Stress-related Physical Symptoms and Stress Managements among the Acarins

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A worshipper lives a well-regulated life with rigid discipline. This study aims at measuring the stress level of the acarins (preliminary monks) using BEPSI-K (Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument-Korea) and finding out their stress management. METHODS: One hundred forty six male acarins and 111 female acarins who participated in an educational program at a local temple in Sep. 2001 are included in this survey. Using BEPSI-K, we asked them how they use their spare time, their stress management and physical symptoms. SPSS ver. 10.1, one-way ANOVA and independent t-test were used for statistical process. RESULTS: Average BEPSI-K score was high among the age group of 15-19 by age (P<0.05). In academic career, the lower the average BEPSI-K score, the higher in education (P<0.01). In physical symptoms, the average score of headache (P<0.05), epigastric soreness (P<0.05), fatigue (P<0.01), GI problem (P<0.01) were significantly high. Prayer, Zen meditation, bowing, sutras study, and sound a wooden gong were counted as the stress management, which were not significant. CONCLUSION: The stress level of the acarins was lower than normal population. The physical symptoms from stress were significant. Zen meditation and prayer were similar to meditation as the stress management. Further study for releasing stress is needed.