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2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 32570

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Prof. Dr. Vicente Javier Clemente Suárez

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Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
Interests: psychophysiology; psychology; stress; nutrition; physical activity
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Dear Colleagues,

Stress is a complex multifactorial reaction that produces changes in the organic system of the human being. These changes range from physiological modifications to psychological ones. The acute stress response is an adaptive response that has been modulated during the development of the human species, making it very efficient when dealing with events that endanger the physical integrity or life of the subject. When this stress response is maintained over time, which at the acute level is a highly adaptive response, it begins to become the basis of a multitude of pathologies at the physiological and psychological levels.

The contextual interpretations that subjects make will mark, in one way or another, their relationship with and will be the basis that defines their perceptions of uncontrollability, threat, or uncertainty regarding the environment to which they relate. A contextual misunderstanding due to a specific psychological profile can cause a stress response, in the same way that exposure to contextual stressors, whether physical, mechanical, environmental, or even social, can trigger this acute response. A multitude of professions, from military, to police, firefighters, health personnel, drivers, miners, teachers, and elite athletes, are exposed to highly stressful environments, which produce in them different stress responses with different manifestations at the psychophysiological level. For a better understanding of all these complex processes, the present Special Issue is proposed, which intends to analyze the psychophysiological responses to the state. This Special Issue intends to provide an overview of the most recent advances in multidisciplinary research connected to the psychophysiology of stress. Research articles on topics associated with the modifications at the psychophysiological level due to stress are invited.

Prof. Dr. Vicente Javier Clemente Suárez
Guest Editor

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Keywords

stress
military
health
psychophysiology

Related Special Issue

Psychophysiological Responses to Stress in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (12 articles)

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Functional States of the Participants of a Marine Arctic Expedition with Different Levels of Vitamin D in Blood

by Natalia Simonova, Maria Kirichek, Anna A. Trofimova, Yana Korneeva, Anna N. Trofimova, Rimma Korobitsyna and Tatiana Sorokina

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(12), 6092; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20126092 - 9 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1083

Abstract

(1) Background: The vitamin D level in blood is one of the markers of the functional reserves of the human body and can contribute to more successful adaptation in the Arctic. (2) Methods: The study involved 38 participants in the project “Arctic Floating University—2021”. The determination of vitamin D content was carried out at the beginning of the expedition. A dynamic study was carried out for 20 days in the morning and in the evening. The functional state parameters of the participants were assessed using psychophysiological and questionnaire methods. Statistical methods: Mann–Whitney U-test and correlation analysis. (3) Results: It was found that at the beginning of the expedition, the functional state of participants with more severe vitamin D deficiency is characterized by a shorter average duration of RR intervals (p = 0.050) and reduced SDNN values (p = 0.015). The higher the content of vitamin D, the greater increase in speed (r = 0.510), the higher the increase in projective performance (r = 0.485), and the smaller the increase in projective stress (r = −0.334). Significant relationships between the subjective characteristics of functional states and the vitamin D of participants have not been established. (4) Conclusion: With an increase in the severity of vitamin D deficiency in the blood, the adaptive capabilities of participants decrease during an expedition to the Arctic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

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13 pages, 360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in HCW in Kosovo during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey

by Fatime Arenliu Qosaj, Stevan Merrill Weine, Pleurat Sejdiu, Fekrije Hasani, Shukrije Statovci, Vigan Behluli and Aliriza Arenliu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16667; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416667 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1804

Abstract

A pandemic may have a negative impact on healthcare workers’ (HCW) mental health. In this cross-sectional study, we assess the self-reported prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression and identify their predictive factors among HCW in Kosovo. The online questionnaire collected data on socio-demographics (sex, age, occupation, education, workplace) and the presence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress through the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and linear logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Of the 545 respondents, the majority were male (53.0%), under 60 years of age (94.7%), and married (81.7%). Most of them were physicians (78.2%), while the remaining were nurses, midwives, and other health professionals (22%). Prevalence rates for moderate to extremely high stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were 21.9%, 13.0%, and 13.9%, respectively. The nurses reported significantly higher mean scores for depression and anxiety than the physicians (p < 0.05). Being married, having poor health, not exercising, and reporting “burnout” from work significantly predicted higher levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms among health workers (p < 0.05). Most HCWs (71.6%) reported a mild, moderate, or severe mental health burden, and certain factors predicted higher levels of such burden. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

