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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]

This study identifies the self-reported stressors and coping mechanisms of Dermatology residency applicants during the 2020–2021 application cycle, occurring during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The most common stressors reported were academic, family crisis, and coronavirus disease 2019. The type of stressor differed by race/ethnicity of the applicants and their geographic location. Objectives: Our aim was to identify self-reported stressors and coping mechanisms during the 2020–2021 application cycle by dermatology residency applicants. We hypothesized that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) would be the most reported stressor. Methods: During the 2020–2021 application season, the Mayo Clinic Florida Dermatology residency program sent a supplemental application to each applicant requesting that they describe a challenging life situation and how they handled it. Comparisons of self-reported stressors and self-expressed coping mechanisms according to sex, race, and geographic region were performed. Results: The most common stressors reported were academic (18.4%), family crisis (17.7%), and COVID-19 (10.5%). The most frequent coping mechanisms expressed were perseverance (22.3%), seeking community (13.7%), and resilience (11.5%). The coping mechanism of diligence was observed more often in females than in males (2.8% vs 0.0%, P = 0.045). First in medicine was more often observed in Black or African American students (12.5% vs 0%, P = 0.001), immigrant experience was more often observed in Black or African American and Hispanic students (16.7% and 11.8% vs 3.1%, P = 0.021), and natural disaster was reported more often in Hispanic students (26.5% vs 0.5%, P < 0.001) as compared with White applicants. By geography, applicants in the northeastern United States were more likely to report the COVID-19 pandemic as a stressor (19.5%, P = 0.049), and the natural disaster stressor was more often reported by applicants from outside the continental United States (45.5%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Stressors reported by dermatology applicants in the 2020–2021 cycle included academic, family crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The type of stressor reported varied by race/ethnicity and geographic location of the applicant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With lifestyle disruptions in almost all individuals' lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Asian incidents surged in the United States. The researchers employed a phenomenological method with semi-structured interviews to explore Southeast Asian immigrants' lived experiences from Chinese Texans' perspectives. We employed two research questions for investigation, including a) What were Southeast Asian immigrants' lived experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and b) How do Southeast Asian immigrants perceive and cope with other individuals' standpoints or perspectives toward the COVID-19 pandemic? We identified six emerging themes from participants' responses, including a) grappling with bias and avoidance, b) overwhelming endeavors, c) pandemic concerns and revocation, d) psychological impacts and somatic symptoms, e) fatigue rising over homeschooling, and f) effective coping mechanisms during the pandemic. Participants concluded that their COVID-19 experiences were more related to cultural and background differences rather than racial issues. Participants also shared their coping strategies that helped them conquer adverse impacts that they faced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Many adults in the United States struggle with mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety (DA). Understanding the perspectives of patients with DA may help oral health professionals gain greater insight into their needs and learn how to provide an improved experience for these patients. The purpose of this study was to identify patients' perspectives on factors that impact anxiety in a dental practice setting. Methods A qualitative, descriptive case study design was used to identify patients' perspectives on factors impacting anxiety in a dental practice setting. Potential participants were screened using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and needed a moderate DA score to qualify for the study. An interview guide focused on obtaining information about the etiology, contributing factors, management strategies, and participant experiences of DA was used for the semi-structured virtual interviews. Responses were coded using a qualitative research analytic platform (Dedoose; Los Angeles, CA, USA). The co-investigators systematically reviewed the codes using the classic qualitative analysis strategies and journal notes to identify themes and subthemes. Results Twenty-two individuals qualified for participation in this study. Most participants reported having DA beginning in early childhood and throughout their adult life. Seven themes, including Avoidance, Supportive Behaviors, Confidence in Provider, Diversion, Enduring, Adaptations, and Benevolence emerged. Participants reported their primary method for managing DA was to avoid attending their dental appointments. Conclusion Participants in this study expressed various coping mechanisms and management strategies to alleviate the symptoms of DA. Multiple opportunities exist for increasing patient-provider trust and patient comfort to reduce DA, and ultimately improve the oral health status of individuals with DA., (Copyright © 2024 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association.)

