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Work stress is a double-edged sword to creativity. Some analysts call stress a creativity killer while others describe it as a creativity driver. Journalists face a myriad of daily work stresses that forces them to establish a coping mechanism that could evolve over time. The Covid-19 pandemic is a new problem in itself and has also brought new challenges to the daily work stresses of journalists. This phenomenological study, anchored on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, had explored the changes in 13 Filipino journalists' work stresses and coping mechanisms and how these developments affected their creative processes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study yielded six themes that described the changes in journalists' work stressors and their coping mechanisms, as well as the reasons behind their attempt to remain creative despite the stressful nature of the profession. The study also puts forward a definition of daily work stress in journalism and establishes an inventory of identified work stresses under the "new normal." Study findings will help newsrooms adopt and implement necessary measures that would ease their employees' negative stressors, while improving the work environment to induce creativity through positive stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on the work-related stress among National Irrigation Administration (NIA) employees. The study determined the work-related stress experienced by the employees and the coping strategies of the employees to reduce or avoid stress in the workplace. The qualitative method of research was used in this study. Findings showed that work-related stress is a common experience among employees at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). The most common stressors include pressure in meeting deadlines, co-worker-related stress, document preparation, and excessive workload. Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) employees implemented coping strategies to reduce work-related stress, such as having personal time, having time with colleagues/family/friends, focusing on work, and being calm and optimistic. Moreover, the study recommended that the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) administrators adopt the proposed program of activities crafted by the researcher to reduce work-related stress by the employees and collaboratively work with the employees in crafting programs/activities that will continuously reduce stress in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic and the sociopolitical climate in the United States have imposed additional stress and anxiety for graduate students. We explored the stress level in graduate occupational therapy students, the role of exercise in reducing stress, and common coping mechanisms applied to manage academic and sociopolitical stress. Methods: A survey was created and distributed to graduate occupational therapy students in the U.S. Results: Most participants reported moderate to high levels of academic-related stress (n = 73, 97.33%), and more than half reported moderate levels of anger and frustration because of academic-related stress (n = 43, 57.33%). Half of the participants reported that they engage in physical exercise as a coping mechanism for academic stress (n = 38, 50.67%), and most participants thought that kickboxing would help reduce stress (n = 48, 64.00%) and reduce anger and frustration (n = 56, 74.67%). Conclusion: the well-being of graduate students over the past two years has increased after the COVID-19 pandemic and the sociopolitical tension in the U.S. Future research is needed to determine how this stress may affect graduation and employment outcomes and recommendations for burnout and suicide prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of teacher stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) has been confirmed and investigated in various contexts. This research aimed to study the (dys)functional coping strategies (CSs) of teachers and their experienced SAD levels. Of the 549 invited language teachers, 398 (75%) teachers with various occupational attributes participated in this study by completing the (Dys)functional Coping Strategies Scales (DCSS) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS). The results indicated high teacher SAD rates (M = 31%). Regarding teacher professional characteristics, preservice teachers were more susceptible to suffer from stress, while expert teachers were at risk of experiencing anxiety and depression. Among the recognized functional CSs, talking with friends, parents, etc. and self-monitoring to control feelings appear to be the two important protective cognitive-behavioral (C-B) mechanisms to deal with teacher SAD. Using negative self-talk and self-blame and smoking cigarettes (excessively) were the concerning coping mechanisms of teachers with SAD. It is suggested that effective and continuous interventions should be developed and incorporated into teacher education programs to equip teachers with required CSs and to promote functional C-B conducts and strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, using a case-study approach, we focus on the assassination of Ján Kuciak and his fiancée and explore the impact and consequences that it had on the community of investigative journalists in Slovakia. By conducting a series of semi-structured interviews with top investigative journalists (N = 12), we seek to answer two questions: How have they coped with the murder of their colleague? And, how has this incident changed their everyday journalistic practices and routines when it comes to achieving and maintaining safety? We identified 12 coping actions which, based on their function, were organised into five higher order families of coping: emotional purging; sharing and support seeking; avoidance and displacement; defiance and defence; and spreading the legacy and giving meaning