Hypoxic effects in extreme stressful conditions: some research technologies for improving health and longevity

Applied techniques and some results of studies the higher nervous activity (HNA) of the people, their psychophysiological functions (PFF) by Ukrainian scientists and doctors were described, as well as influences of extreme conditions on HNA. Aim. Results of the influence of extreme mountain conditions at high altitudes (hypoxia, etc.) demonstration and further research of changes in the psychophysiological functions of the brain under these conditions; description of the developed methods of professional selection. Methods. Comparative analysis of a large number of the data from experiments and observations. Physical, mathematical, program modeling. Methods of HNA, brain research: electroencephalography, diagnosis of personal neurodynamic features, etc. Three methods of PFF research: parameters of the neurodynamic level, parameters of the neuropsychological level, and personal specifics. The adapted questionnaire scheme (QS) based on Cattell's 16-factor personality tests was applied. Results. The influence of hypoxia and other factors of mountain conditions on HNA were studied deeply. The results were presented. Also, there were presented results of registered changes of EEG in such extreme conditions. The influence of a number of stress factors in extreme conditions (hypoxia, etc.) has been demonstrated. Some basic methods of HNA researches used in such conditions were described as well as results of investigations of individual typological features of the nervous systems were presented. Methods for human psychophysiological functions studying were described. Studies of human personal characteristics were described in details. Data recorded by the PNN-3 device were taken for the diagnosis of personal neurodynamic features. The parameters of the neuropsychological level were determined using the following methods: "triangles" (the level of development of short-term visual memory), "instrument scales" (working memory, attention functions, etc.), and "red and black tables" (allocation and switching of attention). Personality structures, features, and types of behavior of operators in stressful situations were estimated basing on adapted QS by Cattell. Mathematical models of the reliability of human nervous system functioning under extreme conditions were developed. Conclusions. The obtained results were taken as the basis for the developed professional selection methods for special contingents, pilots, operators, etc. Physical, mathematical, and program models of the reliability of the human nervous system functioning in these conditions were proposed.

Aim: To identify approaches to the practice of providing psychological assistance to law enforcement officers in extreme (crisis) situations. Material and methods: Research methods: bibliosemantic, forecasting, comparative, analysis, and generalization. Clarification of the etymology of extreme (crisis) situations allowed us to identify approaches and techniques of psychological assistance to law enforcement officers after their stay in extreme (crisis) situations and stressful conditions. Law enforcement officers often experience such emotions in extreme situations and stressful conditions as fear, anger, powerlessness, despair, and confusion. The use of psychological debriefing in work with law enforcement officers can help overcome the negative effects of stress after a crisis incident, as well as develop skills that may be needed in the event of a repeated encounter with similar events. Conclusions: The toolkit of professional psychological assistance to law enforcement officers should focus primarily on increasing their communicative open¬ness and social confidence. The psycho-correctional practice involves the best possible adaptation of law enforcement officers to the requirements of an extreme situation, enabling them to master it, weaken or mitigate these requirements, and try to avoid or get used to them.

Adaptation is a fundamental phenomenon ensuring biological organisms’ survival in changing environmental conditions. Studying this and related phenomena is critically necessary for people not only in conditions of peaceful life but also in conditions of war Aim. Description of some research technologies and results of their application to study the adaptation of various organisms to stressful extreme mountain conditions. Methods. Comparative analysis of a large number of the data from experiments and observations of phylogenetically different organisms under the changed stressful conditions of hypoxia and other factors of the highlands. Standard methods of laboratory analysis of some vital indicators of biological organisms. Day and night collection methods using a light trap were used to collect insects. In some cases, pheromones were used. Mathematical and program modeling. Results. Modern concepts of physiological adaptation based on Ukrainian and foreign classical studies were observed. The evolutionary aspects of adaptation studies were observed, taking into account two main strategies of biological organisms adaptation, as well as evolutionary aspects of adaptation to hypoxia were considered using the examples of insects and mammals (gophers). The research technologies and obtained results were described in detail — both the results of field observations and those registered in laboratory conditions. The primary attention was focused on the results of contemporary works of Ukrainian scientists. In this way, various directions of research were characterized in detail for insects and mammals (gophers). Special attention was paid to the problems of human adaptation to stressful conditions. The effects were registered on volunteers from special groups (rescuers, pilots, others). Conclusions. The results of numerous long-term studies of adaptation on examples of vertebrates and invertebrates were described. A comprehensive analysis of the obtained results was made. A number of general theoretical conclusions that were made on the basis of presented results were given as well. Functional adaptation was put in the base of hypoxytherapy methods.