Objectives: To explore factors influencing work motivation negatively and the role of the fulfillment of basic psychological needs, described by the self-determination theory of motivation, as a possible coping mechanism for medical specialists. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in an academic medical center in the United States. Twelve medical specialists from different disciplines were recruited through convenience, snowball, and purposive sampling and shadowed for two days each. Semi-structured inter-views were conducted afterwards. Data were transcribed, and thematic analysis was used for coding. Themes were finalized through discussion and consensus. Results: Medical specialists experience three main themes that are identified as stressors; 1) administrative tasks, socalled "administrative jungle", 2) delays and inefficiencies, and 3) poor patient outcomes. To be able to cope with these stressors, medical specialists construct different coping narratives. Two coping narratives could be linked to autonomy: a narrative of acceptance and a narrative of rein-stating autonomy. One coping narrative could be linked to relatedness: a narrative of relationships. No coping narrative could be linked to competence. Conclusions: The results indicate that coping narratives about autonomy and relatedness are used to cope with moments of pressure, demand, or difficulty, so that patient care can continue to be the first priority. Becoming aware of these coping narratives, using them and reflecting on one's own can help medical specialists in success-fully coping with stressors in their work lives. In turn, this can improve specialists wellbeing and performance for patient care as motivation remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To explore the mechanisms U.S. radiologic science students use to cope with stress. Methods The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) was used to determine U.S. radiologic science students' cop- ing mechanisms. The authors coupled the General Health Questionnaire with the CISS to determine whether a higher propensity for emotional distress revealed differences in coping mechanisms. Along with descriptive statistics, t tests were employed to determine whether differences existed in task, emotion, and avoidance coping mechanisms between women and men and within sex groups. Results No statistically significant differences were found between the sexes for adaptive task-oriented coping and maladap- tive emotion-based coping; however, more men (82.8%) than women (71.2%) used avoidance coping. Women with higher levels of emotional distress more frequently used maladaptive emotion-based and avoidance coping mechanisms than did those with lower levels of emotional distress. Men with higher levels of emotional distress more frequently used maladaptive emotion-based coping than did those with lower levels of emotional distress. Discussion Helping students distinguish between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms might allow them to become more efficient and healthy members of their professional communities. Establishing that those who are at a high risk for emotional distress often display maladaptive coping mechanisms might provide a catalyst for intervention. Conclusion Finding and promoting resources that teach and encourage students to use task-oriented coping skills could be useful in their educational and professional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mothers have experienced a significant amount of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders in the US, which can have major implications for children's health and development; attention should be paid to developmental timing and unfolding of developmental trajectories following this pandemic. • Mothers have used a variety of strategies to cope; as more parents navigate social disruptions, they may benefit from additional resources and supports, such as innovations in childcare modalities, paid leave policies, and strengthening whole family processes using adaptive coping mechanisms. • Mothers with low income and/or children with special needs may experience more vulnerability to the sequalae of the pandemic; it is important to provide financial security, mental health, and educational and social support to relieve stress during the pandemic. This paper presents the results of a qualitative study of mothers' lived experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown in the United States. An analysis of open-ended interviews with 44 mothers who had children ages zero-to-five identified two main themes: (1) increased stress among mothers; and (2) resilience through the use of coping mechanisms. The findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to higher stress among mothers due to issues of work-family life balance, family and children's needs, decision-making about getting sick, concerns for children's development, and lack of clarity from government officials. Mothers described using a variety of problem-focused and emotion-focused methods to cope with this stress. The lived experiences of mothers during the pandemic highlights the need for innovations in childcare modalities, paid leave policies to relieve stress, and strengthening whole family processes and resilience through the use of coping mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New "hero" status of essential service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. using occupational stigma theory. • Adaption of In-Group coping mechanisms for explication of the Out-Group's (i.e. society's) preferred coping mechanisms. • Critical Discourse Analysis of 46 news articles in the U.S. public discourse from March 30, 2020 to May 31, 2020. • Contribution to occupational stigma theory included the use of the constructs for Out-Group coping mechanisms, and a new coping mechanism. • Recommend the continuance of In-Group and Out-Group "hero" messaging for advocacy and public policy. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential service workers has given rise to their newfound "hero" status, resulting in a dramatic shift of their occupational value. Service work has been long envisioned as "dirty work", and further, stigmatized by members of society (the Out-Group), until recently. This study utilized occupational stigma theory to identify the mechanisms under which both essential service workers and society at large came to unify around the importance of perceived dirty work in the United States. Critical discourse analysis was employed as a qualitative methodology, particularly examining the In- and Out-Group's coping mechanisms for coming to terms with the value of "dirty" service work heroes. Theoretical implications include the utilization of stigma theory for Out-Groups, and revealed a previously undetected Out-Group coping tactic. Practical implications include the urgency for keeping the "hero" story alive so that all service workers benefit from the movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how one of the most typically