to the tragedy. Regarding safety and security practices, the journalists claim that their approach has fundamentally changed. A variety of measures to stay safe, both online and offline, were adopted both on the organisational and on the individual level. However, many of these measures are not used consistently, mostly because they are not deemed necessary when covering non-sensitive topics, but also because of their impracticality in everyday journalistic work, and sceptical and fatalistic approach of the journalists to safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The influence of the COVID‐19 vaccine and the evolution of the pandemic over time on nurses' mental health have not been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to explore the changes in nurses' mental health from the early pandemic to the early vaccination period over a 1‐year time span and examine vaccination and coping mechanisms as predictors of nurses' poor mental health and burnout. Methods: Three cross‐sectional surveys were conducted: Early‐pandemic (n = 320), pre‐vaccination (n = 228), and early‐vaccination cohorts (n = 292). Findings: About 72% of nurses in the early‐vaccination cohort were fully vaccinated with two doses of mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines. There were significant decreases in moderate/severe anxiety and moderate/severe depression for the early‐vaccination cohort compared to the other cohorts. In multivariate analyses, vaccination had almost three‐fold higher odds of moderate/severe anxiety (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.87; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.28–6.44). High resilience, family functioning, and spirituality were associated with two‐ to five‐fold lower odds of poor mental health and burnout. Conclusions: Although nurses in the early‐vaccination cohort had lower anxiety and depression than earlier cohorts, COVID‐19 vaccination had minimal associations with nurses' mental health. Coping mechanisms and organizational support appear to be important predictors of nurses' poor mental health and burnout. Clinical relevance: The evidence gathered over 1 year of the pandemic may be helpful for a better understanding of the challenges facing frontline nurses and preparing for future healthcare crises. As a part of the preparedness plan for the future, evidence‐based interventions that raise frontline nurses' resilience, as well as family and spiritual support, should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the global changes during the pandemic period, employers and employees had to comply with the requirements and rules imposed, and those who did not adapt were eliminated or suffered numerous damages. The study highlights the importance of psychological constructs involved in the industry, such as stress, burnout, adaptability and professional coping mechanisms. The article includes objectives, purpose, hypotheses, conceptual bases, methodology, tools for measuring them and addresses part of the specialized literature about the concepts mentioned at the workplace and their measurement. The aim being to highlight the relationships between stress - adaptability and professional burnout, stress - low performance at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study aims to provide an initial depiction of youth aging out of institutional care in China. Services for children cared in state child welfare institutes have been improving in the past decades in China. Lately, there is increasing consensus about the need for further understanding and alleviating challenges faced by youth who are aging out of the institutional care and transitioning to adulthood. Programs aimed at providing transitional services and support for these youth have emerged. However, research on the wellbeing of youth aging out of institutional care in China has been virtually non-existent. The study used survey data from 65 youth in one state child welfare institute to examine the characteristics and wellbeing of aging out foster youth, including their socio-demographic characteristics, independent living skills, sources of stress, coping mechanisms, behavioral problems, and social support. The youth faced financial difficulties and challenges in career planning and employment activities. They reported future self-expectations and economic hardships as major stress sources, and often referred to withdrawal as an anti-stress coping strategy. They were also identified with prevalent problematic behaviors and viewed social welfare agencies and friends as major sources of social support. This study shed light on the profile of youth aging out of institutional care in China. The results indicated that the youth reported unmet needs that require policy and practice attention. The findings are useful in informing social policies and interventions on developing support services for the youth transition to adulthood and independent living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article illustrates the stress that veterinarians face in their profession and advances a few possibilities for stress management. Some representative studies on stress and veterinarians are described in the first part of the paper, which is followed by a discussion of semi-structured interviews conducted with veterinarians in Bucharest. The main objective of the research was to understand and analyze the social world of veterinarians by illustrating the main problems faced by members of this occupational category. Lack of a support network, intricate communication with pet’s owners, limited access to the possibility of a specialization and emotional challenges associated to euthanasia are the main themes that emerged from the interviews. The conclusions show that veterinarians would benefit from trainings in order to address these specific issues, including those related to communication with pet’s owners and the development of efficient coping mechanisms.