10 pages, 362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences of University Students in the Online Teaching Quality and Psychological Profile during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Simone Nomie-Sato, Emilia Condes Moreno, Adriana Rico Villanueva, Pascual Chiarella, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera, Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14729; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214729 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1457

Abstract

With the arrival of COVID-19, educational systems have had to adapt to the social and health situation immediately. This led to the appearance of the asynchronous teaching model. Throughout the pandemic, at the educational level, we can distinguish three phases, eminently online, hybrid, and finally, face-to-face. However, the perception of educational quality in these three educational moments, taking into account the psychometric profile and gender, has not been studied. Thus, 1093 university students from Ibero-American countries were analyzed. Through a questionnaire, demographic, academic, and psychological variables were analyzed at three moments during the evolution of the pandemic. Data suggest that, during the lockdown phase, while teaching was eminently online, students presented higher levels of stress and higher difficulty of learning; class attendance, convenience, preferred method of learning, grading score, and motivation were lower, compared to other phases of teaching (hybrid and face-to-face). During this period, females presented higher stress levels than males, as well as higher levels of anxiety and loneliness, without gender differences among the other studied variables. During the hybrid and face-to-face phases, male students presented higher values in the results of difficulty learning and demanding activities. No differences were seen regarding motivation, synchronous class attendance, learning level, grades, convenience, or preferred learning method. The results from the present study suggest that, despite the effect of the pandemic on mental health, asynchronous education is postulated as an effective teaching–learning alternative. Yet, a special focus should be given to female students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

13 pages, 2620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Capacity of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response on the Reduction of Mental Stress

by Keiichiro Inagaki and Yoshiyuki Ohta

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14577; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114577 - 6 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2430

Abstract

In a social environment, various types of stress can be overwhelming. Humans frequently encounter these stressful situations in social life. Stress is divided into physical stress and mental stress; the latter is induced by heavy mental workloads and has become a huge social problem, leading to mental disorders and possibly suicide in the worst scenario. Investigations into monitoring mental stress and reducing stressful conditions are, therefore, important for its prevention. In the present study, we focused on autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) sound, which is known to improve the human mental condition through its comforting and relaxing effects. We investigated the effect of ASMR on the mental workload induced by mental tasks by the evaluation of EEG activation patterns in normal subjects. Our results showed a significant decrease in alpha-band activity and a significant increase in gamma (high beta)-band activity under the induction of mental workload by mental tasks compared to the resting condition. When applying ASMR sound, alpha- and gamma-band activity under the induction of mental workload by mental tasks was restored to the level of the resting condition. In conclusion, these results indicate that ASMR sound reduces the mental stress induced by mental workload. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

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11 pages, 839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact on the Stress-Associated Autonomic Response of Physiotherapy Students Receiving Interferential Current in an Electrotherapy Training Session

by Luis Espejo-Antúnez, Carlos Fernández-Morales, Sergio Hernández-Sánchez, María de los Ángeles Cardero-Durán, José Vicente Toledo-Marhuenda and Manuel Albornoz-Cabello

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013348 - 16 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2301

