G Fortune
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - N J Chadha
- Sport and Exercise, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, United Kingdom
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2
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Zhou Y, Zhang J, Zheng W, Fu M. Promoting or Prohibiting? Investigating How Time Pressure Influences Innovative Behavior under Stress-Mindset Conditions. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:143. [PMID: 38392496 PMCID: PMC10886253 DOI: 10.3390/bs14020143] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The existing empirical evidence on the relationship between time pressure and innovative behavior is paradoxical. An intriguing yet unresolved question is "When does time pressure promote or prohibit innovative behavior, and how?" We theorize that the paradoxical effect of time pressure on innovative behavior can be elucidated by the moderating role of stress mindset, and we also explore the mediating role of thriving at work. Our research involved a field study of 390 research and development personnel from eight enterprises and research institutes in China to test our proposed model. Results indicated that the stress-is-debilitating mindset negatively moderated the association between time pressure and thriving at work, while the stress-is-enhancing mindset positively moderated the link between time pressure and thriving at work. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that the stress-is-debilitating mindset negatively moderated the indirect impact of time pressure on employees' innovative behavior through thriving at work, while the stress-is-enhancing mindset positively moderated the indirect effect of time pressure on employees' innovative behavior through thriving at work. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Zhou
- Normal College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jianwei Zhang
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Wenfeng Zheng
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Mengmeng Fu
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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3
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Brenman AM, Wegmann J, Zale EL, Mattson RE, Mastroleo NR. The Moderating Role of Stress Mindset on the Relationship between Drinking to Cope and Alcohol Consumption among Undergraduate College Student Drinkers. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:665-672. [PMID: 38204143 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2294967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous research suggests drinking alcohol to cope with negative affect, including stress, is a risk for increased alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Stress mindset, the individually held belief that stress can lead to either enhancing or debilitating outcomes, has yet to be studied within the context of alcohol use. Studying stress mindset among college students as it relates to alcohol consumption may provide important insight into heavy alcohol use in this population. METHOD A sample of 320 undergraduates (Mage = 19.06 (SD = 0.06); 63.44% female; 65.49% White) who endorsed past-year alcohol use completed self-report measures of drinking motives, stress mindset, alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related consequences. Zero-inflated negative binomial regressions were utilized to examine the moderating effect of stress mindset on the relationship between drinking to cope and alcohol consumption. RESULTS Stress mindset significantly moderated the relationship between drinking to cope and alcohol consumption (IRR = 0.98, se = 0.01, p < 0.05, CI = 0.96, 1.00), such that the relationship was stronger among those with a debilitating stress mindset compared to those with an enhancing stress mindset. Stress mindset did not significantly moderate the relationship between drinking to cope and alcohol-related consequences. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with high drinking to cope scores and who hold a debilitating stress mindset may be at a particular vulnerability for heavy alcohol consumption. The present study furthers our understanding of predictors of alcohol use in a college sample and suggests the importance of future research focused on stress mindset among college student drinkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Brenman
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer Wegmann
- Department of Health and Wellness Studies, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Emily L Zale
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Richard E Mattson
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Nadine R Mastroleo
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
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4
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Journault AA, Cernik R, Charbonneau S, Sauvageau C, Giguère CÉ, Jamieson JP, Plante I, Geoffrion S, Lupien SJ. Learning to embrace one's stress: the selective effects of short videos on youth's stress mindsets. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024; 37:29-44. [PMID: 37552634 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2023.2234309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Stress is not inherently negative. As youth will inevitably experience stress when facing the various challenges of adolescence, they can benefit from developing a stress-can-be-enhancing mindset rather than learning to fear their stress responses and avoid taking on challenges. We aimed to verify whether a rapid intervention improved stress mindsets and diminished perceived stress and anxiety sensitivity in adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS An online experimental design randomly exposed 233 Canadian youths aged 14-17 (83% female) to four videos of the Stress N' Go intervention (how to embrace stress) or to control condition videos (brain facts). Validated questionnaires assessing stress mindsets, perceived stress, and anxiety sensitivity were administered pre- and post-intervention, followed by open-ended questions. RESULTS The intervention content successfully instilled a stress-can-be-enhancing mindset compared to the control condition. Although Bayes factor analyses showed no main differences in perceived stress or anxiety sensitivity between conditions, a thematic analysis revealed that the intervention helped participants to live better with their stress. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results suggest that our intervention can rapidly modify stress mindsets in youth. Future studies are needed to determine whether modifying stress mindsets is sufficient to alter anxiety sensitivity in certain adolescents and contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey-Ann Journault
- Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Research Center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Rebecca Cernik
- Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Research Center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Sandrine Charbonneau
- Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Research Center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Claudia Sauvageau
- Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Research Center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Charles-Édouard Giguère
- Research Center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Jeremy P Jamieson
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Isabelle Plante
- Department of Didactics, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Steve Geoffrion
- Research Center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Sonia J Lupien
- Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Research Center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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5
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Cheng WLS, Wong LLK. Effects of a group-based music imagery program on promoting coping resources among undergraduate students: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1257863. [PMID: 38106399 PMCID: PMC10723159 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1257863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Music is well-known for its stress-reducing effects. Little is known about the potential effect of music interventions in fostering internal coping resources for stress management among undergraduate students in Hong Kong. Objectives This pilot study aimed to examine the efficacy of the Group-based Focus Music Imagery Program (GFMI) in promoting a stress-is-enhancing mindset, sense of coherence, and self-compassion among undergraduate students. Methods We used a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT). The experimental arm received 6 weeks of GFMI with measures taken at two time points after completing baseline assessments (Weeks 6, 10). The control arm received 6 weeks of an active control program and completed the outcome measures at time points similar to the GFMI group. Data were collected using the Chinese versions of the Sense of Coherence Scale (C-SOC-13), the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (C-SCS-SF), the Stress Mindset Measure (C-SMM), the Perceived Stress Scale (C-PSS-10), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (C-GAD-7). Results Sixty-four participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 32) or the control group (n = 32) between July 2021 and September 2022. The experimental group exhibited a retention rate of 71.9% at T1 (23 out of 32 participants), which slightly decreased to 65.6% (21 out of 32) at T2. The control group displayed a retention rate of 75% (24 out of 32) at T1, which dropped to 43.8% (14 out of 32) at T2. The GEE analyses showed insignificant differences between groups at any time point in C-SOC-13, C-SCS-SF, and C-SMM. Instead, the control group had a higher reduction in stress scores (C-PSS-10) at T1, and anxiety (C-GAD-7) at T2 than the experimental group. Conclusion The pilot trial provided valuable information in examining the feasibility of the trial design and intervention. Future studies with larger samples are needed to validate if GFMI can reliably promote coping resources to manage stress and anxiety in undergraduate students. Trial registration number https://www.researchregistry.com/, researchregistry8209.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Lai Sheung Cheng
- School of Health Sciences, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Tseung Kwan O New Town, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lokki Lok-Ki Wong
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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6
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Mansell PC, Turner MJ. The mediating role of proactive coping in the relationships between stress mindset, challenge appraisal tendencies, and psychological wellbeing. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1140790. [PMID: 37941750 PMCID: PMC10628836 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1140790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Stress is ubiquitous and how individuals view the nature of stress can influence psychological wellbeing. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of proactive coping on the relationships between stress mindset and challenge appraisal tendencies and examine how this in turn related to psychological wellbeing. A secondary aim was to investigate if there were any differences in stress mindset between athletes and non-athletes. It was hypothesised that stress mindset would be indirectly positively associated with challenge appraisal tendencies through proactive coping, that a challenge appraisal tendency would positively relate to vitality, and that vitality would negatively relate to depressive symptoms. It was also hypothesised that athletes would possess more facilitative views of stress compared with non-athletes. Methods Two hundred and seven individuals (n = 101 athletes, n = 106 non-athletes, Mage = 22.76 years, SD = 4.94) completed an online questionnaire pack assessing stress mindset, proactive coping, challenge appraisal tendencies, vitality, and depressive symptoms. Results Using path analysis, the hypothesised model demonstrated a good fit to the data and the positive relationship between stress mindset and challenge appraisal tendencies was mediated by proactive coping. Challenge appraisal tendencies were positively associated with vitality, which was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Athletes reported a significantly greater 'stress-is-enhancing' mindset, greater vitality, and fewer depressive symptoms than non-athletes. Conclusion Findings offer support for the role that stress mindset has in potentially influencing psychological wellbeing and offer the novel suggestion that this mechanism may operate through proactive coping and challenge appraisal tendencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Mansell