Stress has been identified as the antecedent for undesirable outcomes, such as depression and self-harm but there still lack of awareness on extent of its impact on academics most notably in a developing country like the Philippines. Thus, a multicenter and interdisciplinary study was employed on 501 students from six state universities in the Philippines. A questionnaire structured to assess the perception of the students as to the severity of identified stressors) as well as the prevalence of the coping mechanisms they adopt to overcome stress was used. The results indicated that academic stressors proved to be the main contributory factor to levels of distress among undergraduates. Educators and decision-makers should tailor regular student evaluations and programs that ensure the impediment of the sources of stress and other measures for further prevention.

Introduction The Covid-19 pandemic has a profound impact on all domains of day to day life, forcing individuals to make substancial change in the way of living. Such change is known to cause an important psychological distress, and in some persons evidencing silent disorders among apparently functional individuals. Good coping mechanisms and resilience can be the key to overpass this difficult period. Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the coping mechanisms and resilience that Romanian psychiatric trainees used during Covid19 pandemic. Methods We developed an online questionnaire. We included questions about different socio-demographical variables and about coping mechanisms (using COPE scale), resilience (using Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) and quality of life (using QoL Scale). Results The preliminary data show that staying busy, seeking social support and having a positive minset are emotion-focused coping strategies present in individuals who overpass easier this period. Conclusions The Covid-19 pandemic is creating significant distress and impairment in functioning, but individuals who have good psychological mechanisms and who are more adaptable are less vulnerable during Covid-19 pandemic. Future research should build upon these findings to better understand coping mechanisms during crises and also social policies should be developed to acknowledge the variable needs in adults.

Introduction: Stress is currently ubiquitous in the modern world and dentists are very susceptible to stress. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate subjective perception of stress in dentists, confirm known correlations between stress and various factors, such as gender, age, socioeconomic level, work seniority, and specialization. Material and methods: The research was conducted through an electronic survey, which was sent via email to 800 addresses of actively working dentists in the Republic of Croatia. The survey was completed by 432 respondents. Results: 91.9% of participants considered dentistry a stressful occupation, 46.1% of respondents believed that practicing dentistry may cause problems in mental health, 93% of participants thought that practicing dentistry can endanger their general health. Regarding working experience, the participants' group with less than 10 years of experience identified fear of unsuccessful outcomes more frequently compared to their colleagues with more experience. Specialists perceived their health risks as lesser than expected. We found that 77.1% of participants were smokers. Conclusions: Chronic stress remains one of the principal factors contributing to the decline in overall health and mental health among dental professionals. No association was found between gender and stress, or stressor perceptions. In regard to working experience, we found that younger dentists with up to 10 years of experience presented with more fear from unsuccessful outcomes. It was also found that general dentists perceived health risks as greater in contrast to specialists. Male participants reported a much greater frequency of consumption of alcoholic beverages than female counterparts. Also, specialists reported consuming strong alcoholic beverages more than expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article illustrates the stress that veterinarians face in their profession and advances a few possibilities for stress management. Some representative studies on stress and veterinarians are described in the first part of the paper, which is followed by a discussion of semi-structured interviews conducted with veterinarians in Bucharest. The main objective of the research was to understand and analyze the social world of veterinarians by illustrating the main problems faced by members of this occupational category. Lack of a support network, intricate communication with pet's owners, limited access to the possibility of a specialization and emotional challenges associated to euthanasia are the main themes that emerged from the interviews. The conclusions show that veterinarians would benefit from trainings in order to address these specific issues, including those related to communication with pet's owners and the development of efficient coping mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacy students share a prevailing sense of stress. Many methods to increase student wellness are pharmacy program specific and faculty driven. This commentary is a call to action for student pharmacists to take shared ownership over improving the current crisis of student well-being. Schools of pharmacy should empower their students to guide the improvement of student wellness. Student-led wellness initiatives can take many forms; this commentary will focus on a student-led walking group as means to bolster wellness within a school of pharmacy. Exercise activities promote school-life balance, and when initiated by peers, will naturally conform to their schedule and develop collegial support through socialization. Student pharmacists should begin with encouraging peers to engage in exercise as a positive coping mechanism. Students should lead their peers in developing activities and electronic device sharing to encourage socialization and positive coping mechanisms. While many efforts are in place for faculty and schools of pharmacy to improve student well-being, little has been studied on the impact of student-led wellness programs. This article calls student pharmacists to take shared ownership over the student wellness crisis and find ways to intervene. Schools of pharmacy should empower students by providing supportive structures while allowing students to problem-solve and practice wellness themselves. • Many methods to increase pharmacy student wellness are pharmacy program specific and faculty driven. • This is a call to action for pharmacy students to take shared ownership in improving the current student well-being crisis. • Schools of pharmacy should empower their students to guide the improvement of student wellness. • Student-led wellness initiatives can take many forms; this commentary will focus on a student-led walking group as one method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a classroom activity involving music on anxiety associated with preparing for and taking an assessment. Methods: Two hundred and two (202) pharmacy students were randomly assigned to one of two conditions of the experimental study: active music playing (n = 103) versus passive music listening (n = 99). All students completed a pre-test, a mid-test, and a post-test including: an “Attitudes and Perceptions” survey, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults (STAI Survey), and a knowledge assessment. Data were analyzed to determine the impact each of the music interventions had on students’ test anxiety. Results: Both types of musical interventions produced similar results in terms of anxiety reduction. Faced with an upcoming test prior to the musical intervention, average state-trait anxiety scores increased; after the musical intervention, state-trait anxiety scores decreased. Conclusions: The use of music helped to reduce test anxiety, even after one brief musical intervention, regardless of whether students passively listened to music or actively played music.