The article analyzes the psychophysiological features of the operator's behavior in extreme conditions and situations. The author determined that extreme conditions are somewhat different from extreme situations. If extreme conditions can be identified with «critical» circumstances that change little in time, then extreme situations develop in a short period of time and are characterized by sharp dynamic changes in circumstances. In general, the influence of extreme factors, conditions, situations leads to the emergence of a stressful situation in the body of the operator. Stress – a state of mental stress that occurs in the process of activity in the most difficult and difficult – extreme conditions. In the conclusions of the article, the researcher noted that the behavior of the operator in extreme conditions and situations is characterized by stress, the impact of which is manifested depending on the subjective characteristics of psychophysiological qualities of the operator. Most of them are clearly clearly affected at once. Some, on the contrary, encourage more productive activities. But, in the end, the impact of extreme factors is clearly negative.

In modern realities it is an urgent problem to fully prepare the students universities of the State Fire-Fighting Service of the EMERCOM of Russia for activities in extreme situations. This article analyzes the vocabulary of the study and gives author definitions of such terms as “extremeness”, “extreme situation”, “preparation of students of specialized universities for activities in extreme situations”, and “readiness of students of specialized universities for activities in extreme situations”. The key term of this research is the “readiness of students of specialized universities for activities in extreme situations” which is understood as a system of personal qualities combined with the result of educating a professional to conduct activities in extreme situations, including mature moral-volitional qualities, emotional stability, stress resistance, physical fitness, advanced skills, and learned behavior that are jointly necessary to perform professional tasks in extreme conditions. The article also provides a detailed analysis of the educational conditions that are needed to effectively implement the author's system of preparing students of specialized universities for activities in extreme situations”. Such conditions are: (1) the reflective and value-based orientation as a condition for the formation of readiness for the said activities; (2) the formation in students of the diversified forecasting skills; (3) the introduction of optional Training for Extreme and Emergency Situations course into the educational program of specialized universities. The experimental work confirmed the effectiveness of the formulated educational conditions. The identified criteria showed a positive trend in the readiness of students for activities in extreme situations.

Introduction. The article explores the characteristics of the professional environment of penitentiary staff, in particular, work contradictions, risks and uncertainties. Aim. To study the manifestation of extreme situations in penitentiary institutions and to determine the penitentiary staff's psychological readiness for extreme professional situations Methods. Theoretical analysis, classification, systematization, and generalization of relevant research findings available in scientific psychological literature. Results. Penitentiary staff should be prepared to take adequate actions in responding to extreme situations that may occur in penitentiary institutions. The penitentiary staff's effectiveness in extreme situations depends on staff's psychological stability and readiness. The types of extreme work conditions in penitentiary institutions include conflict and aggressive situations, situations that require prompt and urgent response with a lack of relevant professional opportunities, situations of unpredictability, and unexpected situations. Self-control, emotional balance, calmness and attention concentration are important for maintaining penitentiary staff's mental health in extreme situations. The penitentiary staff's psychological readiness for extreme situations includes orientational, evaluative, volitional, and operational components. Conclusions. Good development and coordination of all components of the penitentiary staff's psychological readiness for extreme situations are reliable indicators of the penitentiary staff's psychological work readiness, activity, independence, and a creative approach to work, which corresponds to the concept of professional competence. There is a need for penitentiary staff's psychological support in developing their psychological readiness for extreme situations with the help of a special set of psychological trainings.

