Introduction
Stress is caused by a number of factors such as pregnancy, disease and financial constraints and the environment. It is possible for mothers who are pregnant to often experience stress due the anxiety of delivery or having too much responsibility. Stress can also be experienced by college students due to the new environment and colleagues. This paper analyzes the annotated bibliography of several articles about stress management in various situations.
Talley, L. (2013). Stress Management in Pregnancy. International Journal of Childbirth Education, 28(1), 43-45.
Talley (2013) points out that pregnancy is an exceptional life event which in itself may induce feelings of stress. The common stress factors in pregnancy include the fear of birth outcome, fatigue, finances among others. Stress during this time may increase the risk factors that lead to pregnancy complications. Talley (2013) indicates that there are a number of methods used by women to manage stress such as relaxation therapy which helps in reducing anxiety. Another strategy is having adequate sleep which increases coping skills and decreases anxiety in pregnant women.
Music therapy is the third strategy which helps to influence the brain network of the limbic system. This enhances the production of endorphins in the right brain and this causes a feeling of pleasure. It is noted that music causes the change in the interaction of thalamus which in turn produces a sensation of muscle relaxation, decrease in heart rate, effects of motion, decreased blood pressure and reduced respiratory rate. Thus, effective stress management in pregnancy can be achieved through the adoption of these strategies.
Chuang, L. et al. (2011). Effects of a Relaxation Training Program on Immediate and Prolonged Stress Responses in Women with Preterm Labor. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(1), 170-180.
This journal concurs with the fact that pregnant women are faced with the uncertainty of the outcome of their unborn babies. This uncertainty raises anxiety which in turn leads to development of stress. An experiment was conducted in northern Taiwan from December 2008 to May 2010 comprising of a group of 129 women with a random design experiment of (n=68) and (n=61) as control. One of the strategies used to manage stress is the application of relaxation techniques. Chuang (2011) denotes that relaxation techniques used by therapists elicit a state of physiological and psychosocial relaxation in pregnant women. This is achieved through training in relaxation with directed imagery. Guided imagery involves the mind’s natural powers in the process of healing. Clients are instructed in progressive muscle relation and deep breathing, during guided imagery, by the therapist. Scenes of beautiful pictures are then displayed so as to give a sense of calm and relaxation.
Dabrowska, A. & Pisula, E. (2010). Parenting Stress and Coping Styles in Mothers and Fathers of Pre-School Children with Autism and Down syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 54(3), 266-280.
This was an experiment conducted that included a total of 162 parents that had preschool children with developmental disabilities. It was found out that those children with developmental disabilities were a source of stress to parents mainly because of their condition, disapproval of the behavior of a child by society and insufficient professional support. However, parents can cope with the stress caused through having children with developmental disabilities through the use of three basic family resources. These include the personal resources such as financial well-being, personality characteristics and emotional and physical health. They also should use the internal family resources like the pattern of communication, adaptability and mutual support. Lastly, social support from other people outside the family is a vital resource that parents can use to cope with stress.
Chao, R. C. (2011). Managing Stress and Maintaining Well-Being: Social Support, Problem-Focused Coping, and Avoidant Coping. Journal of Counseling & Development, 89, 338-348.
This article points out that there are multiple stressors for college students which make it difficult to apply social support and coping strategies to manage stress. It is however indicated that stress management among students vary depending on the social support they receive. For instance, there are those who receive social support from parents and siblings as well as relatives and are therefore abler to manage stress. On the other hand, those who do not have the support of close family and friends end up having difficulty to deal with stress. It is noted that “Social support is positively associated with students' problem-focused coping” (Chao, 2011, 339). Another strategy talked of in this article is the use of avoidant coping technique which is applied to the extent with which it is appropriate to external and internal circumstances.
Dowdle. H. (2012). 7 ways to find calm amid chaos. Yogajournal.com, 81-84.
Dowdle (2012) points out seven ways of managing stress namely; starting a day brightly by having a moment of reflection on fancy and good things that one possesses. Secondly, cracking a smile is important even when one is not feeling happy. This is because the brain does not differentiate between the two. Thirdly, surrender the cares through a ritual practice of inhaling and exhaling. Fourthly, groove to a good and sensational music. Use of a brew such as coffee helps bring calmness to the brain hence reducing stress. Another strategy is letting in the world by listening to nature and every sound in a calm position. Lastly, carrying out a massage to kiss oneself good night signals the brain that it is time to relax and sleep hence achieving stress management.
Lai, H. & Li, Y. (2011). The Effect of Music on Biochemical Markers and Self-Perceived Stress among First-Line Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 67(11), 2414–2424.
This is a study carried out by Lai and Li aiming to establish the relationship between stress and music. It entails a randomized controlled experiment with approximately 54 subjects. The subjects are allocated a chair rest with music. They are allowed to choose their own music which they listen to for approximately 30 minutes. During their period of rest, the subjects “heart rate, mean arterial pressure, finger temperature and cortisol levels were measured” (2414-2416). This was done after a period of 15 minutes.
Lai and Li found out that music reduced the stress levels among nurses. Stress is known to increase the activity of the autonomous nervous system.
Soothing music, therefore, reduces the heart and respiratory rate. Moreover, the finger temperature is increased and serum levels in norepinephrine are reduced, thus the person is able to sleep.