- School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
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Emirza S, Yılmaz Kozcu G. Protecting healthcare workers' mental health against COVID-19-related stress: The effects of stress mindset and psychological resilience. Nurs Health Sci 2023. [PMID: 37098413 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare workers have been on the frontline of the battle against COVID-19 disease. However, this has taken a toll on them, resulting in elevated stress and poor mental health. We argue that healthcare workers' stress mindset and resilience could mitigate negative outcomes of COVID-19-related stress by helping them view this stressful situation in a more positive light and appraise it as a challenge rather than a threat. Accordingly, we hypothesized that both a stress-is-enhancing mindset about COVID-19-related stress and resilience would improve healthcare workers' appraisal of their personal resources and increase their challenge appraisals, positively contributing to their mental health. We collected data from 160 healthcare workers and performed structural equation modeling for hypothesis testing. The results indicate that both a stress-is-enhancing mindset about COVID-19-related stress and psychological resilience are indirectly related to better mental well-being and lower health-related anxiety through challenge appraisals. This study contributes to research in mental health by suggesting that protecting and promoting healthcare workers' mental health is possible by empowering them through increasing personal resources such as a positive mindset about stressful situations and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevgi Emirza
- Department of Business Administration, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Gizem Yılmaz Kozcu
- Department of Business Administration, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
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8
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Wang Y, Farb NAS. Web-based training for post-secondary student well-being during the pandemic: a randomized trial. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2023; 36:1-17. [PMID: 35615957 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2079637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a highly stressful period where post-secondary education moved to online formats. Coping skills like decentering and reappraisal appear to promote stress resilience, but limited research exists on cultivating these skills in online learning contexts.Methods: In a three-arm randomized trial design, we evaluated three-week, web-based interventions to gauge how to best cultivate mindfulness and stress-reappraisal skills and whether the proposed interventions led to improved mental health. Undergraduate participants (N = 183) were randomly assigned to stress mindset, mindfulness meditation, or mindfulness with choice conditions.Results: At the study level (baseline vs. post-intervention), decentering improved across all conditions. Mindfulness with choice significantly decreased negative affect and rumination compared to stress mindset, while stress mindset significantly enhanced stress mindset skills compared to both mindfulness groups. At the daily level (three sessions per week), stress mindset significantly increased positive affect compared to mindfulness meditation.Conclusions: Results suggest that student mental health can be remotely supported through brief web-based interventions. Mindfulness practices seem to be effective in improving students' negative mood and coping strategies, while stress mindset training can help students to adopt a stress-is-enhancing mindset. Additional work on refining and better matching students to appropriate interventions is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Toronto, Canada
| | - Norman A S Farb
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, Canada
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AVERY CREIGHTON, SHIPHERD AMBERM, GOMEZ SARAH, BARCZARENNER KELLY. Exploring Stress Mindset and Perceived Stress between College Student-Athletes and Non-Athletes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE 2022; 15:1554-1562. [PMID: 36619831 PMCID: PMC9797007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
One's beliefs about the nature of stress (e.g., stress mindset) play a large role in the extent to which one experiences the detrimental or beneficial outcomes of stress. Stress mindset has been explored in college students, but there is limited research on stress mindsets in student-athletes. Sport can serve as a buffer to the negative impacts of stress for some student-athletes; however, pressures associated with sport participation increase stress in other student-athletes. Therefore, the purpose was to examine potential differences in stress mindset and perceived stress between non-athletes and college student-athletes. We hypothesized college student-athletes would report higher stress mindset scores but lower perceived stress scores. A total of 272 students (n = 87 student-athletes; n = 185 non-athletes) completed a demographic questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Stress Mindset Measure via an online survey. No significant differences were observed between student-athletes' and non-athletes' stress mindset scores; however, significant differences were observed between student-athletes' and non-athletes' perceived stress. Thus, student-athletes and non-athletes shared a similar view of stress, but student-athletes reported a lower level of perceived stress than non-athletes. While there appears to be no statistically significant differences in stress mindset between college non-athletes and student-athletes, both groups reported holding a stress-is-debilitating mindset. Implications for practitioners working with the college population are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- CREIGHTON AVERY
