Cognitive Stress Research Articles

Predictors of parental stress in families with gifted children: The role of cognitive and emotional challenges

This study examines the unique challenges of raising gifted children, focusing on two child-related risk factors for parental stress: cognitive asynchrony and stress management abilities. Path analysis revealed that poor stress management in children is associated with greater parental stress, as measured by the Difficult Child (DC) and Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction (PCDI) scales of the Parenting Stress Index. Cognitive discrepancies, particularly between Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and Processing Speed Index (PSI), were found to increase maternal stress but not paternal stress, highlighting a differential impact on parents. Additionally, the study identified a spillover effect, in which stress in one parent influences the other, amplifying family stress. These findings suggest that cognitive and emotional factors act as independent sources of stress, underscoring the need for interventions tailored to families of gifted children, with a focus on enhancing emotional competence to promote resilience and family well-being.

Evaluating a novel clinical reasoning tool for physical therapy students: A pilot study.

This paper explores the use of the Anticipate-Plan-Pause Clinical Reasoning (APP CR) Tool to enhance clinical reasoning (CR) in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Current pedagogical methods often inadequately integrate CR abilities in a manner that is both engaging and effective. Drawing on several theoretical frameworks, the APP CR Tool was integrated into an interactive module for DPT students, aiming to improve CR abilities while reducing cognitive load and stress during high-stakes simulations. A randomised controlled trial was conducted with nine DPT students, divided into a control group (n = 5) and an intervention group (n = 4). Both groups used an interactive module with case-based scenarios, but only the intervention group used the APP CR Tool. Improvements in CR abilities and reduced stress and cognitive load were observed in both groups. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the groups. Despite this, a trend toward greater improvements in CR abilities was noted in the intervention group (p = 0.084). Further research is needed to validate these findings and refine the tool. The APP CR Tool shows potential for enhancing CR in DPT students, although its current application may require refinement to achieve statistically significant results. Educators should consider iterative improvements to the tool and its curriculum integration to better support CR development.

Experimental Periodontitis Increases Anxious Behavior and Worsens Cognitive Aspects and Systemic Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats.

Periodontitis (PD) has the potential to induce systemic changes that affect both physical and behavioral aspects. These alterations may be associated with changes in both the inflammatory profile and the oxidative stress status of individuals with PD. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of PD on oxidative stress, as well as on behavioral parameters and cognitive impairment, in a preclinical model. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to PD and sham groups. PD was induced by the ligature protocol for 14 days. Behavioral tests were initiated on the 9th day of the experiment to evaluate anxious behavior and cognition (learning and memory). After euthanasia, oxidative stress was evaluated in the gums, blood, hippocampus, and amygdala. Alveolar bone loss, bone microstructure, and elemental compositions of the mandibular bone were also assessed. PD increased alveolar bone loss, reduced the calcium and phosphorus content in the mandibular bone, and increased anxiety-like behavior and cognitive decline (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PD significantly affected the redox balance, as evidenced by increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the gingiva and hippocampus (p < 0.05). It also led to increased lipid peroxidation in the gingiva and erythrocytes (p < 0.05), decreased antioxidant defenses in erythrocytes (superoxide dismutase) and the hippocampus (catalase), and increased antioxidant activity (catalase) in the amygdala (p < 0.05). PD resulted in cognitive alterations, including impairments in spatial learning and memory, as well as increased anxious behavior, likely due to redox imbalance in rats.

Is the Mannheim Multicomponent Stress Test a viable alternative to the Trier Social Stress Test?

