Abstract: Hemodialysis is the commonest treatment for end-stage renal disease. We evaluated the factors associated with the stressors and coping methods for end-stage renal disease and hemodialysis by questionnaires. Two thousand, seven hundred and seventy-two patients with long-term hemodialysis from 13 cities in Taiwan were enrolled. The average stress score was 0.9 (ranged from 0-3 score on questionnaires). The most important stressors included fluid restriction, sleep disorder, operation for arteriovenous shunt, fatigue and fluid restriction, while the least important factors were sexual dysfunction and role conflict. Fatalism was the most popular copying method that these patients used. Others were as follows from the most common coping strategies: fatalism, wishful thinking, seeking support, problem solution, and positive reappraisal. Besides, age, dialysis duration, education, marital status, occupation, religion, transportation service and comorbidities were correlated significantly with stressors and coping methods. The patient characteristics were good predictors for stressors and coping methods. The results would be useful for dialysis staff to manage patients¡¦ stressors as well as to improve the staff-patient relationship.

Zugl: Mainz, Univ., Diplomarbeit, 2007 / Hergestellt on demand

We develop statistical methods for evaluation of regional variation of ecological stressor-response relationships, and regional variation in temporal profiles of water quality, for application to data from monitoring stations on bodies of water. To evaluate regional variation in regression relationships, we use model-based clustering procedures with class-specific regression models. Units for clustering are taken to be basins, or combinations of basins and ecoregions. We rely on a Bayesian formulation and sample the posterior distribution using a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. Two general approaches to the label-switching problem are considered, each leading to procedures that we apply in data analyses. Two applications are presented. We explore some relationships among priors with a Dirichlet distribution for class probabilities. We compare two rank-based criteria for grouping stations according to similarities in temporal profiles. The two criteria are illustrated in a hierarchical cluster analysis based on measurements of a water quality variable. / Ph. D.

Since the fall of man, God in His grace has called specific persons and set them apart for a specific purpose. This calling can only be realised through the powerful working of the Spirit of God. However, this calling does not indemnify the called person against the stressful dispensation, where Satan still has influence and where people are still in a struggle with their own sin as well as the sin of others. The high stress levels which some ministers experience because of their calling can result in chronic stress, depression, bum-out and even early death. Research in this study made it clear that most ministers of the GKSA probably experience high levels of negative stress and show signs of burnout and depression. Ministers of the GKSA find themselves in a world where secularism reigns, among others because humanism, rationalism, individualism, pluralism and even relativism are emphasised and are gaining ground, as a result of the current popularity of the postmodem spiritual trend. The result is that people are inclined to elevate themselves and to question absolute spiritual truths, at the expense of the honest teachings of the gospels. An empirical study was conducted involving nine ministers of the GKSA in an in-depth study of stress by means of a qualitative research topic. A grounded phenomenological qualitative study method was chosen, since the study concerned people who were not a homogenous group and who could not be quantified. It is their perceptions of the world they are living in which are important here and which can give rise to high stress levels. The results indicate that ministers experience tremendous inner conflict to maintain a focus on God only in their ministry and not to succumb to the temptations and pressure of present-day worldly standards. In addition, they are in a constant conflict with secularism in their congregations, especially with regard to the tendency to compare, measure and manipulate the minister and his congregation according to worldly standards. Based upon the basis theory and the meta-theory, a practice theory was developed by outlining the contours of a model for pastoral guidance for ministers with high stress levels. On the one hand, factors giving rise to high stress levels among the ministers of the GKSA may be addressed by introspection regarding their relationship with their Creator, their own spiritual growth and the example they set for their congregations. On the other hand, they are also tasked with guiding the congregation in which God placed them to break away from their own sinful worldly nature and to direct them towards God and His promises. The ministers are important instruments in God's divine plan in which all of the chosen will be allowed to share in His salvation, when Christ will return and glorify God. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Researchers claim that stress has become a word of fashion and is now frequently used. They also state that there is no accepted definition that can easily describe the concept. In this essay, I have examined children and stress. The aim of the diploma work is to illustrate stress more closely the stress concept, the underlying reasons that can influence children and how teachers and school staff support children in their stress handling. My three issues are: What is stress? What stressors put children, at home and at school, in a stress situation? How can teachers help children to manage their stress? The diploma work is based on a literature study in order to find out what has been written on the subject in earlier research. Moreover, the work is based on four interviews with three class teachers and a school nurse in order to illustrate their experiences of what stresses children at school. In order to get a good base for the work the children's participation was of utmost importance to get a good base for the work, therefore questionnaires were given to 89 children in class 4 and 5. The results of the questionnaires showed that children had little or no knowledge of the stress concept. They associate it most often with lack of time and having to hurry. Children can be stressed just like adults. In addition, stress levels differ greatly between them, which means that some children feel more stress-tolerant than others. The conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that the child's environment affects the child, school and home being the greatest stress factors.                                                                                           Keywords: Children under stress, stress, stressor, stress handling.