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - AMBER M. SHIPHERD
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - SARAH GOMEZ
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - KELLY BARCZARENNER
- Department of Communications, Behavioral, and Natural Sciences, Franklin University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Karampas K, Pezirkianidis C, Stalikas A. ReStress mindset: An internet-delivered intervention that changes university students’ mindset about stress in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1036564. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1036564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate “ReStress Mindset,” an internet-delivered intervention that combines the Stress Mindset Training Program (SMTP) with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). To that end, the current study determined whether the pilot study’s findings on the intervention’s effectiveness on stress mindset and stress response among university students in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, remained for 3 months following the completion of “ReStress Mindset” intervention. Twenty-six participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (N = 12) and a control (N = 14) group. Participants in the intervention group attended 5 weekly sessions online, between the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. All participants completed self-report questionnaires (Stress Mindset Measure, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9, Perceived Stress Scale, Scale of Positive, and Negative Experience) before, at the end of the intervention and 3 months after the completion of the program. The “ReStress Mindset” intervention resulted in a statistically significant increase in “stress-is-enhancing” mindset (SIEM), life satisfaction, and self-efficacy against stress, as well as a statistically significant decrease in “stress-is-debilitating” mindset (SIDM), with these effects lasting 3 months after the program’s completion. The findings of this study suggest that university students could benefit from the “ReStress Mindset” intervention in order to cultivate and maintain a positive stress mindset and increase their life satisfaction and self-efficacy against stress, even during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other highly stressful period or crisis.
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Wang X, Zhang J, Sun X, Zhang L. Stress mindset and mental health status among Chinese high school students: The mediating role of exam stress appraisals. Psych J 2022; 11:904-912. [PMID: 35615777 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Exam stress is one of the main stressors for adolescents, which can trigger severe mental health problems and performance decline. As an alterable individual variable that influences stress consequences, stress mindset has attracted academic attention recently. However, the relationship between stress mindset and adolescents' responses toward exams has not been fully understood. This study aimed to investigate whether stress mindset affected pre-exam mental health status and exam performance, and whether appraisals of exam mediated such influence. We collected stress mindset, threat and challenge appraisals, pre-exam mental health status, and exam scores from 185 Chinese 11th-grade students. All of them would take an important and unified exam organized on the school level. Results showed that the stress-is-enhancing mindset negatively predicted students' symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, but had no direct effect on performance. Further mediation analysis showed that stress-is-enhancing mindset was positively associated with the challenging appraisal and was negatively associated with the threat appraisal, thus having better health status (including fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress) and performance. These results suggest that the stress mindset had an association with students' response toward exams, and how they appraised the upcoming exam would be an important indirect pathway. Future studies may benefit from changing students' mindsets to protect them from negative consequences of exam stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xianghong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
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12
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Čopec D, Karlović Vragolov M, Buško V. Individual Dispositions and Situational Stressors in Competitive Sport: The Role of Stress Mindset in the Cognitive Appraisals Processes. Front Psychol 2022; 13:829053. [PMID: 35686072 PMCID: PMC9172935 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.829053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Personality has widely been documented to play an important role in the cognitive appraisal and stress processes. Emerging studies highlight the stress mindset as a new concept that could add to the understanding of individual differences in stress experiences. This study aimed to examine the relative contribution of Big Five personality dimensions and stress mindset in accounting for measures of cognitive appraisals of stress among the competing athletes. The study was conducted on a sample of 125 collegiate athletes of both genders who actively compete in sport. All the participants were regular undergraduate or graduate students at the Faculty of Kinesiology of the University of Zagreb. A questionnaire including demographic information about athletes and their sport career, stress mindset measure (SMM), situation-specific cognitive appraisal scale, sources of stress scale, and personality scale measured by IPIP-50 was administered in an online form using the Google Forms platform. Multivariate hierarchical regression procedures resulted in somewhat different predictor structures accounting for cognitive appraisals of threat, loss, and challenge, used as criterion variables. The set of Big Five personality dimensions and stress mindset measure proved to have a significant additive contribution to the explanation of each of the three cognitive appraisal criterion variances. The study results support the current body of literature suggesting a unique role of the stress mindset construct in explaining individual differences in cognitive stress appraisal among athletes above and beyond general personality dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matea Karlović Vragolov