OBJECTIVE To determine the most prevalent types of stress among college students in Pakistan as well as to identify the coping strategies to deal with the stress. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY The study was conducted in different educational institutions of Islamabad and duration of study was 6 months from July 2015 to December2015. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The sample consisted of 120 college students selected through purposive convenient sampling technique. There were 76 males and 46 females in the participants. The Student Life Stress Inventory (SLSI), a self-reported measure was used to assess types and sources of stress and Brief COPE was used to assess coping strategies of students. The information regarding socio-demographic variables was obtained on a separate sheet. The data was analyzed through SPSS 21. RESULTS The scores of 98% of the study participants fell between 25% and 75%. The top five stressors in the respondents were: Selfimposed stresses, Emotional stresses, Cognitive Appraisal, Pressures and Changes. The least common stressor reported by respondents was behavioral reactions to stressors. The top five coping mechanisms of our participants were: Religion (6.32+1.68), Active Coping (6.19+1.55), Acceptance (5.92+1.83), Planning (5.80+1.61) and Positive reframing (5.66+1.68). CONCLUSION Self-imposed, emotional, cognitive appraisal, pressures and changes were dominant stressors. The most common coping behaviors present were using religion, active coping, acceptance of their stresses, planning and positive reframing. Female students were found to react emotionally more than malestudents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study was to determine if a life skills-based intervention programme could improve the emotional health, self-esteem and coping skills of Malaysian institutionalised adolescents. This study was a randomized controlled trial with pre-, post- and four-month follow-up tests comprising intervention and control groups which were randomly selected to receive the intervention programme (life skills education) or the placebo education programme (COMBI programme). Overall, 271 adolescents, who experienced a mild to extra severe score in one of the objectives of the DASS21 questionnaire were selected to participate in the study. The findings of this study can be the starting point of continuous, systematic life skills education for Malaysian children and adolescents, and can be used by researchers and educational planners across the country. Trial registration: TCTR20161010003. Registered on: 6-October- 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The dental profession is the most stressful of all the health professions, and this is true for all stages of the dental career, i.e., for established dentists, young dentists and dental students. Aim: To identify the various sources and coping mechanisms of stress as perceived by Indian undergraduate dental students. Settings and Design: Descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire study. Materials and Methods: A modified version of the self-administered dental environment stress (DES) questionnaire was used. The responses were based on a four-point Likert scale (1 = little, 2 = moderate, 3 = considerable and 4 = great). Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive analysis was carried out for the study variables. Results: Examinations, short lunch breaks, relationships, not knowing the local language, competition for sports and cultural activities, counseling rounds, difficulty of getting patients, portion and quota completion were the highest stressors. Having friends, planning and problem solving were the methods adopted by most of the students to cope with stress. Conclusions: The undergraduate dental students in India had high levels of perceived stress. Academic and nonacademic perceived sources of stress should be considered in curriculum planning and in the working environment for dental education.