The article presents the theoretical and empirical study on tolerance to stress of people working in extreme working conditions (patrol officers). The main discussed question is: what characteristics should be develop, so that an individual can adequately respond without painful personality destruction in stressful situations, when known ways of social behavior do not work? The built theoretical-conceptual platform of the studied problem allowed us to put forward the study purpose: to determine and explore personality traits that can be useful in extreme working conditions. The article present the results of the following study tasks: to analyze theoretically the problem and  generalize the basic personal traits useful in extreme work situations; to investigate empirically with corresponding test indicators the emotional and cognitive characteristics of patrol officers’ stress tolerance; to analyze discovered correlations. The empirical study was carried out on the basis the author’s “Personality Stress Resistance Model” developed with the aim of using by psychologists at their practical work with stressed clients. The model includes the following components of tolerance to stress: psychophysiological, emotional, cognitive, and integrative. The author, on the basis of a systematic approach, revealed important aspects of tolerance to stress that must be taken into account during selection of patrol officers for the National Police. The performed empirical study showed importance of “job satisfaction” as an emotional component of stress tolerance. The relationships of emotional and cognitive components were also determined: as a combination of motivation for work, communicative competence, self-regulation and the chosen coping strategies for interactions with citizens. Communicative competence, which means knowledge of communicative norms and rules, corresponding techniques, is a component of socio-psychological competence. Communicative competence determines the quality of an individual’s communication and includes such components as the communicative person qualities, characterizing need for communication, attitudes to communicative methods and communicative abilities - to accept an initiative in communication, be active, respond emotionally to communicative partners’ states, formulate and implement individual communicative program. Therefore, the author concluded that it is important at the stage of selection officers, who will work at extreme conditions, to choose such specialists who can be emotionally satisfied from the labor process; the necessary conditions should also be created to improve work motivation; and only then, we can develop patrol officers’ tolerance to stress. Self-regulation is determined as an important personal quality that must be developed at people having extreme professions. As for patrol officers, self-regulation means changes taking place within the framework of existing rules, norms, stereotypes. &nbsp

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) is a cardiovascular pathology promising for consideration as a clinical model of premature aging of the body. According to the literature, sirtuins-1, 2, 3, 6; melatonin and its receptors (MT-1 and MT-2); markers of cellular aging (proteins p16, p21) and apoptosis (BAX) may have clinical significance for assessing premature aging of the body on the DCMP model. A comparative study of the expression of these molecules in people of different ages, depending on the presence of DCMP, has not been conducted before. The aim of the study: To identify and compare molecular profiles by the level of expression of the studied signaling molecules in the buccal epithelium and autopsy material of the myocardium in people of different ages with the absence of cardiovascular diseases and the presence of dilated cardiomyopathy. Materials and methods: A study of buccal epithelium (174 people) and autopsy material of myocardium (175 people) in patients aged 45-89 years for the expression of signaling molecules: sirtuins 1, 2, 3, 6, proteins p16, p21 and BAX, was conducted. Methods of immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical studies were used. Groups of middle, elderly and senile age with DCMP and without a history of cardiovascular pathology were identified. Results: Characteristic changes in the molecular profile (the level of the studied signaling molecules) in the buccal epithelium associated with age and the presence of DCMP were revealed: in middle–aged patients – a decrease in the expression of sirtuins 3 and 6 by 2,2-2,3 times, melatonin by 1,8 times and its receptors by 1,4-2,5 times; in elderly patients – a decrease in the expression of sirtuins 1 and 3 by 2,5 times; sirtuin 2 by 2,3 times; melatonin and its receptors by 1,4-1,8 times; in elderly patients – a decrease in the expression of sirtuins 3 and 6 by 3,0-4,7 times; sirtuins 1 and 2 by 6,7-7,3 times; melatonin by 2,8 times; MT-1 – 4,1 times and MT-2 – 23,7 times. An increase in the expression of p16 and BAX proteins by 0,6-0,8 times in the buccal epithelium has additional diagnostic information in the diagnosis of DCMP in individuals of different age groups. There is a correlation between changes in the expression of these molecules in the buccal epithelium and the autopsy material of the myocardium. Conclusion: Molecular profiles in people of different age groups, determined by the level of expression of the studied signaling molecules, significantly differ depending on the presence of DCMP. It is characteristic that the direction of changes in the buccal epithelium is similar to the corresponding molecular profile in the autopsy material of the myocardium.

The overall aim of this study was to investigate whether time pressure and verbal provocation has any effect on physiological and psychological reactions during work with a computer mouse. It was hypothesised that physiological reactions other than muscle activity (i.e. wrist movements, forces applied to the computer mouse) would not be affected when working under stressful conditions. Fifteen subjects (8 men and 7 women) participated, performing a standardised text-editing task under stress and control conditions. Blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, electromyography, a force-sensing computer mouse and electrogoniometry were used to assess the physiological reactions of the subjects. Mood ratings and ratings of perceived exertion were used to assess their psychological reactions. The time pressure and verbal provocation (stress situation) resulted in increased physiological and psychological reactions compared with the two control situations. Heart rate, blood pressure and muscle activity in the first dorsal interosseus, right extensor digitorum and right trapezius muscles were greater in the stress situation. The peak forces applied to the button of the computer mouse and wrist movements were also affected by condition. Whether the increases in the physiological reactions were due to stress or increased speed/productivity during the stress situation is discussed. In conclusion, work with a computer mouse under time pressure and verbal provocation (stress conditions) led to increased physiological and psychological reactions compared to control conditions.

