Coping with stress, control of emotions and biochemical markers as a common protective element in the inflammatory response to stress.

Objectives: Based on a comprehensive approach to the problem of stress, we have decided to evaluate all components of a stress response - immunological (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, CRP, TNF-alpha) and hormonal one (CRH, ACTH), as well as to evaluate the psychological indicators of stress, coping with stress, and controlling emotional reactions as psychological markers that predispose to the most beneficial adaption in relation to stressors affecting flight personnel taking part in peace missions abroad.

Methods: The research studies being the subject matter of the project were conducted among 113 antiterrorists and 123 representatives of aircrew (236 respondents in total) who participated in peace missions outside Poland. The study was conducted both before departure and during the missions. The study included a biochemical evaluation (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, CRP, TNF-alpha, CRH, ACTH) as well as a psychological assessment based on the Perceived Stress Scale by S. Cohen (PSS-10) and the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS) by M. Watson and S. Greer, and the COPE Inventory by J. Corver.

Results: Based on a statistical analysis of the variables, a relationship between the level of perceived stress and the methods of coping with it as well as between the selected methods of emotion control and inflammatory response indicators, was found.

Conclusions: In difficult situations, accompanied by an increase in the variables responsible for the biochemical inflammatory response of an organism, the effective model of coping with difficult situations and emotioncontrol increases, while the subjective level of perceived stress drops.