The aim of this paper was to discusse patient support in celiac disease, with a more attention to children. We point the physical and psychological problems related to this chronic disease and the fact that a proper medical surveillance of the patient should be doubled by strong psychological and educational guidance. Family support increases the adherence to gluten-free-diet and also assures a better quality of life. Some data also indicate that psychological stress may be involved in the development of celiac disease and primary stress and secondary stress should be taken into account regarding the therapy for this disease. Successful management of celiac disease both from the medical and the psychological aspects requires proper education of patients and their families and use the most efficient coping mechanism. Even if quality of life of these patients is relatively positive comparing to other chronic disease, patients should be empowered regarding the fact that not all symptoms will vanish after diagnosis and glutenfree-diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the efficiency of the mechanisms utilized by police officers to cope with police and exam stress, with anxiety and stress levels as efficiency criteria. Planful problem solving, distancing, self-controlling and confrontive coping proved to be the common adaptive strategies in coping with police stress, while seeking social support, escape-avoidance, positive reappraisal and accepting responsibility proved to be maladaptive. As a consequence, anxiety and stress levels were found to be significantly higher among participants who used maladaptive mechanisms. With regard to exam stress, adaptive mechanisms were: planful problem solving, confrontive coping, positive reappraisal and accepting responsibility, while maladaptive mechanisms included: distancing, seeking social support, escape-avoidance coping and self-controlling. As with police stress, anxiety level was significantly higher among participants who used maladaptive mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational stress is an ever increasing public health hazard and an occupational risk factor. There is a growing concern around the world that, people work harder and longer while injury and illness rates associated with occupational stress continue to grow. The study examined levels of stress and coping mechanisms adopted by workers of the Public Records and Archives Administration Department (PRAAD) at the headquarters in Accra. A sample of 56 out of 59 staff at the PRAAD headquarters in Accra was considered for the study. The standard questionnaire used, was adapted from the works of Barone, Caddy, Katell, Roselione and Hamilton (1988) on stress inventory as well as coping inventory from Folkman and Lazarus (1980). From the study, the older and the young, the married and unmarried and both male and female staff of PRAAD were found to experience almost the same level of stress, but females were better copers of stress than their male counterparts. The study also revealed that the highly educated records staff of PRAAD experienced lower stress levels compared to their counterparts who were not highly educated. Generally, all workers of PRAAD faced some level stress. The study recommended that institutions like PRAAD should endeavour to provide and pursue policies and programmes that eliminate work-induced stress and create conducive environment for employees whilst employees also compliments these by making effort to reduce personal stressors by adopting scientific coping strategies in order to enhance their wellbeing and productivity in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The first stage of this nationwide study and analysis of the occupational burnout and psychological risk parameters showed a high consistency of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and low personal accomplishment for doctors working in Emergency Departments and Emergency and Resuscitation Services. These workers were then set in the highest risk group for burnout syndrome and depression. This stage II of our research will focus on those two groups analyzing causal factors, coping mechanisms and possible repercussions of these findings. Material and methods: Demographics: We have issued a total of 272 surveys from which we have received a total of 263 complete and valid ones (n=263, response rate=96, 69%). Instruments: The Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey MBI-HSS is an instrument designed to assess the three components of the burnout syndrome: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). The COPE questionnaire is a 52 item addressing different ways of coping with stress. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) has been shown to be a reliable measure in assessing the number, types, and duration of depressive symptoms across racial, gender, and age categories. Results and discussion: Results were not correlated with gender, age or marital status, but an important correlation was found with professional experience in the Emergency Departments. We have shown that during the first 4 years of experience, the EE factor has been at a satisfying average of 2.4, this variable rising to an average of 2.85 after another 3 years of work. The same type of correlation was found with the CES-D results. Conclusions: Of the two surveyed groups, the EMD group showed higher values for all risk parameters and low personal accomplishment on the MBI-HSS survey. Also, emotional exhaustion and depression were found to have a powerful correlation with work experience. Coping mechanisms were found to be invariable to the general population, with a slight incline towards active coping and behavioral disengagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operational policing is demanding and threatening. Repeatedly dealing with death, serious injury, horrific crime scenes, the need to be constantly alert whether on or off duty, and being ostracised by communities, friends and family, are only some examples of what officers encounter. All take their toll on police officers: on their health, fitness and well-being, and on their view of people and the world. The toll also extends to those who are served by these officers. While this toll is recognised, there are still high levels of sickness absence, ill health, alcohol/drug-related problems as well as suicides. These are clear illustrations of the challenging nature of policing. If we look at the deeper issues of these challenges—nature of policing and its struggle for good; not being recognised as whole people; not being treated as valuable parts of a community; the reality of facing death and destructiveness on a daily basis—we see that, at a fundamental level, these have a spiritual component to them. This is an important but often unrecognised aspect of policing. Forces emphasise the physical and mental well-being of officers but neglect their spiritual well-being. There are sound reasons for a greater focus on this area. It is morally appropriate to address this area. This paper draws from two PhDs. It identifies the issues related to coping strategies and officer fitness, highlights how the spiritual dimension may assist in the development of coping strategies, and identifies how these issues might be taken forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses sources of stress among humanitarian aid workers, based on a 2009 workplace stress survey. According to the survey, the most common sources of job stress among international aid workers are working hours, workload, relationship with supervisors and colleagues, private circumstances, and the political, economic and social situation in the country where they are working. Several measures are recommended to reduce work stress including organizational staff counseling, peer helper programs and organization-focused staff care.