- Department of Kinesiological Anthropology and Methodology, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- *Correspondence: Matea Karlović Vragolov
| | - Vesna Buško
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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13
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Johnson SJ, Moore TM. The Role of Impulsivity and Stress Mind-Set in Understanding the Mindfulness-Intimate Partner Aggression Relationship. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP571-NP593. [PMID: 32389063 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520917506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Perpetration of relational aggression, which is estimated to occur in 60% to 90% of relationships, has been demonstrated to have lasting negative effects both systemically and for its victims. Relational aggression has also been demonstrated to be impacted, in part by impulsivity, stress mind-set, and mindfulness. The present study examined a path analysis model of the relation between mindfulness and relational aggression, utilizing impulsivity as the mediating variable. Furthermore, the present study incorporated an examination of the potential moderating effects of stress mind-set on the relation between impulsivity and relational aggression. Three hundred eighty-three participants were recruited from across the United States, using Facebook ads. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing key study variables. We hypothesized that the negative urgency aspect of impulsivity would mediate the relation between the five facets of mindfulness and relational aggression, and further that this relationship would be moderated by stress mind-set, such that a stress mind-set which conceptualizes stress as negative would make the relation between impulsivity and relational aggression stronger. We hypothesized that the negative urgency aspect of impulsivity would mediate the relation between mindfulness and relational aggression. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the relation between impulsivity and aggression would be moderated by stress mind-set. Results indicated that the negative urgency component of impulsivity mediated the relation between all five facets of mindfulness and perpetration of relational aggression. Furthermore, stress mind-set moderated the relation between negative urgency and relational aggression, such that a lower stress mind-set was related to a stronger association between negative urgency and aggression. Implications for clinical intervention and future research efforts are discussed.
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Kaluza AJ, Junker NM, Schuh SC, Raesch P, Rooy NK, Dick R. A leader in need is a leader indeed? The influence of leaders' stress mindset on their perception of employee well‐being and their intended leadership behavior. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW-PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE-REVUE INTERNATIONALE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/apps.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia J. Kaluza
- Department of Psychology Goethe University Frankfurt Frankfurt Germany
| | - Nina M. Junker
- Department of Psychology Goethe University Frankfurt Frankfurt Germany
- Department of Psychology University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Sebastian C. Schuh
- Department of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) Shanghai China
| | - Pauline Raesch
- Department of Psychology Goethe University Frankfurt Frankfurt Germany
| | - Nathalie K. Rooy
- Department of Psychology University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Rolf Dick
- Department of Psychology Goethe University Frankfurt Frankfurt Germany
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15
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Keech JJ, Orbell S, Hagger MS, O'Callaghan FV, Hamilton K. Psychometric properties of the stress control mindset measure in university students from Australia and the UK. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e01963. [PMID: 33236533 PMCID: PMC7882182 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Beliefs about the consequences of stress, stress mindsets, are associated with health and performance outcomes under stress. This article reports the development and examination of the psychometric properties of a measure of stress mindset: The Stress Control Mindset Measure (SCMM). The measure is consistent with theory on mindsets about self-attributes and conceptualizes stress mindset as the extent to which individuals endorse beliefs that stress can be enhancing. METHODS The study adopted a correlational cross-sectional survey design in two student samples. Undergraduate students from an Australian university (Sample 1, N = 218) and a UK university (Sample 2, N = 214) completed the SCMM and measures of health and well-being outcomes. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analyses supported a four-factor structure and strict measurement invariance across samples (ΔCFI < 0.01). Reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and concurrent validity of the overall SCMM were supported in both samples. Incremental validity was supported for most outcomes, accounting for significantly more variance (between 2.2% and 5.9%) in health and well-being outcomes than an existing measure. CONCLUSIONS Current data provide preliminary support for the SCMM as a reliable and valid measure with good psychometric properties and theoretically consistent relations with health outcomes under stress. Findings provide initial evidence supporting the potential utility of the SCMM in future research examining relations between stress mindsets and health and performance outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Keech