BackgroundThe Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a widely used laboratory protocol to study acute stress reactivity, a hallmark of which is a meaningful increase in saliva cortisol (> 2.5 nmol/L) in most individuals, reflecting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation. The Mannheim Multicomponent Stress Test (MMST) has potential as a low staff burden alternative to the TSST, with one study showing statistically significant increases in subjective stress, heart rate and saliva cortisol; however, uncertainty remains about the meaningfulness of these psychobiological responses. ObjectiveTo assess whether the MMST is a viable alternative to the TSST. MethodsUsing a between subjects design, 31 healthy adults were randomised to the standard TSST or the MMST using stratified block randomisation accounting for sex and trait anxiety. The standard TSST consisted of an anticipation phase, followed by a free speech and mental arithmetic task performed in front of a panel of trained actors. The MMST consisted of a computer based Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (cognitive stressor) with additional motivational, emotional, and acoustic stressors in the presence of one unresponsive observer. ResultsGroup x time interactions showed that the MMST induced smaller psychobiological responses compared with the TSST (mixed model ANCOVA, P < 0.05). Post-hoc analyses revealed that the MMST induced a significant yet smaller state anxiety response (score range 20–80, MMST: 47 ± 12 vs. TSST: 57 ± 9; P < 0.01, Cohens d = 0.9) and peak heart rate response (MMST: 98 ± 17 vs. TSST: 110 ± 21 bpm; P < 0.05, Cohens d = 0.6) compared with the TSST. Despite observing stereotypical neuroendocrine responses to the TSST, the MMST did not increase saliva α-amylase or cortisol (Δ saliva cortisol, 0.1 ± 1.1 vs. TSST: 10.3 ± 12.8 nmol/L; between group difference P < 0.01, Cohens d = 1.1). Moreover, meaningful increases in saliva cortisol (> 2.5 nmol/L) were observed in 80% of participants after the TSST but in no participant after the MMST. ConclusionThe Mannheim Multicomponent Stress Test increased state anxiety and heart rate but not saliva cortisol. As such, the present results do not support the utility of the Mannheim Multicomponent Stress Test as a viable alternative to The Trier Social Stress Test.

Cognitive patterns according to mini-mental state examination domains in patients with AF and association with all-cause mortality: a cluster analysis from a contemporary prospective study

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with cognitive impairment even in the absence of previous stroke. However, data on specific patterns of cognitive impairment and their association with outcomes are limited. Purpose We aimed to identify different phenotypic groups of AF patients stratified according to specific cognitive domains using cluster analysis and evaluate the association between identified clusters and adverse outcomes. Methods We used data from a prospective observational study on AF patients excluding those with previous clinically overt stroke. We performed a hierarchical cluster analysis based on Ward’s Method using data from the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) administered during the enrollment. The MMSE includes 6 distinct cognitive domains. We normalized each domain’s score from 0 to 100 to preserve the ranking and the interpretability of the test. Patients’ clusters were identified by examining the distance between cluster coefficients and by visual inspection of the dendrogram. All-cause mortality was the primary endpoint. Results A total of 872 stroke-free AF patients were included. Three clusters based on MMSE domains were identified: Cluster 1 (n=494, 56.7%); Cluster 2 (n=243, 27.9%) and Cluster 3 (n=135, 15.5%). The clusters greatly differed according to the cognitive domains affected and baseline characteristics (Table). The use of oral anticoagulants did not differ among clusters and it was substantially high (88.6%). Cluster 2 had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (37.9% vs 35.6% for Cluster 3 and 1.0% for Cluster 1, p&amp;lt;0.001) with a lower mean MMSE score compared to other clusters. The analysis of MMSE domains showed substantial deficits in the orientation, attention/calculation, and recall domains with peculiar differences among the clusters. Cluster 2 showed the most significant impairment in the copying domain (100%) while Cluster 3 had a higher impairment in attention/calculation and recall domains. After a median follow-up of 629 days, all-cause mortality was 15.9% with a significantly higher prevalence in Cluster 2 (26.9% vs 10.0% and 15.5% for Cluster 1 and Cluster 3 respectively, p&amp;lt;0.001). At the adjusted Cox regression analysis, Cluster 2 was independently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with Cluster 1 (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.82) while Cluster 3 was not independently associated with the outcome (Figure). Conclusions In a prospective observational cohort of stroke-free AF patients, we identified three clusters showing different patterns of cognitive impairment, affecting specific MMSE domains and resulting in a different risk of mortality. Our findings highlight the clinical implications of cognitive impairment and stress the need for a more holistic approach to AF patients including a comprehensive cognitive assessment, as well as the need for studies on interventions able to positively affect cognitive impairment.Figure

Associations between study conditions and students’ mental health: Results from the StudiBiFra study

