Factor Structure of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale in South Korea

Results of previous studies from North America reported that only 14 out of the 20 items from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were required to assess negative affect, somatic symptoms, and anhedonia. However, it remains unclear whether this three-factor structure of the CES-D would be valid in South Korea. The purpose of this study is to examine the validity of the three-factor structure with a Korean version of the CES-D. The participants were Korean college students (N = 215), elementary school teachers (N = 234), and parents of elementary school students (N = 230). Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to examine the scale’s validity. Results indicated that the three-factor structure showed acceptable fit to data (comparative fit index = 0.95;root mean square error of approximation = 0.06). The findings indicated that the three-factor structure of the CES-D was valid in South Korea.

Validity of the Neck Meridian Test as a Measure of Stress

The neck meridian test is a procedure in which the participant is requested to stretch the neck in four directions and rate the intensity of pain felt and/or symptoms. The total score of the four responses has been shown to correlate with the level of perceived stress, and it has been suggested that it may be possible to use this test as a measure of perceived stress. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of experimentally induced stress on the neck meridian test score. It was predicted that the neck meridian test score would increase only in participants who were exposed to stress manipulation. The participants were 19 male and 9 female college students (age, 34.1 ± 9.37 years) majoring in acupuncture and moxibustion medicine. The participants were randomly assigned to a stress group and a control group. All participants were requested to rest for 3 min and then complete the neck meridian test. Subsequently, they were administered a stress questionnaire. The participants in the stress group were instructed to prepare mentally for 3 min for a small 1-min examination that included performance in front of a judge, while those in the control group were requested to rest for additional 3 min. After each period, the participants completed the neck meridian test and were administered a stress questionnaire. The stress score increased significantly only in the stress group, indicating that the experimental protocol was a valid means of inducing a stressed state. The neck meridian test score also increased only in the stress group, providing supporting evidence that the neck meridian test is a valid tool for assessing perceived stress. It is suggested that the test could be used in future studies applying techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion medicine to stress care.

Effect of a Four-Week Self-Administered Acupressure Intervention on Perceived Stress over the Past Month

The use of relaxation techniques in daily life is an effective means for the self-management of stress. Acupressure is a traditional technique where pressure is applied to acupuncture points instead of puncturing the skin. Self-administered acupressure is a potential method for dealing with stress. The effect of self-administered acupressure on anxiety has been examined but whether it can reduce perceived stress over longer periods is unknown. This study aimed to examine whether a self-administered, four-week acupressure intervention would reduce perceived stress over the past month. Fifteen male and nine female college students (age, 28.9 ± 8.51 yr) majoring in acupuncture and moxibustion medicine were randomly assigned to self-acupressure (AG) and control groups (CG). AG participants were instructed to conduct five sessions of acupressure in the morning, midday, and night. Each session included pressing six acupressure points on the neck (three points on the left and right side each) for five seconds. CG participants were asked to spend their daily life as usual. The outcome was the perceived stress level during the past month, which was assessed using a reliable and valid four-item scale. Perceived stress was measured at baseline, two weeks later, and after intervention. The stress level did not significantly differ between the two groups at baseline. In the AG, the stress level decreased from baseline to two weeks later and remained constant until the end of intervention. The stress level was significantly lower in the AG than in the CG only after intervention. These results provided initial evidence that self-administered acupressure reduces perceived stress over the past month.