Rescue behavior is considered a type of pro-social response, defined as a voluntary action directed to benefit another individual who is in a stressful or dangerous situation. In two experiments, we investigated whether dogs would rescue their owners when the person was trapped inside a wooden box and emitted clear signs of stress. The performance of these dogs was compared against that of a control group in which the owners remained calm while trapped. In addition, to assess if training modulated this behavior, we tested a group of dogs from the military trained in search and rescue tasks (Experiment 1). Results showed that dogs opened the box more frequently when the owner pretended to be stressed than when calm. Training shortened latencies to open the door but not the frequency of the behavior. In Experiment 2, we investigated if emotional contagion could be a possible mechanism underlying dogs' rescue responses by measuring dogs' behavior, heart rate, and saliva cortisol level in the stressed and calm conditions, and also controlled for obedience by having the calm owners call their pets while trapped. We replicated the findings of Experiment 1 as more dogs opened the door in the stressed owner condition than in the calm condition. In addition, we observed an increase in heart rate across trials in the stressed condition and a decrease across trials in the calm condition, but no differences in cortisol levels or stress-related behaviors between conditions. In brief, we found evidence that approximately half of the dogs without previous training showed spontaneous rescue behaviors directed to their owners. Neither was this behavior motivated by obedience nor by the motivation to re-establish social contact with the owner. We conclude that emotional contagion is a plausible mechanism underlying dogs' rescue behavior in the present protocol.

This paper is devoted to consideration of the concept about coping strategies and their varieties; the specifics of the seafarers work as a sphere of an extreme situation; the concept of personal characteristics and protective mechanisms. The object of the study is the relationship of the personal characteristics of seafarers with the choice of coping strategies. The subject of the research is coping strategies as a system of psychological defense mechanisms and patterns of overcoming behavior in seafarers. The problems of strategies of stress-overcoming are considered on the example of the professional work of maritime transport workers. Serious attention is paid to the study of the relationship of strategies of stress-overcoming behavior that an individual applies with his/her emotional state and success in social and other spheres of life. The stress conditions and the complex specific nature of the activities of the maritime transport worker have been determined, which to a large extent predetermine the need for psychological components of readiness for this kind of service. Stressful conditions and complex nature of the activities of the maritime transport worker largely determine the need for psychological components of readiness for this kind of service. The specifics of the seafarers work is such that this type of activity is of particular interest when studying a person who is in an extreme situation, which is the field of activity of water transport specialists.The specificity of the activity is associated with social isolation, sensory isolation, cumulative effects of rolling and vibration, climate-zonal contrasts, round-the-clock work, increased intensity, intensity of work and requires the concentration of physical and psychological forces from a professional. Expeditionary-rotational method of organizing the work of seafarers, the repeated movement of ships over long distances with the intersection of several time zones make high demands on the human body due to changes in seasonal and daily rhythms against the background of an incomplete adaptation of man to the changed environmental conditions. All these and a number of other factors affect everyone on board. Meanwhile, the majority of maritime educational institutions are mainly engaged only in the training of specialists and practically do not deal with issues related to the mental health of seafarers.Using the methods of theoretical analysis, the mechanism of a person’s psychological coping in difficult life situations is considered, which largely determines the effectiveness of his socio-psychological adaptation to changing environmental conditions. The features of stress-overcoming behavior in the professional field of seafarers are analyzed. We emphasized the need to improve the professional level, the ability to resist all sorts of difficulties, the search for a way out of difficult situations, the use of non-standard solutions, the implementation of emotional control over themselves. The correlation interrelation of types of psychological defenses with behavioral characteristics in the professional activities of seafarers is considered. It is indicated that the need primarily for emotional support is manifested in the desire to be listened to, to receive an empathetic answer, to share with someone their experiences. The factor of search for mainly effective support is noted, the leading one of which is the need. The purpose of the study is due to the study of the relationship of personality characteristics and coping-behavior of sailors in a stressful situation. Thus, according to the primary results of the study, the following conclusions can be drawn: it is customary to understand the constantly changing behavioral and cognitive attempts of a person to cope with special internal or external requirements, estimated as stress or exceeding the individual’s ability to overcome them. The highest rate about selectivity of the negation strategies and regression among sailors followed by substitution and intellectualization, as well as repression, projection and reactive formation. The lowest indicator of the chosen compensation strategy is also highlighted.Also affected the problem of nautical educational institutions that are engaged in the preparation of future specialists, but do not pay enough attention to issues related to the mental health of seafarers.