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia.,School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sheina Orbell
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Martin S Hagger
- School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.,University of California, Merced, CA, USA.,Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Frances V O'Callaghan
- School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kyra Hamilton
- School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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16
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Kilby CJ, Sherman KA, Wuthrich VM. A Scoping Review of Stress Beliefs: Literature Integration, Measurement Issues, and Theoretical Concerns. Ann Behav Med 2020; 54:595-610. [PMID: 32103231 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual stress beliefs are associated with stress-related behavioral responses and health consequences. The Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation may help in understanding the role of stress beliefs in these behavioral responses and consequences. PURPOSE To synthesize empirical studies exploring the relationship between stress beliefs and stress-related behavioral responses and health consequences using the Common-Sense Model as a guiding framework. METHODS Peer-reviewed journal articles on stress beliefs in PsycArticles, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Sociological Abstracts were included if they were in English, reported on adult humans. Nineteen of the 1,972 unique articles reporting on 24 studies met inclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed with existing reporting criteria. RESULTS Four of the five Common-Sense Model representations were included across the review studies, namely Identity, Cause, Consequences, and Control. Consequences and Control-related stress beliefs are associated with stress-based health and behavioral outcomes. One study explored Identity-related stress beliefs with health outcomes, reporting no relationship. No study assessed the relationship between Cause-related stress beliefs and behaviors or health outcomes. No study has explored any aspect of Timeline-related stress beliefs. Study quality ranged from very low to very high. CONCLUSIONS There is limited evidence exploring stress-related beliefs and behaviors and health outcomes. According to the Common-Sense Model, the Timeline representations remains to be investigated in the stress context, and Identity and Cause are under-researched. This review highlights future directions for stress beliefs research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Kilby
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kerry A Sherman
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Viviana M Wuthrich
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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17
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Wegmann J, Marshall J, Tsai CY, Dionne S. Health Education and Changing Stress Mindsets: The Moderating Role of Personality. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH EDUCATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2020.1767002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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18
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Kilby CJ, Sherman KA, Wuthrich V. How do you think about stress? A qualitative analysis of beliefs about stress. J Health Psychol 2020; 26:2756-2767. [PMID: 32529841 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320926543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to identify common stress beliefs. Undergraduate psychology students (N = 35) completed semi-structured interviews discussing the sensations, causes, purpose, valence, consequences, control, and timeline of stress. Interviews were analysed via double-coded thematic analysis employing a latent, inductive, and realist framework. Five themes (cognition, emotion, physical health, interpersonal relations, and behaviour) and 17 subthemes were identified. Themes and subthemes were validated in a Delphi study of experts in stress research (N = 14). Many of these identified beliefs have not been incorporated into current measures of stress beliefs, suggesting the need for new approaches to measuring this construct.
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Keech JJ, Cole KL, Hagger MS, Hamilton K. The association between stress mindset and physical and psychological wellbeing: testing a stress beliefs model in police officers. Psychol Health 2020; 35:1306-1325. [DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2020.1743841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J. Keech
- School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
- Health and Psychology Innovations (HaPI) Research Lab, School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kaitlyn L. Cole
- Health and Psychology Innovations (HaPI) Research Lab, School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Martin S. Hagger
- Health and Psychology Innovations (HaPI) Research Lab, School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- SHARPP Lab, Psychological Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Kyra Hamilton
- Health and Psychology Innovations (HaPI) Research Lab, School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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20
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Laferton JAC, Fischer S, Ebert DD, Stenzel NM, Zimmermann J. The Effects of Stress Beliefs on Daily Affective Stress Responses. Ann Behav Med 2019; 54:258-267. [DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaz046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Negative beliefs about the effects of stress have been associated with poorer health and increased mortality. However, evidence on the psychological mechanisms linking stress beliefs to health is scarce, especially regarding real-life stress.