This study utilized the Delphi methodology to collect the opinion of experts in the clinical treatment and study of physically traumatized children and their families on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Nurses, social workers, psychologists, a physician, and a family therapist were asked to identify sources of stress, response patterns, and coping mechanisms exhibited by family members following a physically traumatizing event and during the child's subsequent treatment on a PICU. Conclusions indicate that a secondary traumatic stress response may be experienced by these individuals, as well as a systemic traumatic stress reaction experienced within the family system. Recommendations for future research and clinical implications of the research findings are also discussed. This study was one of the first to utilize the Internet as it's primary means of expert recruitment and data collection. A full description of the methodology is included. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article examines the experience of stress, stressors and coping strategies among middle school adolescents. The authors remark that numerous studies have found significant relationships between the incidence and extent of stressful life events in adolescents' lives and health, mental health, and adjustment problems. Strong relationships have been found between stressful life events and the incidence of psychological disturbance and emotional maladjustment among adolescents, particularly with regard to depression. Studies have also discovered a relationship between recurrent pain and the extent of stressful life events experienced by adolescents. Social scientists and educators have repeatedly noted the connection between an adolescent's stressful environment, particularly recurrent daily stressors and resultant behavioral adjustment and academic performance problems. Over the past decade, the stressors and psychosocial problems discussed appear to have affected younger and younger adolescents. This younger population is particularly at risk given the limits of their levels of psychosocial and cognitive development and their life experiences.

Background: The main objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a classroom activity involving music on anxiety associated with preparing for and taking an assessment. Methods: Two hundred and two (202) pharmacy students were randomly assigned to one of two conditions of the experimental study: active music playing (n = 103) versus passive music listening (n = 99). All students completed a pre-test, a mid-test, and a post-test including: an "Attitudes and Perceptions" survey, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults (STAI Survey), and a knowledge assessment. Data were analyzed to determine the impact each of the music interventions had on students' test anxiety. Results: Both types of musical interventions produced similar results in terms of anxiety reduction. Faced with an upcoming test prior to the musical intervention, average state-trait anxiety scores increased; after the musical intervention, state-trait anxiety scores decreased. Conclusions: The use of music helped to reduce test anxiety, even after one brief musical intervention, regardless of whether students passively listened to music or actively played music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic has a profound impact on all domains of day to day life, forcing individuals to make substancial change in theway of living. Such change is known to cause an important psychological distress, and in some persons evidencing silent disorders among apparently functional individuals. Good coping mechanisms and resilience can be the key to overpass this difficult period. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the coping mechanisms and resilience that Romanian psychiatric trainees used during Covid19 pandemic. Methods: We developed an online questionnaire. We included questions about different socio-demographical variables and about coping mechanisms (using COPE scale), resilience (using Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) and quality of life (using QoL Scale). Results: The preliminary data show that staying busy, seeking social support and having a positive minset are emotion-focused coping strategies present in individuals who overpass easier this period. Conclusions: The Covid-19 pandemic is creating significant distress and impairment in functioning, but individuals who have good psychological mechanisms and who are more adaptable are less vulnerable during Covid-19 pandemic. Future research should build upon these findings to better understand coping mechanisms during crises and also social policies should be developed to acknowledge the variable needs in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]