Abstract

Electrical currents are didactic contents widely applied in the training of physiotherapy students, but the treatment is considered a stressful situation for both the patient who receives it and the student who applies it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress-associated autonomic response of physiotherapy students receiving interferential current by measuring and analysing heart rate variability. An observational case–control study was conducted. Ninety healthy male volunteers, all physiotherapy degree students, were enrolled while attending laboratory practice during the 2020–2021 academic year. Participants were randomly allocated to a sham electrotherapy group (44 subjects), in which heart rate variability was recorded for 10 min, both at rest and during the application of sham technique on the lower back (10 min), and an electrotherapy group (46 subjects), applying the same procedure with the electrical current flowing. Outcome measures included baseline (seated position) and postintervention (prone position) time domain parameter, diameters of the Poincaré plot 1 and 2, stress score, and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio. The sham electrotherapy group exhibited significant increases in time domain parameter (p = 0.027) and diameters of the Poincaré plot 1 (p = 0.032), with a small effect size (d ≤ 0.5). The electrotherapy group exhibited significant increases in time domain parameter and diameters of the Poincaré plot 1 and 2 (p < 0.001) and decreases in the stress score and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (d > 0.8) other than for the time domain parameter (d = 0.42), indicating increased parasympathetic and decreased sympathetic activity. After interventions, there were significant differences between groups in diameters of the Poincaré plot 2 (p < 0.001), stress score (p = 0.01) and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio (p = 0.003), with moderate effect size (d > 0.5). The application of the interferential current technique produces stress-associated autonomic response characterized by greater parasympathetic activity and decreased sympathetic activity. Further studies are needed to determine possible adverse effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

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12 pages, 655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stressed at Work: Investigating the Relationship between Occupational Stress and Salivary Cortisol Fluctuations

by Thomas Gerding and Jun Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12311; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912311 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2232

Abstract

Chronic stress has been associated with a range of health disparities, but examination of occupational stress, especially in the wake of COVID-19, has been minimal for many careers. A novel methodology involving work stress diaries and collection of salivary cortisol was employed to determine correlations between occupations, occupational stressors, and how well these are related to the physiological response to stress exposure, the release of cortisol. While cortisol levels tended to follow typical circadian rhythm based on sampling times, cortisol levels also followed the subjective stress levels listed in the work stress diaries following linear regression analysis using the pooled study population data (p = 0.042). When comparing the stressors between the studied careers, participants who worked in the healthcare industry accounted for one-third of the total participants, but reported nearly half (42%) of the more severe occupational stressors listed in the diaries. Finally, the most commonly listed emotional reactions to exposures listed included feelings of stress, frustration, anger, anxiety, or overwhelm. As the workplace progresses from the pandemic, the opportunity to reduce occupational stress exposures in the workplace is at hand. Companies that work towards minimizing the stress faced by their workforce would have a healthier and more relaxed workforce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

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8 pages, 346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Objective and Subjective Stress Response of Students and Professors in Practical Nursing Exams and Their Relationship with Academic Performance

by Paula Sánchez-Conde, Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159121 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1730

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to analyse the objective and subjective stress responses of students in a clinical case evaluation and the correlation with academic performance, as well as to analyse the differences in grade and difficulty perceptions between students and professors that designed the clinical case. A sample of 103 first-year students from a nursing degree was studied. In this sample, the objective stress was analysed by measuring the autonomic modulation (through the heart rate variability); moreover, the subjective stress was analysed using the SUDS scale. Furthermore, the difficulty perception and academic performance were measured using scales for both students and professors. The measures were taken before and after the clinical exams. A large subjective and objective stress response was observed at the beginning of the clinical case, and this response was related to a high academic performance perception. Upon completion of the clinical evaluation, both the stress response and the academic performance perception decreased. The professors and students presented different grade and difficulty perceptions concerning the clinical case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

14 pages, 398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Sports and Personal Variables and the Competitive Anxiety of Colombian Elite Athletes of Olympic and Paralympic Sports

by Fabián Humberto Marín-González, Iago Portela-Pino, Juan Pedro Fuentes-García and María José Martínez-Patiño

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7791; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137791 - 24 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2278

Abstract

Background: Anxiety is one of the most complex and the most studied constructs in psychology, and it is extremely frequent in high-level sportsmen and women. The main goal was to study the influence of sex, age, type of sport, sport modality, other professional occupation, and competitive level on the competitive anxiety symptoms and self-confidence of elite athletes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with Colombian elite athletes who were members of the “Support to the Excellence Coldeportes Athlete” program. The total population studied included 334 Colombian elite athletes: mean age 27.10 ± 6.57 years old with 13.66 ± 6.37 years practicing his/her sports modality. The precompetitive anxiety symptoms of the participants were assessed using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory—2R (CSAI-2R). Results: Men showed higher levels of self-confidence than women. Younger athletes had a higher cognitive and somatic anxiety. The athletes of individual sports had a higher mean somatic anxiety than those of collective sports. The higher-level athletes had lower values of cognitive and somatic anxiety and higher levels of self-confidence. Finally, the values of anxiety symptoms positively correlated with each other, and negatively correlated with self-confidence. Conclusion: Individualised psychological intervention programs adapted to elite athletes are needed, considering the divergent results found in various variables of scientific interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