Abstract Background Study conditions are relevant for university students’ mental health and well-being. Previous research identified single factors associated with mental health, but it remains unclear, which study conditions at higher education institutions should be priority targets for institutional action. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of students’ satisfaction with their study conditions and to analyse their associations with students’ mental health. Methods The cross-sectional StudiBiFra study encompasses data from 24,533 students across 13 higher education institutions in Germany. Data was collected between June 2021 and March 2023 using the Bielefeld Questionnaire on Study Conditions and (Mental) Health. Students rated study conditions in 22 domains and four scales of mental health outcomes. Mean scores for all scales were calculated and linear regressions were used to analyse bivariate associations. Results All domains of study conditions were associated with all domains of students’ men-tal health with regression coefficients ranging from r = 0.21 to r = 0.78. The more satisfied students were with their study conditions, the higher the reported well-being, and the lower the depressive symptoms, cognitive stress symptoms, and exhaustion. The highest associations were found for the domains of study conditions “examinations and academic achievements”, “time requirements”, and “fit of course content/competency development” with highest re-gression coefficients for the outcome of exhaustion. Conclusions The findings reveal significant moderate to high associations for all assessed study conditions with students’ mental health. Institutional action should focus on these study conditions by emphasising topics such as applying competencies during studies and good co-ordination of content and examinations. Thus, decreasing student burden and time pressure has the potential to promote mental well-being. Key messages • Study conditions are significantly associated with students’ mental health. • Higher education institutions should focus on study conditions to promote students’ mental well-being.

Licochalcone A Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in an Alzheimer's Disease Model by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced neurodegeneration has been considered an underlying cause of Alzheimer disease (AD). Here, we investigated the beneficial effects of licochalcone A (Lico A), a valuable flavonoid of the root of the Glycyrrhiza species, against cognitive impairment in AD by regulating ER stress. The triple transgenic mouse AD models were used and were administrated 5 or 15mg/kg Lico A. Cognitive deficits, Aβ deposition, ER stress, and neuronal apoptosis were determined using Morris Water Maze test, probe trial, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and TUNEL staining. To investigate the mechanisms of how Lico A exerts anti-AD effects, primary hippocampal neurons were isolated from the AD model mice and treated with Lico A, salubrinal, an eIF2α phosphatase inhibitor, ML385, a Nrf2 inhibitor, or LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of Lico A (15mg/kg) in AD mice were evaluated. We found that Lico A improved cognitive impairment, decreased Aβ plaques, inhibited ER stress, and reduced neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus and cortex of AD mice. Treatment with Lico A in primary hippocampal neurons exerted the same effects as it did in vivo. Additionally, cotreatment with ML385 or LY294002 significantly impeded the effects of Lico A against ER stress. Moreover, 15mg/kg Lico A had a good bioavailability and low toxicity in AD mice. Our results demonstrated that Lico A ameliorates ER stress-induced neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling, suggesting the therapeutic potential of Lico A in AD treatment.

Application of WeChat-based cognitive behavioural stress management for early-stage cervical cancer patients: a randomised controlled study

Background This randomised controlled study was aimed at investigating the effects of WeChat-based cognitive behavioural stress management (WB-CBSM) on the mental health of patients with early-stage cervical cancer treated with surgical resection. Methods A total of 184 patients with early-stage cervical cancer were randomised to receive either WB-CBSM (n = 92) or normal care (NC) (n = 92) for 8 weeks. Results Compared with the NC group, the WB-CBSM group exhibited reduced Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)–anxiety scores at months (M)1 (t = 2.022, P = 0.045), M3 (t = 2.575, P = 0.011), and M6 (t = 2.709, P = 0.007); anxiety rates at M3 (χ2 = 4.834, P = 0.028) and M6 (χ2 = 5.182, P = 0.023); HADS–depression scores at M3 (t = 2.069, P = 0.040) and M6 (t = 2.449, P = 0.015); and depression rates at M6 (χ2 = 4.268, P = 0.039). Moreover, the WB-CBSM group showed increased Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being scale scores at M1 (t = −2.001, P = 0.047), M3 (t = −2.281, P = 0.024), and M6 (t = −3.501, P = 0.001); the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) global health score at M3 (t = −2.034, P = 0.043) and M6 (t = −2.426, P = 0.016); and QLQ-C30 function score at M3 (t = −2.009, P = 0.046). However, the groups exhibited decreased EuroQol-5 dimension scores at M3 (t = 2.056, P = 0.041) and M6 ((t = 2.242, P = 0.026) and QLQ-C30 symptom scores at M1 (t = 2.026, P = 0.044) and M3 (t = 2.210, P = 0.028). Conclusion WB-CBSM reduced anxiety and depression and improved the spiritual well-being and quality of life of patients with early-stage cervical cancer treated with surgical resection.