Purpose
The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of stress beliefs on affect in the daily stress process in a population prone to health-impairing effects of stress: university students.
Methods
Using daily diaries, 98 university students reported on daily perceived social and work-related stressors as well as positive and negative affect for 10 consecutive days. Stress beliefs, depressive and anxiety symptoms, neuroticism, and demographic variables were assessed prior to the daily diary phase.
Results
Hierarchical linear models revealed a significant cross-level interaction between negative stress beliefs and the association of daily social stressors with negative affect (B = 0.24; 99% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08–0.41, p < .001). When experiencing social stress, participants who held high negative stress beliefs had higher daily negative affect (simple slope = 4.09; p < .001); however, for participants who held low negative stress beliefs the association between daily social stress and daily negative affect was considerably smaller (simple slope = 2.12; p < .001). Moreover, individuals believing stress to be controllable showed higher positive affect throughout the 10-day daily diary phase.
Conclusions
Negative stress beliefs were found to moderate the affective response to daily real-life stressors. Given the established relationship between affect and health, this study provides initial evidence of psychological mechanisms linking stress beliefs to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes A C Laferton
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Fischer
- Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David D Ebert
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Clinical, Neuro- & Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nikola M Stenzel
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Kilby CJ, Sherman KA, Wuthrich V. Towards understanding interindividual differences in stressor appraisals: A systematic review. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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22
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Horiuchi S, Tsuda A, Aoki S, Yoneda K, Sawaguchi Y. Coping as a mediator of the relationship between stress mindset and psychological stress response: a pilot study. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2018. [PMID: 29535562 PMCID: PMC5840190 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s150400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coping, the cognitive and behavioral effort required to manage the effects of stressors, is important in determining psychological stress responses (ie, the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive responses to stressors). Coping was classified into categories of emotional expression (eg, negative feelings and thoughts), emotional support seeking (eg, approaching loved ones to request encouragement), cognitive reinterpretation (eg, reframing a problem positively), and problem solving (eg, working to solve the problem). Stress mindset refers to the belief that stress has enhancing (stress-is-enhancing mindset) or debilitating consequences (stress-is-debilitating mindset). This study examined whether coping mediated the relationship between stress mindset and psychological stress responses. Psychological stress responses were conceptualized as depression-anxiety, irritability-anger, and helplessness. The following two hypotheses were tested: 1) a stronger stress-is-enhancing mindset is associated with less frequent use of emotional expression, emotional support seeking, and problem solving, which in turn is associated with lower levels of depression-anxiety, irritability-anger, and helplessness; 2) a stronger stress-is-debilitating mindset is associated with more frequent use of these coping strategies, which in turn is associated with higher levels of these psychological stress responses. Materials and methods The participants were 30 male and 94 female undergraduate and graduate students (mean age =20.4 years). Stress mindset, coping, and psychological stress responses were measured using self-report questionnaires. Six mediation analyses were performed with stress-is-enhancing mindset or stress-is-debilitating mindset as the independent variable, one of the psychological stress responses as the dependent variable, and the four coping strategies as mediators. Results Emotional expression partially mediated the relationship between a strong stress-is-debilitating mindset and higher irritability-anger levels. The other three coping strategies did not exhibit mediating effects. None of the coping strategies mediated the relationship between a stress-is-enhancing mindset and psychological stress responses. Conclusion These results provide initial evidence that stress mindset is associated with psychological stress responses, through coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akira Tsuda
- Department of Psychology, Kurume University, Fukuoka
| | - Shuntaro Aoki
- Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo.,Graduate School of Psychological Science, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido
| | | | - Yusuke Sawaguchi
- Graduate School of Social Welfare, Iwate Prefectural University, Iwate, Japan
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