2017 Volume 57 Issue 5 Pages 452-460
Objectives : In the present study, we developed a questionnaire for determining the stability of autonomic function by focusing on heart rate, which is regulated by the autonomic nervous system and varies depending on the situation. Method : A questionnaire was created based on the question items created by the researchers as well as items described by female university students as settings in which they felt tension. Responses were obtained on a five-point Likert scale. The survey was conducted on 67 adolescent female university students, along with measurement of autonomic function using the active standing test. The reliability and validity of obtained data were investigated using factor analysis and discriminant analysis. Results : A total of 18 question items were eventually selected, and they were composed of the following seven factors : “tension felt in unpredictable situations”, “tension felt when facing an academic task”, “imminent tension in interpersonal relationships”, “tension in situations where the method of coping is vague”, “tension felt when facing an unexpected event”, “tension felt when at a loss as to how to cope”, and “tension felt when deciding on an action”. Conclusion : The results showed a factor loading of 0.782-0.484, the cumulative proportion for the amount of information in the seven factors as a proportion of the amount of information in all 18 items was 69.397%, the overall discriminant accuracy was 82.1%, and reliability and validity were thus virtually confirmed.