Investigating effect chains from cognitive and noise-induced short-term stress build-up to restoration in an urban or nature setting using 360° VR

Population growth and increasing urbanization leads to growing exposure to traffic noise and a decline in accessible green spaces that could promote restoration from noise-induced stress. The objective of this virtual reality laboratory study was to investigate the effect chains of noise and cognitive demand on the build-up of short-term stress, and subsequent restoration in either a natural green or urban built quiet space. Participants were first exposed to road traffic noise of different sound pressure levels (LAeq of 35, 55, or 75 dB), being randomly assigned to passive listening (low cognitive demand) or concurrently performing cognitively demanding tasks (high demand). The stress phase revealed higher levels of perceived stress as well as tonic skin conductance for the high demand over the low demand group, independent of noise exposure. Increasing noise exposure was associated with elevated noise annoyance ratings and lower self-assessed wellbeing. In the subsequent restoration phase, all measures of perceived restoration indicated a clear advantage for green over non-green spaces. Further, participants from the high-demand group who were immersed in the green restorative space displayed significantly lower skin conductance levels than those in the urban built spaces. The findings suggest that exposure to natural green spaces is beneficial for psychological as well as physiological restoration from short-term stress induced by noise and cognitive demand. Our study underlines the important beneficial role of urban green spaces, particularly in densely populated, noisy urban environments.

Romanian Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Behavioral Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (BERQ-RO)

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to adapt the Behavioral Emotion Regulation Questionnaire to the Romanian population and assess its psychometric proprieties. Participants included 399 adults, aged between 18 and 67 years old (M = 25.30, SD = 9.20; 83% females). Related to reliability and construct validity, results showed good indices. Additionally, results replicated the original five-factor structure, including seeking distraction, withdrawal, actively approaching, seeking social support and ignoring. These subscales showed good criterion validity, having significant associations with cognitive emotion regulation strategies, stress, anxiety and depression, and positive and negative affectivity. Furthermore, in terms of predictive validity, seeking distraction and actively approaching negatively predicted six months later symptoms of depression, withdrawal positively predicted six months later symptoms of depression and anxiety, while actively approaching negatively predicted six months later stress. These findings highlight that the Romanian version of the BERQ could be a helpful tool to assess emotion regulation strategies among adults.

Quasi-torpor for long-duration space missions

Innovative solutions are required to make long-duration space missions feasible. Crew performance and health is paramount to the success of anticipated Moon and Mars missions. Metabolic reduction via a quasi-torpor state is a possible mitigation strategy that can reduce consumable payload, which is necessary given the lack of available resupply options, and to reduce psychological stress, which is a risk for such lengthy missions. Even in lunar or cis-lunar missions, a quasi-torpor state could be implemented as an emergency countermeasure for critical situations where life support becomes limited. However, to date no studies have tested a quasi-torpor state in humans, and the impacts of intentional prolonged metabolic reduction on physiological and psychological parameters are unknown. To this end, we planned a three-phase study to provide proof-in-principle of the tolerability, feasibility, and side effects of a non-intravenous alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist for moderate sedation. This was accomplished by 1) determining the dosing and metabolic effects for different non-intravenous routes of alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist drugs; 2) assessing the degree of metabolic reduction and side effects during a 24-h quasi-torpor protocol; and 3) evaluating participant performance and total metabolic reduction achieved over a 5-day quasi-torpor protocol. We also aim to determine how skeletal muscle health and performance are affected by this quasi-torpor state. Quasi-torpor induced changes in skeletal muscle health and performance, as well as impacts on cognition and psychological stress, also have implications for terrestrial situations that result in prolonged confinement (e.g., austere environments such as submarine or remote scientific or military deployment and protracted critical illness). The findings of this three-phase study will be immediately applicable as a rescue strategy for emergencies during current or upcoming space missions. They will also identify key physiological and practical questions that need to be addressed for future deployment in long-duration space missions. This paper reviews the relevant literature that informed our rationale and approaches for this three-phase study.

Syntax, stress and cognitive load, or on syntactic processing in simultaneous interpreting

Abstract This corpus-based study examines the effect of syntactic complexity in the source language on simultaneous interpreters’ cognitive load and stress. Previous studies show contrasting results regarding the source text syntax and cognitive load in interpreting, while the link between syntactic complexity and interpreters’ stress remains unexplored. Our research aims to fill this gap by measuring cognitive load through filled and silent pauses, and stress through fundamental frequency. We evaluated syntactic complexity by calculating dependency distance, i.e., the number of words between syntactically dependent elements. We used PINC, the Polish Interpreting Corpus (Chmiel et al. 2022), as our dataset. We found that higher syntactic complexity in the source text increases stress and cognitive load among interpreters. Additionally, when interpreters produce complex syntax themselves, their stress increases. The study provides empirical evidence for simplification in interpreting and shows that syntactic complexity in interpreters’ own output does not necessarily lead to increased cognitive load.