Sahley, B.J. (2006). L-Theanine: The Relaxation Amino Acid. Pain & Stress Publications
According to several researches, green tea, which has Theanine reduces stress. It is said that it induces relaxation. A study was carried out by Sahley to show the effects of Theanine in reducing stress levels. This study involved trial group and a clinical study. The trail group had 20 subjects while the clinical had 50. The subjects were divided into two groups, high anxiety and low anxiety. They were then given 200 milligrams of Theanine every day. From the study it was discovered that Theanine reduced stress levels among women. Theanione reduces stress by taking part in the development of gamma amino butyric which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It also reduces blood pressure which in turn relaxes the muscles.
Solowiej, K. (2010). The Assessment and Management of Pain and Stress in Wound Care. British Journal of Community Nursing, S-23-S33
Chronic wounds are related to pain which causes distress and anxiety among the patients. Most of the studies reveal that stress reduces healing among chronic wounds patients. Solowiej carried out a study to show the relationship between pain and stress. Unlike most of the studies that relate pain to delayed healing, this study tries to show the role of pain in inducing stress. Solowiej discovered that pain increases distress among patients. This article by Solowiej is vital for the study of stress management since it gives one of the causes of stress among patients and individuals. It also provides an avenue for the study of ways to reduce stress levels among choric patients.
Brass, L. (2013). Can You Cope: How to Hang on There- No Matter What Comes Your Way. Vibrant life, Review & Herald Publishing Association
Issues of life have a way of causing distress in families and community at large. When Brass was faced with health issues and more pressure at work she underwent a series of distress. From the experience she came up with several ways to cope with stress. These keys of managing stress are exercising, sleeping, spirituality, proper diet, having good human relationships and laughing at all times. She states that laughter has a way of lowering the stress hormones in the body. Spirituality, on the hand, has a way of creating hope and knowing that God is always on our side to provide help and comfort.
Bruflat, A.K. et al. (2012). Stress Management as an Adjunct to Physical Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain. Physical Therapy, 92(10), 1348-1359
Stress is said to cause neck pain in workplace. In order to reduce instances of neck pain, stress must be managed. The aim of this study is to come up with strategies to reduce stress. The study used a lady of 44 years who had been suffering from neck pain for approximately 8 years. According to Bruflat et al., there are several strategies of stress management. Some of the strategies are EMG biofeedback training and psychotherapy.
Ridge, M. et al. (2011). Developing a Web-Based Stress Management Intervention for Occupational Support Workers. Journal of Mental Health, 20(2), 185–197
Professionals in the mental healthcare have a high chance of being stressed as a result of the environment they are working in. Ridge et al tries to provide web based strategies of reducing stress amongst them. Therefore, the talks about how to create a web based strategy management. Some of the strategies are time management and communication skills. Thus, this study is used to give some of the strategies of time management.
Vella, E. J., Milligan, B., & Bennett, J. L. (2013). Participation in Outdoor Recreation Program Predicts Improved Psychosocial Well-Being among Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study. Military medicine, 178(3), 254-260.
The main reason for carrying out this study is to evaluate the efficiency of recreational activities in reducing stress management among veterans. 74 subjects participated in the study. After collecting the data, analysis showed that stress levels reduced after recreational activities. Therefore, participating in field trips, fishing etc. helps to reduce stress levels
Chao, R. C. (2011). Managing Stress and Maintaining Well-Being: Social Support, Problem-Focused Coping, and Avoidant Coping. Journal of Counseling & Development, 89, 338-348.
Chao addresses the fact that stress has an association with wellbeing. He tries to shade light on the relationship that exists between four factors. From the research, it is evident that there is a link between “stress, social support, problem-focused coping and wellbeing” (338). The study also shows that strategies of stress management are social support and coping which are of two types. Therefore, this article is very important since it brings a new concept of coping and provides more strategies of stress management among students
References:
Brass, L. (2013). Can You Cope: How to Hang on There- No Matter What Comes Your Way. Vibrant life, Review & Herald Publishing Association
Bruflat, A.K. et al. (2012). Stress Management as an Adjunct to Physical Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain. Physical Therapy, 92(10), 1348-1359
Chao, R. C. (2011). Managing Stress and Maintaining Well-Being: Social Support, Problem-Focused Coping, and Avoidant Coping. Journal of Counseling & Development, 89, 338-348.
Chuang, L. et al. (2011). Effects of a Relaxation Training Program on Immediate and Prolonged Stress Responses in Women with Preterm Labor. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(1), 170-180.
Dabrowska, A. & Pisula, E. (2010). Parenting Stress and Coping Styles in Mothers and Fathers of Pre-School Children with Autism and Down syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 54(3), 266-280.
Dowdle. H. (2012). 7 ways to find calm amid chaos. Yogajournal.com, 81-84.
Lai, H. & Li, Y. (2011). The Effect of Music on Biochemical Markers and Self-Perceived Stress among First-Line Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 67(11), 2414–2424.
Ridge, M. et al. (2011). Developing a Web-Based Stress Management Intervention for Occupational Support Workers. Journal of Mental Health, 20(2), 185–197
Sahley, B.J. (2006). L-Theanine: The Relaxation Amino Acid. Pain & Stress Publications
Solowiej, K. (2010). The Assessment and Management of Pain and Stress In Wound Care. British Journal of Community Nursing, S-23-S33
Talley, L. (2013). Stress Management in Pregnancy. International Journal of Childbirth Education, 28(1), 43-45.
Vella, E. J., Milligan, B., & Bennett, J. L. (2013). Participation in Outdoor Recreation Program Predicts Improved Psychosocial Well-Being Among Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study. Military medicine, 178(3), 254-260.
