Multiple indicators of stress in an 'active' job--cardiothoracic surgery

Eight members of a cardiac surgery team were monitored for a variety of stress indicators. These included self-reports of felt stress, observations of behavior related to ECG activity, and measurements of urinary cortisol and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-mandelic acid (VMA). Observations were made on 12 separate days spread over a 3-month period. Results indicate moderate to low levels of perceived stress with high levels of satisfaction and high levels of support. ECG data showed wide individual variation; heart rates even during operations were not excessively high (mean, 100 beats per minute). VMA levels were within the normal range. Cortisol levels were above the normal range on 72% of measurements and mean levels were positively related to length of experience. Days when self-perceived stress was reported were associated with higher levels of cortisol but not of VMA. The study failed to support predictions about responses to "active" jobs derived from Karasek's job-strain model.