Effects Of Physical And Cognitive Stressors On Putting Performance In Collegiate Golfers

Effects Of Physical And Cognitive Stressors On Putting Performance In Collegiate Golfers

Evaluating the impact of metabolic and cognitive stress on ghrelin and nesfatin-1 hormones in patients with diabetes and diabetic depression.

Nesfatin-1 and ghrelin, initially recognised as hormones involved in regulating energy, have emerged as crucial players with vital functions in various human body systems. In this study, we conducted a comparative assessment of nesfatin-1 and ghrelin responses in individuals experiencing metabolic stress due to diabetes, those with depressive diabetes characterised by both metabolic and mental stress, and healthy controls. We collected blood samples from a total of 90 participants, consisting of 30 people with type II diabetes mellitus (DM), 30 people with type II DM and major depressive disorders, and 30 healthy individuals. Diabetes was diagnosed based on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, while depression was assessed using DSM-V criteria. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and serum ghrelin and nesfatin-1 levels were measured using ELISA kits. We observed statistically significant decreases in nesfatin-1 and ghrelin levels in the diabetic group (p<0.0001). However, in the depressive diabetic group, nesfatin-1 levels increased significantly, while ghrelin levels decreased further. The nesfatin-1 to ghrelin ratio decreased in the diabetic group but increased significantly in the depressive diabetic group (p<0.0001). Nesfatin-1 and ghrelin hormones exhibit parallel impacts in response to metabolic stress, but nesfatin-1 demonstrates contrasting actions compared to ghrelin when mental stress is added to metabolic stress. The findings of this study suggest that nesfatin-1 and ghrelin hormones may play active roles as protective, prognostic, and even etiological factors in various stress situations, particularly those involving mental stress, in addition to their known functions in regulating energy.

Full of sound and fury.

The subject of noise in the operating theatre was recognized as early as 1972 and has been compared to noise levels on a busy highway. While noise-induced hearing loss in orthopaedic surgery specifically has been recognized as early as the 1990s, it remains poorly studied. As a result, there has been renewed focus in this occupational hazard. Noise level is typically measured in decibels (dB), whereas noise adjusted for human perception uses A-weighted sound levels and is expressed in dBA. Mean operating theatre noise levels range between 51 and 75 dBA, with peak levels between 80 and 119 dBA. The greatest sources of noise emanate from powered surgical instruments, which can exceed levels as high as 140 dBA. Newer technology, such as robotic-assisted systems, contribute a potential new source of noise. This article is a narrative review of the deleterious effects of prolonged noise exposure, including noise-induced hearing loss in the operating theatre team and the patient, intraoperative miscommunication, and increased cognitive load and stress, all of which impact the surgical team's overall performance. Interventions to mitigate the effects of noise exposure include the use of quieter surgical equipment, the implementation of sound-absorbing personal protective equipment, or changes in communication protocols. Future research endeavours should use advanced research methods and embrace technological innovations to proactively mitigate the effects of operating theatre noise.

Exploring the effects of time pressure and distracting elements in an augmented reality game for emergency preparedness

The development of emergency preparedness and response skills is crucial for ensuring individual safety and well-being during natural disasters. Realistic and engaging games can effectively promote these skills. This paper explores the impact of introducing additional game objects as distractors and time pressure on user experience and willingness to prepare for emergencies in an Augmented Reality (AR) game. Additional, distracting game elements and time pressure are included in the game scenario to simulate the cognitive demands and stress experienced in real emergency situations. To investigate the impact of distracting game elements and time pressure, a within-subjects study was conducted with 52 participants who played two different versions of an AR game designed to help locate recommended items for an emergency grab bag. In the first version, participants focused solely on finding the recommended items, while in the second version, distractors and a timer were introduced to emphasize the urgency of packing the bag. The results showed no significant difference in user experience between the two versions. However, the version with time pressure and distractors demonstrated a significant improvement in attitudes and perceived behavioral control regarding immediate actions in response to evacuation warnings. Qualitative feedback from participants supported these effects. These findings suggest new directions for further research and highlight the potential of AR games to enhance emergency response strategies.

"Monitoring inflammatory, immune system mediators, and mitochondrial changes related to brain metabolism during space flight".