12 pages, 360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association between Stressful Life Events and Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children 0–7 Years Old: The CIKEO Study

by Yuan Fang, Hein Raat, Dafna A. Windhorst, Irene N. Fierloos, Harrie Jonkman, Clemens M. H. Hosman, Matty R. Crone, Wilma Jansen and Amy van Grieken

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031650 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2619

Abstract

Background: Stressful life events (SLEs) are recognized risk factors for emotional and behavioral problems, but the association is understudied among young children. Our aim was to examine the association between exposure to SLEs and emotional and behavioral problems in young children up to 7 years old. Methods: We analyzed baseline data from 959 children (mean age = 3.3 years; SD = 1.9; 47.5% girls) in the CIKEO study, a community-based longitudinal study in the Netherlands. Linear regression was used to assess the associations between the total as well as the individual exposure to SLEs experienced in the past 12 months, and emotional and behavioral problems assessed by CBCL 1.5-5. Interactions of SLEs and child age, sex, ethnic background, and socioeconomic status were explored. Results: Higher total exposure to SLEs, as indicated by the number of SLEs, was significantly associated with higher CBCL total, internalizing and externalizing problem scores (p for trend < 0.05). The results did not differ by child age, sex, ethnic background, or family SES. Six out of the 12 SLEs explored were independently associated with greater CBCL total/externalizing/internalizing scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Exposure to SLEs is associated with higher levels of emotional and behavioral problems in young children, and the impact of SLEs may vary depending on the types of events. Stressful life events might be a useful target for interventions to improve emotional and behavioral well-being among young children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

Review

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26 pages, 1525 KiB

Open AccessReview

Misophonia: A Systematic Review of Current and Future Trends in This Emerging Clinical Field

by Antonia Ferrer-Torres and Lydia Giménez-Llort

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6790; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116790 - 1 Jun 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8728

Abstract

Misophonia is a scarcely known disorder. This systematic review (1) offers a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the literature since 2001, (2) identifies the most relevant aspects but also controversies, (3) identifies the theoretical and methodological approaches, and (4) highlights the outstanding advances until May 2022 as well as aspects that remain unknown and deserve future research efforts. Misophonia is characterized by strong physiological, emotional, and behavioral reactions to auditory, visual, and/or kinesthetic stimuli of different nature regardless of their physical characteristics. These misophonic responses include anger, general discomfort, disgust, anxiety, and avoidance and escape behaviors, and decrease the quality of life of the people with the disorder and their relatives. There is no consensus on the diagnostic criteria yet. High comorbidity between misophonia and other psychiatric and auditory disorders is reported. Importantly, the confusion with other disorders contributes to its underdiagnosis. In recent years, assessment systems with good psychometric properties have increased considerably, as have treatment proposals. Although misophonia is not yet included in international classification systems, it is an emerging field of growing scientific and clinical interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

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9 pages, 574 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Acute Stress on Psychophysiology in Armed Tactical Occupations: A Narrative Review

by Mark D. Stephenson, Ben Schram, Elisa F. D. Canetti and Robin Orr

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1802; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031802 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4750

Abstract

The ability to perform under extreme pressure is one of the most sought-after qualities in both sports and tactical (military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue, etc.) occupations. While tactical performance relies on both physical and mental capabilities to achieve a desired outcome, it is often hampered by the stressful environments in which these personnel work. The acute stress experienced by tactical personnel can interfere with occupational performance, impacting both physical execution of tasks and decision-making. This narrative review discusses the implications of acute stress on the psychophysiology and physical performance of personnel serving in armed tactical occupations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Psychophysiological Responses to Stress)

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