Coping styles and changes in humoural reaction during academic stress

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between coping styles and the changes in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) specific salivary antibodies caused by academic stress. Fifty-four, first year, female students of nursing and physiotherapy completed pencil and paper questionnaires and concurrently donated saliva samples. The procedures included the ways of coping questionnaire, and scales of physical and psychological well-being. Data and saliva samples were collected 1 month after the beginning of the first semester (t1), during term examinations (t2 – t3), and 1 month into the second semester (t4). Statistically significant changes in the level of specific salivary EBV and HCMV antibodies were observed between the four study points, showing a decline in humoural functioning during examinations. Denial coping style seemed to moderate the modulation of HCMV IgG salivary antibodies; while emotion-focused coping was less effective and problem-focused coping was unrelated to changes in specific salivary antibodies.