OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between the cardiovascular responses and coping styles among recruits in psychological stress.

METHODSUsing random cluster sampling method,we chose 406 army recruits in Xinjiang from October 2013 to November 2013,and the questionnaire survey combined with laboratory test was applied. The questionnaire used in this study was the simplified coping style questionnaire. Systolic blood pressure(SPB),diastolic blood pressure(DPB),and heart rate(HR)were recorded. The relationship between cardiovascular responses and coping methods was analyzed using descriptive statistics,correlations,and regression analysis.

RESULTSThere were statistically significant differences in changes of the indicators of cardiovascular responses(P=0.000). The positive coping styles were significantly associated with age(P=0.008)and father's education degree(P=0.010). The negative coping styles were associated with the mother's educational degree(P=0.046). The positive coping styles were associated with the SBP in recall task period(P=0.039)and with the HR in calculating task period(P=0.025). The negative coping styles were significantly associated with the SBP difference between the baseline and calculating task period(P=0.034). Stepwise regression analysis showed that age and father's education degree(P=0.008,P=0.041)had a positive effect on the positive coping styles,and the SPB difference between the baseline and calculating task period had a negative effect on the positive coping styles(P=0.034).

CONCLUSIONSAge and father's education degree can affect the positive coping style of the recruits. Increased psychological stress has a negative impact on the negative coping styles of the recruits.