STRESS

Original Articles

Effects of Loneliness on Stress in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Sequential Dual Mediating Roles of Social Interaction Anxiety and Self-Control: Seung Chul Lee, Wonil Choi, SoYeong Yoon, Soo Rim Noh; STRESS. 2025;33(2):93-102. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2025.33.2.93

2,355 View
59 Download
1 Citations

Background
The aim of this study is to identify the psychological pathways linking loneliness to stress among middle-aged and older adults, focusing on the mediating roles of social interaction anxiety and self-control.
Methods
A total of 580 adults aged 40∼71 years completed an online self-report questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test a sequential mediation model, and covariates such as age, sex, depression, and extraversion were controlled for.
Results
Loneliness was positively associated with stress and social interaction anxiety, and negatively with self-control. Social interaction anxiety and self-control each mediated the relationship between loneliness and stress. Moreover, a significant sequential mediation pathway was observed: loneliness was associated with higher levels of social interaction anxiety, which in turn was negatively related to self-control, and lower self-control was linked to heightened stress. After controlling for covariates, only the indirect effect via social interaction anxiety remained significant. This suggests that anxiety in social contexts may serve as a robust emotional mechanism underlying the association between loneliness and perceived stress.
Conclusions
This study empirically supports the sequential mediation model in which loneliness increases social interaction anxiety, which in turn reduces self-control, ultimately elevating stress. These findings highlight the importance of considering both interpersonal and intrapersonal factors in mental health interventions for aging populations. Addressing loneliness, reducing social interaction anxiety, and strengthening self-control may be effective targets for psychological intervention and community-based programs tailored to the needs of middle-aged and older adults.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Loneliness and perceived stress in family caregivers of older adults with disabilities: the mediating role of psychological resilience
Yinghui Song, Ying Luo, Xiwen Zhang, Ying Zhou, Shudi Chen, Caiying Huang
BMC Geriatrics.2026;[Epub] CrossRef

The Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Late-Life Volunteering, Depressive Symptoms, and Subjective Well-Being: A Longitudinal Analysis Using a Sequential Process Latent Growth Model: Dapin Cho, DongHee Jeong, Eun-Jung Shim; STRESS. 2025;33(2):53-62. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2025.33.2.53

1,031 View
53 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
This study examined the longitudinal relationship between late-life volunteering, depressive symptoms, and subjective well-being, with a focus on the mediating effect of self-esteem.
Methods
Data were drawn from the 12th to 18th waves (2017∼2023) of the Korean Welfare Panel Study, including 4,954 individuals aged 65 and older at wave 12. A sequential process latent growth model was employed to examine trajectories of self-esteem (waves 13∼15), depressive symptoms, and subjective well-being (both measured at waves 16∼18), as well as their associations over time. The relationship between volunteering, depressive symptoms, and subjective well-being was analyzed while controlling for sex, income and education. Bootstrapping procedure was employed to test the mediating effect of self-esteem.
Results
Self-esteem and depressive symptoms showed a steady decreasing over time, whereas, subjective well-being tended to increase. Compared to non-volunteers, volunteers demonstrated higher initial levels of self-esteem, which were associated with lower subsequent levels and slower declines in depressive symptoms, as well as higher subsequent levels and slower increases in subjective well-being.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that self-esteem plays a key mediating role between volunteering and mental health outcomes in older adults. Specifically, volunteering was found to enhance self-esteem, which helps reduce depressive symptoms and improve subjective well-being. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at promoting social participation, such as volunteering, and strengthening self-esteem may be effective strategies for enhancing mental health in later life.

The Double-Mediating Effect of Interpersonal Competence and Social Support on the Relationship between ADHD Traits and Depression in Early Adulthood: Jae Sun An; STRESS. 2023;31(1):44-50. Published online March 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2023.31.1.44

4,968 View
201 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
This study aims to analyze the relationship between interpersonal competence, social support, ADHD traits, and depression in early adulthood, and by using the double-mediation model, to examine the effect of the first two variables on the last two.
Methods
The participants comprised 146 male and 155 female adults aged between 19 and 34, from whom data was collected through the Korean version of the WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, interpersonal competence and depression subscales of the mental health test developed by Suh et al., and social support scale developed by Iverson et al.
Results
The results showed that adult ADHD traits were negatively correlated with interpersonal competence and social support, and positively correlated with depression. In addition, interpersonal competence was positively correlated with social support and negatively correlated with depression, whereas social support was negatively correlated with depression. Finally, interpersonal competence and social support sequentially mediated adult ADHD traits and depression.
Conclusions
This sequential double-mediating effect is of great academic significance and suggests that improving interpersonal competence and social support may be effective in mitigating the negative effect of ADHD traits on depression in early adulthood.

Comparison of Stroke Knowledge, Health Beliefs, and Stroke Prevention Behavior between Early and Middle-Aged Adults: Eun Ko; STRESS. 2022;30(2):98-108. Published online June 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2022.30.2.98

5,418 View
158 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
The onset age of stroke is decreasing, leading to social loss. As such, primary stroke prevention is important. This study aimed to compare the stroke knowledge, health beliefs, and stroke prevention behavior between early and middle-aged adults.
Methods
In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a survey was conducted in three small cities in Korea from June to October 2020. The study used a structured self-report questionnaire that included items on stroke knowledge, including risk factors, warning signs, and urgent action, health beliefs, and stroke prevention behavior, as well as collected data on respondents’ demographic characteristics. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, ² test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0.
Results
The participants included 104 early adults (aged below 40 years) and 143 middle-aged adults (aged 40∼64 years). The two groups showed a significant difference in their health beliefs scores. By contrast, they did not show a significant difference in their scores for stroke prevention behavior. However, their scores for health responsibility (t=−2.00, p=.047), nutrition (t=4.24, p＜.001), and interpersonal relationships (t=2.04, p=.042) were significantly different.
Conclusions
Early and middle-aged adults showed differences in health beliefs and the stroke prevention behavior subfactors of health responsibility, nutrition, and interpersonal relationships. The present findings may be used when planning interventions or education programs for primary stroke prevention.