The possibility of impaired cognitive function during deep space flight missions or while living on a Martian colony is a critical point of concern and pleads for further research. In addition, a fundamental gap exists both in our understanding and application of countermeasures for the consequences of long duration space travel and/or living in an extreme environment such as on the Moon or Mars. Previous studies, while heavily analyzing pre- and post-flight conditions, mostly fail to appreciate the cognitive stressors associated with space radiation, microgravity, confinement, hostile or closed environments, and the long distances from earth. A specific understanding of factors that affect cognition as well as structural and/or physiological changes in the brains of those on a space mission in addition to new countermeasures should result in improved health of our astronauts and reduce risks. At the core of cognitive changes are mechanisms we typically associate with aging, such as inflammatory responses, changes in brain metabolism, depression, and memory impairments. In fact, space flight appears to accelerate aging. In this review, we will discuss the importance of monitoring inflammatory and immune system mediators such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and mitochondrial changes related to brain metabolism. We conclude with our recommended countermeasures that include pharmacological, metabolic, and nutritional considerations for the risks on cognition during space missions.

A Research Analysis On Cognitive Stress Management of Employed Women in India

Women in India have demonstrated their abilities in the workplace. However, their success is rooted in a history of struggle and the pursuit of freedom within traditional social structures. Despite their evolving roles in the workforce, women have also maintained their commitment to traditional household responsibilities. In the workplace, individuals have encountered significant stress, however they persistently strive to achieve their desired professional path in the current period. Stress is an inevitable aspect that affects every facet of workers. The majority of women have been seeking a way to alleviate tension. By examining the intersection of traditional expectations and modern aspirations, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities faced by working women in India. Through interviews and case studies, the researchers hope to shed light on the ways in which women navigate societal norms while striving for professional success. While it is important to understand the challenges faced by working women, it is equally crucial to recognize that solutions may not always be transferable across different cultural contexts. Additionally, focusing solely on individual experiences may overlook systemic barriers that perpetuate gender inequality in the workplace. Ultimately, the goal is to empower women to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential in both their careers and personal lives. In this research, an attempt has been made to explore various strategies that women use to overcome stress and how it can be made as a mandatory solution in all companies. This empirical study identifies the various strategies which has been followed by women and the companies in relieving the stress and thereby creating a productive atmosphere.

Alleviation of physiological stress response by apple aroma

ABSTRACT Objective The study evaluated the potential of apple aroma to alleviate physiological stress response induced by a short-term cognitive stressor. It investigated the effects of apple aroma on cardiac and peripheral autonomic nervous system activity under stressful conditions. Methods Within-subject experiments were conducted with 25 healthy male university students with a 30-minute calculation task under three conditions: Apple, Chamomile (CHA), and Di propylene glycol (DPG) (scentless air). The aroma administration was precisely controlled and counterbalanced. Cardiac activity on electrocardiograms and nose tip temperature were recorded throughout the experiment. A visual analog scale and a scent questionnaire were subjective measures. Results Apple aroma demonstrated a significantly smaller increase in heart rate (t [24] = 3.36, p = 0.008 vs. DPG, t [24] = 4.06, p = 0.001 vs. CHA), and a decrease in the high-frequency component of heart rate variability (t [24] = 2.81, p = 0.029 vs. DPG, t [24] = 3.48, p = 0.006 vs. CHA) compared to the other conditions, representing a smaller enhancement of cardiac sympathetic nervous system activity and smaller suppression of cardiac parasympathetic nervous system activity respectively. Conclusion Apple aroma showed efficacy in alleviating the physiological stress response in terms of cardiac activity. Apple was also considered significantly preferable and comfortable compared to the other conditions, which would be beneficial in the context of aromatherapy.

Effects of Vibroacoustic Stimulation on Psychological, Physiological, and Cognitive Stress.

Global stress is widespread in today's post-pandemic world of political and economic uncertainty. Vibroacoustic technology is a vibrotactile intervention with multiple uses, but its impact on stress lacks interpretation. This research assessed if the vibroacoustic technology of a Vibroacoustic Sound Massage (VSM) can reduce psychological, physiological, and cognitive stress. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) biosignals were used to quantify results. Participants were divided into Low-Stress and High-Stress groups. The ECG results show VSM increased parasympathetic activity for all participants, with the Low-Stress group being more affected. The EEG results indicate increased concentration, reduced arousal, and increased relaxation, with participant well-being non-significantly affected, though variability in this metric was homogenised after VSM. Together, these results validate VSM as an effective support tool for stress management; however, further research is required.