hyper-masculine cultural arenas in Britain and America has evolved over the past 30 years, as rap artists decide to reject the stoicism of toxic masculinity in favour of promoting healthier conversations surrounding men's mental health and associated coping mechanisms. Though rap has always been vocal about mental distress, its dominant narratives have evolved over the past 30 years to talk more specifically and positively about mental health issues. Over time rap has begun promoting therapy, medication, self-care and treatment, rather than self-medication via drugs and alcohol, or violence against the self or others. This is symbiotically informing and being informed by society's changing ideas about masculinity and the construct of gender. In order to explore the evolution in discussions around men's mental health from the 1990s to the present day, this article is split into three sections, each focusing on a different decade. I closely analyse the lyrics of one rap song in each chapter, which has been selected to represent rap's general trends regarding discussions of mental health from that decade. I also briefly explore other songs that prove the decade's trends. This article draws upon academic research as well as personal interviews undertaken with Solomon OB (2016's National Poetry Slam champion), and Elias Williams, founder of MANDEM.com (an online media platform engaging with social issues and shining a light on young men of colour). I posit that rap culture is often wrongly overlooked as a forum for progressive social change, explaining why it is crucial that academia further appreciates and examines rap's potential for changing cultural perceptions of masculinity and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate perceived stress among postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residents and to examine relationships between perceived stress and certain demographic variables. Main stressors during residency training and coping mechanisms used were also determined. Methods. A link to a web-based survey was sent to 1128 pharmacy residency program directors who were asked to forward it to current PGY1 residents in their programs. The 22-item questionnaire included the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), demographic information, number of working/sleeping hours, and major stressors and coping mechanisms. Results. There were 505 responses collected from PGY1 residents of community pharmacy, managed care, and pharmacy practice residency programs across the US. Females reported higher PSS-10 scores than males. Perceived stress scores were similar across age groups. Single residents and married residents exhibited similar PSS-10 scores. Residents with children had higher stress score compared to residents without children. Perceived stress scores were similar across types of PGY1 residency programs. A higher number of working hours was associated with a higher PSS-10 score. Time pressures, work overload, and fear of error were the top stressors reported. Spending time with family and friends, staying optimistic, and engaging in enjoyable activities were the top coping strategies employed by participants. Conclusion. Female gender, having children, working longer working hours, and desire to change residency program were associated with higher PSS-10 scores. Approximately a third of the participants associated perceived stress with activities related to residency training (time pressures, workload, fear of errors) and report the use of positive coping strategies to deal with stress.

Introduction: International graduate students often experience additional levels of stress due to acculturation. Given the impact of stress on health outcomes (both physical and mental), this study examined the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in international graduate students to determine its association with acculturative stress, perceived stress, and use of coping mechanisms., Methods: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was designed and sent to 38 student chapters within the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) student network. HRQoL [physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS)] was measured using the 12-item Short Form (SF-12) while coping mechanisms were assessed using the Brief COPE Scale. Acculturative and perceived stress were assessed using the Acculturative Stress Scale for International students [ASSIS] and Graduate Stress Inventory-Revised (GSI-R), respectively. Demographic and personal information (e.g. age, religion) were also collected. Descriptive statistics (mean ± SD and frequency) and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were conducted., Results: The average PCS and MCS were 60 ± 9 and 44 ± 13, respectively, indicating that while the physical health was above the United States (US) general population norm (50), mental health scores were lower. Findings from the hierarchical multiple regression showed that perceived and acculturative stress significantly predicted mental health. Acculturative stress was also a significant predictor of physical health., Conclusion: The results from this study support the hypothesis that international students in the US experience both perceived and acculturative stress that significantly impacts their HRQoL. Universities should consider providing education on stress reduction techniques to improve the health of international graduate students., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The teaching of gross anatomy has, for centuries, relied on the dissection of human cadavers, and this formative experience is known to evoke strong emotional responses. The authors hypothesized that the phenomenon of cadaver naming is a coping mechanism used by medical students and that it correlates with other attitudes about dissection and body donation. The authors developed a 33-question electronic survey to which 1,156 medical students at 12 medical schools in the United States voluntarily responded (November 2011-March 2012). They also surveyed course directors from each institution regarding their curricula and their observations of students' coping mechanisms. The majority of students (574, 67.8%) named their cadaver. Students most commonly cited the cadaver's age as the reason they chose a particular name for the cadaver. A minority of the students who did not name the cadaver reported finding the practice of naming disrespectful. Almost all students indicated that they would have liked to know more about their donor, particularly his or her medical history. Finally, students who knew the birth name of the donor used it less frequently than predicted. The authors found that the practice of naming cadavers is extremely prevalent among medical students and that inventive naming serves as a beneficial coping mechanism. The authors suggest that developing a method of providing students with more information about their cadaver while protecting the anonymity of the donor and family would be useful., (© 2012 American Association of Anatomists.)