Since the fall of man, God in His grace has called specific persons and set them apart for a specific purpose. This calling can only be realised through the powerful working of the Spirit of God. However, this calling does not indemnify the called person against the stressful dispensation, where Satan still has influence and where people are still in a struggle with their own sin as well as the sin of others. The high stress levels which some ministers experience because of their calling can result in chronic stress, depression, bum-out and even early death. Research in this study made it clear that most ministers of the GKSA probably experience high levels of negative stress and show signs of burnout and depression. Ministers of the GKSA find themselves in a world where secularism reigns, among others because humanism, rationalism, individualism, pluralism and even relativism are emphasised and are gaining ground, as a result of the current popularity of the postmodem spiritual trend. The result is that people are inclined to elevate themselves and to question absolute spiritual truths, at the expense of the honest teachings of the gospels. An empirical study was conducted involving nine ministers of the GKSA in an in-depth study of stress by means of a qualitative research topic. A grounded phenomenological qualitative study method was chosen, since the study concerned people who were not a homogenous group and who could not be quantified. It is their perceptions of the world they are living in which are important here and which can give rise to high stress levels. The results indicate that ministers experience tremendous inner conflict to maintain a focus on God only in their ministry and not to succumb to the temptations and pressure of present-day worldly standards. In addition, they are in a constant conflict with secularism in their congregations, especially with regard to the tendency to compare, measure and manipulate the minister and his congregation according to worldly standards. Based upon the basis theory and the meta-theory, a practice theory was developed by outlining the contours of a model for pastoral guidance for ministers with high stress levels. On the one hand, factors giving rise to high stress levels among the ministers of the GKSA may be addressed by introspection regarding their relationship with their Creator, their own spiritual growth and the example they set for their congregations. On the other hand, they are also tasked with guiding the congregation in which God placed them to break away from their own sinful worldly nature and to direct them towards God and His promises. The ministers are important instruments in God's divine plan in which all of the chosen will be allowed to share in His salvation, when Christ will return and glorify God. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Zugl.: München, Univ., Diss., 2005

MEd (Teacher Education) / Department of Professional Education / See the attached abstract below

Death caused by opioid abuse has increased in recent years, and women in the state of Alaska have been significantly impacted by this opioid crisis. Previous researchers have indicated a possible connection between opioid use and sub-clinical PTSD criteria. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop a theory regarding the presence of PTSD diagnostic criteria in this population, to identify patterns in past traumas and other life stressors, and to investigate coping strategies in 43 Alaskan women who sought treatment for opioid use. Archived data in the form of therapy notes were analyzed using grounded theory techniques such as coding information, categorizing the codes, and comparing patterns that were discovered to previous research. Hyperarousal was the most commonly reported criterion of PTSD, becoming the basis of the theory that it plays an important role connecting lived experiences and coping in these women. The most commonly reported experiences included substance use by parents, parental divorce, domestic violence, employment issues, mental health issues, partner substance use, and legal issues. Coping strategies included medicating, seeking support from nonprofessionals, and compliance. Recommendations for applying findings included using trauma-informed care, and implementing therapeutic workplaces, to reinforce abstinence with the ability to work as part of treatment. This data can be used for social change by improving assessment and treatment through addressing what might not have previously been considered trauma in these clients. Thus, providers may provide more effective treatment for opioid use disorders, and implement strategies to help prepare clients for longer term success and reduced prevalence of relapse.