Prior research has demonstrated a strong positive relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and pain tolerance. However, the pathways through which self-efficacy beliefs may be manipulated and...Show morePrior research has demonstrated a strong positive relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and pain tolerance. However, the pathways through which self-efficacy beliefs may be manipulated and affect pain tolerance are not clear. The current study aims to examine the effect that self-efficacy beliefs have on pain tolerance ratings, as assessed by a cold-pressor test (CPT). Secondly, whether self-efficacy can be altered through verbal suggestions is examined. Healthy participants (N = 17) were randomly assigned into a low self-efficacy group (Low-SE group) and a high self-efficacy (High-SE group) and participated in a CPT, after self-efficacy manipulation. Differences on pain tolerance and the manipulation check question, across the groups were examined with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Baseline measurements of self-efficacy were administered and analysed with ANOVA. Although participants in the High-SE group showed higher pain tolerance ratings (M = 43.23, SD = 19.09) compared to those in the Low-SE group (M = 41.58, SD = 23.36), the difference between the groups was not significant, p = .883. Participants in the High-SE group (M = 5.24, SD = 1.89) had a lower score on the manipulation check question, compared to those in the Low-SE group (M = 5.62, SD = 1.71). However, the difference was not statistically significant, p = .666. No statistically significant baseline differences have been found between the groups. Further research is needed, to determine the mechanisms through which perceived control and affective responses on pain experience may intermediate the relationship between self-efficacy and pain tolerance, while contributing to self-efficacy manipulation.Show less
eHealth could be an effective tool to reduce stress in students. Since eHealth interventions are easy to use and relatively cheap, especially unguided eHealth interventions, it is important to know...Show moreeHealth could be an effective tool to reduce stress in students. Since eHealth interventions are easy to use and relatively cheap, especially unguided eHealth interventions, it is important to know whether students want to take part in an unguided intervention as much as in a guided intervention, and which personal factors play a role in uptake. With this knowledge it might be possible to engage people that would normally not take part in an intervention. In research regarding adherence, perceived social support (PSS) and self-efficacy (SE) appear to play a role. This study focussed on guided and unguided eHealth interventions and the effect of uptake SE and PSS on uptake. We distributed a questionnaire with screenshots of an app amongst students (N = 143). They were randomly assigned to the guided or unguided condition. No effect was found of group on uptake, also PSS had no effect or interaction effect on uptake. Only a direct effect was found of uptake SE on uptake. A possible explanation for the same willingness to start in both groups is the Computers are Social Actors paradigma. Furthermore, uptake SE seems to influence uptake because in case of low levels of SE more support is needed. The results implicate that the type of intervention does not influence uptake, and that low levels of SE are related to lower levels of uptake. Further research should focus on how to increase uptake SE and the personal factors that play a role in uptake.Show less
Background: Long-term exposure to road traffic noise is associated with the prevalence of hypertension. To understand more about this exposure-response relationship, it is essential to examine this...Show moreBackground: Long-term exposure to road traffic noise is associated with the prevalence of hypertension. To understand more about this exposure-response relationship, it is essential to examine this association with baseline blood pressure measurements. However, theories of possible mechanisms explaining the chronic physiological effects of road traffic noise exposure are limited. Furthermore, the findings of epidemiological studies investigating this relationship are inconsistent and different factors seem to influence the strength of the relationship. A critical evaluation of these studies seems warranted. Purpose: This study aims to gain more theoretical and empirical insight into the association between road traffic noise and resting blood pressure measurements. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed and reference lists were used. Six articles were included, consisting of information about ten studies. A meta-analysis on the association between road traffic noise and blood pressure among adults was performed. The ten effect size estimates were based on the data of 146,339 subjects in total. Results: A 0.195 mmHg (95% CI: 0.004, 0.386) higher systolic blood pressure per 10 dB increase was found. Road traffic noise was not associated with diastolic blood pressure. However, the sensitivity analysis revealed stronger associations with diastolic blood pressure for high-quality studies and stronger associations with systolic blood pressure for nighttime noise exposure. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to road traffic noise had a significant positive association with systolic blood pressure, perhaps strongest at night, and a nonsignificant positive association with diastolic blood pressure. The significant moderating effect of study quality on diastolic blood pressure is a possible explanation for this inconsistency. Further research is required to get a more comprehensive understanding of the association between road traffic noise and blood pressure.Show less