Factors Affecting Smartphone Overdependence among Older Adults: Ji-Eun Park, Nayoon Lee; STRESS. 2022;30(1):37-44. Published online March 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2022.30.1.37

4,942 View
174 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
This study aimed to identify the factors affecting smartphone overdependence among older adults.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 179 older adults using smartphones in B metropolitan city. A multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the effect of physical activity, social support, and depression on smartphone overdependence.
Results
Factors that affect smartphone overdependence among the participants were as follows: (a) purpose of using smartphone (β=.23, p=.001), (b) age (β=.23, p=.002), (c) smartphone use time (β=.20, p=.004), (d) educational level (β=−.15, p=.027), and (e) social support (β=−.14, p=.048). The model explained for 19.0% (F=9.30, p＜.001).
Conclusions
The findings of this study can be used as evidence to develop intervention programs and policy measures to prevent and manage smartphone overdependence, which has negative effects on the physical and mental health of older adults.

The Relationship between Resting Heart Rate and Symptoms of Depression among Korean Adults: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015∼2018): Jiin Ryu, Dong-Hyuk Park, Ji-Hee Min, Ansuk Jeong, In Han Song, Justin Y. Jeon; STRESS. 2021;29(3):149-157. Published online September 30, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2021.29.3.149

5,685 View
148 Download
1 Citations

PDF

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Exploring Factors Related to Menopausal Symptoms in Middle-aged Women: A Study of Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Physical Activity
Younghwan Choi, Young Hye Kwon, Yeon-Hwan Park, Meejung Chin, Sowon Hahn, Yeon Soo Kim
The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine.2024; 42(3): 202. CrossRef

Review Article

Effects of Community-Based Psychological Interventions on Depressive Symptoms and Blood Glucose Control for Older Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Heajin Yu, Boyoung Hwang; STRESS. 2020;28(1):1-9. Published online March 31, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2020.28.1.1

5,001 View
145 Download
1 Citations

Abstract PDF

본 연구에서는 노인 당뇨 환자를 대상으로 한 지역사회 기반 심리 중재가 환자들의 우울 증상과 혈당조절에 미치는 효과를 체계적으로 고찰하였다. 국내외 7개의 데이터베이스를 사용하여, 2008년 1월 1일부터 2018년 7월 31일까지 발표된 문헌들을 확인하였다. 선정기준에 따라 다섯 편의 연구가 최종 선정되었으며, 총 대상자는 제2형 당뇨 진단을 받은 지역사회 거주 노인 596명이었다. 메타분석에 선정된 네 편의 연구 모두 행동 교육을 목적으로 프로그램을 구성하였다. 추후에는 표본 크기를 늘려 심리적 중재 프로그램을 시행하는 것이 바람직하며 더욱 다양한 지역에서 수행하는 것이 필요함을 확인할 수 있었다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Factors Affecting Bereaved Spouses’ Quality of Life: A Systematic Review
Wonjung Noh, Songi Jeon
Stress.2020; 28(4): 254. CrossRef

Original Articles

The Effect of Stress on the Subjective Discomfort and Skin Conductance Level in Adults with ADHD Tendency: Suim Yang, Yongmae Baek; STRESS. 2017;25(4):299-305. Published online December 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2017.25.4.299

4,327 View
78 Download

Abstract PDF: Background:
The purpose of this research was to study an effect of stress stimulation on Skin Conductance Level and subjective discomfort on adult groups with ADHD tendency (12 people) and control group (12 people).
Methods:
In order to measure the physiological stress responses, all experiment participators’ Skin Conductance Level was checked through the bio-feedback equipment on the participators’ bodies, which relayed information in the process of the baseline period, the Stroop word-color test period, the resting period, the mental arithmetic test period and the resting period. The subjective discomfort was measured by setting the inconvenience level while taking the tests as a 7 according to the Likert scale.
Results:
The result showed that the ADHD tendency group showed higher Skin Conductance Level on the stress circumstances. They maintained the high level during rest phase. Also, the group showed higher subjective discomforted level.
Conclusions:
The research confirmed that stress administration and emotion regulations are needed to be included in goals for medication on ADHD groups.

Effect of Type D Personality on Life Stress in University Students: Mi-Kyeong Jeon, Yu Jeong Kim; STRESS. 2017;25(3):188-194. Published online September 30, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2017.25.3.188

3,968 View
36 Download
2 Citations

Abstract PDF

Background:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Type D personality on life stress in university students.

Methods:

A total of 226 students were recruited from 2 universities. Data were collected from December 1 to 20, 2016.

Results:

About 40.3% of participants were classified as Type D personality group. Students with type D personality had lower major satisfaction and university satisfaction than students who did not. In addition, life stresses were higher as Type D personality, were negatively correlated with major satisfaction and university satisfaction.

Conclusions:

It is necessary to develop an intervention program so that Type D personality students can cope with stress actively.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Influence of Type D personality on quality of life in university students: The mediating effect of health‐promoting behavior and subjective health status
Sung Reul Kim, Ju‐Hee Nho, Hye Young Kim
Psychology in the Schools.2020; 57(5): 768. CrossRef
Gender Differences in Type D Personality and Mental Health among Korean College Entrants
Sunhee Cho, Gyeong-Suk Jeon
Stress.2018; 26(3): 133. CrossRef

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search