PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the phytoncides on serum cortisol level, vital signs and life stress of college students. METHODS This study was nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. The subjects consisted of 60(control group: 28, experimental group: 32). The phytoncides mixed the pine(pinus sylvestris) oil with the cypress(cupressus sempervirens) oil in the same rate. In the experiment, it was put in an aroma-necklace bottle and inhaled 3 times per day(9AM, at noon, before going to bed) for 2 weeks. The data were analyzed by the SPSS version 12.0 program. RESULTS In the experimental group systolic BP(F=15.603, p=.000), diastolic BP(F=29.489, p=.000) and serum cortisol level(F=4.968, p=.000) were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: The phytoncides inhalation is a partly help to reduce college students' life stress. The phytoncides is the incense of the familial tree. We recommended to examine what differences between the green shower and the phytoncides inhalation for the stress reduction.
PURPOSE This correlational study was undertaken to examine the relationship among daily life stress, self-efficacy, hardiness, and health behavior of university students. METHODS Two hundred sixty five university students were gathered from the undergraduate classes. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires which included daily life stress scale, self-efficacy scales, hardiness scales, and health behavior scales. RESULTS The daily life stress level had a maximum score of 4 with a mean score of 2.09 and the mean score of health behavior was 2.56. A negative correlation exists among daily life stress, self-efficacy, and health behavior. The self-efficacy is positively correlated with the health behavior. According to the hardiness factor, health behavior is positively correlated with hardiness. In the subareas, health behavior is positively correlated with control, commitment, and challenge. The self-efficacy factor was positively correlated with challenge. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, based onthe results of this study, both self-efficacy and hardiness are useful concepts in reducing the stress level and in increasing the health promoting behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a program based on both self-efficacy and hardiness.