Human activity is a continuous functioning in a constantly changing environment. Humans are carriers of many different properties, which are clearly manifested in different activities. The vital activity of an individual depends on the functional activity of all body systems. The article examines the psychophysical properties of an individual, substantiates the definition of “psychophysical potential” of a person, assesses the compliance with modern labor standards and possible protection against premature somatic diseases. A standard set of regulated “units of action” (tests) and biometric indicators is proposed on the basis of which a numerical assessment of the biological, mental, and physical activity properties of an individual is performed. The methodology of converting the actual indicators of the body into a system of one-dimensional indices is substantiated, with the help of which the integrated index of the psychophysical potential of people of different ages is algorithmically calculated.

Most prospective coaches are not fully ready to manage sports teams under extreme conditions and cannot make quick decisions in difficult situations. The article aims to develop students’ psychological readiness to make decisions in extreme coaching situations. The formative experiment involved 50 students (25 respondents in the experimental group; 25 respondents in the control group). It became possible to develop operational readiness in prospective coaches by conducting special classes on the development of decision-making skills, self-reflection, self-regulation (theoretical classes and a set of exercises aimed at developing the necessary qualities). The final stage of the experiment shows that the number of EG students with a high level of anxiety has decreased by 16%. At the same time, the expert assessment shows that their capacity for self-regulation in extremely competitive situations has increased by 20%. The group of students’ leading motives includes the following: to achieve the set goals; to win; to enjoy the team’s victory; to prove oneself and test one’s abilities as a coach in extreme situations. In extreme professional situations, the leading motives behind coaches’ decisions involve achieving the set goals and enjoying the team’s victory. There were no significant differences in decision-making motivation among students (both males and females). However, almost every third student has a low level of motivation for competition.

The article discusses individual psychological characteristics that determine the psychological readiness for action in extreme conditions. The authors define the concepts of «psychological readiness» and «extreme situations», as well as the features of extreme situations. The purpose of the study is to identify the individual psychological characteristics of law enforcement officers that affect the psychological readiness for action in extreme conditions, as well as their dependence on the duration of service. The practical significance of the study lies in the identification of psychological characteristics that affect the psychological readiness for activities in the event of a threat to life and health and, thus, the expansion of knowledge in the field of psychology of safety and human behavior in extreme and emergency situations. The study sample consisted of law enforcement officers who, in their professional activities, face situations of threat to life and health. The work reveals individual psychological characteristics of law enforcement officers operating in extreme conditions. According to the results of the study, it has been revealed that the duration of service is interconnected with the following individual psychological characteristics: friendliness, communicativeness, caution, activity level, demonstrativeness, aggressiveness.

There are many examples of crises and catastrophes in the history of mankind. Almost the entire spectrum of natural disasters is possible in Kazakhstan. In particular, earthquakes, floods, fires in forests and steppes, snowstorms, and others. In all mountain and foothill zones, there is a danger of landslides, the threat of snow drift. In addition, there are situations that have arisen for man-made reasons. These catastrophes are the result of human activity. Such extreme situations require the concentration of all physical and psychological capabilities of a person. This is especially important for military personnel who often operate in extreme or critical conditions. Psychological readiness to solve such situations gives the individual confidence in the correctness of their own actions and, in the end, leads to a successful result. The purpose of this article is to present the results of research in the framework of a master's thesis. The main focus is on the analysis of the features of psychological training of military personnel to act in an extreme situation. The studied problem is revealed by the authors from the point of view of modern approaches to the psychological training of military personnel in a critical situation. The research methods used (analysis, generalization, experiment) allowed us to reveal the depth of the problem relevant to military psychology. The research is based on the results of modern research by Kazakh and foreign scientists. Approaches to the interpretation of the essence of the content of the concept "extreme situation" are considered, and the factors that determine the specifics of psychological training of military personnel to act in a crisis are highlighted. The concept of "psychological readiness of military personnel to work in critical (extreme) situations" is defined. Statistical results of the experiment are presented. The experimental activity carried out in the course of experimental work has a high practical significance, since it was successfully tested through the implementation of the work of the military unit 3176 "K" in Pavlodar and can be used in the psychological training of military personnel. The article is devoted to the actual problem of psychology. The results presented in the article may be useful for military psychologists.