Brief periods of offline wakeful rest following learning reliably enhance declarative memory consolidation and retention compared to online cognitively demanding post-encoding tasks. The influence of individual differences, including affective states, on this process remains under-researched, but emerging evidence suggests that trait anxiety may play a moderating role in rest effects on memory. The contribution of state anxiety - during both offline and online states - to awake consolidation remains to be established. The present study investigated whether state anxiety during post-learning wakeful rest and task engagement influences declarative memory consolidation. In a counterbalanced repeated-measures design, adults with no clinical presentation of anxiety encoded wordlists followed by either a wakeful rest period or an active task. State anxiety was measured during each post-encoding condition using a standardised self-report scale, and delayed recognition was used to assess memory retention via a signal detection approach. As expected, hit rates were modestly higher following wakeful rest than task engagement although overall recognition sensitivity (d') did not differ significantly. Crucially, hit rates and d' scores following wakeful rest varied non-linearly with state anxiety: moderate anxiety impaired memory, whereas low and high anxiety preserved it. No such non-linear relationship was observed for false alarm rates or for any memory outcomes in the task engagement condition, and contrary to previous research, trait anxiety did not influence memory. These findings suggest that while wakeful rest supports awake consolidation, the internal affective state - specifically moderate levels of anxiety - may disrupt the mental processes conducive to early memory stabilisation.

Childhood abuse and neglect have been linked to increased inflammation in adulthood. Psychological pathways that lead from abuse and neglect to inflammation have been seldom identified. Abuse and neglect may impact traits such as trait anger and trait anxiety, which in turn, influence emotion regulation thus leading to a psychological cascade that results in heightened levels of inflammation. Trait anxiety and trait anger, and suppression and reappraisal were examined as pathways between abuse and neglect and inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Longitudinal data from the Midlife Development in the United States study were used to analyze a sample of 317 adults within a structural equation modeling framework. Neglect was associated with elevated levels of C-reactive protein through higher levels of trait anger and higher levels of emotional suppression. The effects of abuse were not significant. Findings of the study indicate that experiences of childhood neglect, but not abuse, appear to initiate a psychological cascade that results in elevated C-reactive protein. Neglect leads to raised levels of trait anger which, in turn, increases emotional suppression. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Loneliness, anxiety, and alcohol use across age and sex: The role of emotional regulation.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex is being discussed as an adjunct to therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). The effectiveness of tDCS in PD remains controversial, and there are no data evaluating the efficacy and safety of tDCS in PD in our country. Objective: to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a course of anodal tDCS applied to the primary motor cortex as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen for patients with stage II–III PD according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale, including its effects on motor, cognitive and affective symptoms, as well as the safety and tolerability of the method. Material and methods. A prospective, randomised, controlled trial was conducted involving 46 patients with idiopathic PD (25 men and 21 women; mean age 63.9 ± 11.2 years). The main group (n = 24) received 10 sessions of anodal tDCS to the M1 region (2 mA, 20 min, daily, for 2 weeks), whilst the control group (n = 22) received sham stimulation. The following parameters were assessed before and after the course: motor (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale – UPDRS; Activity of Daily Living – ADL), cognitive (Montreal Cognitive Assessment – MoCA; Frontal Assessment Battery – FAB; Trail Making Test, Parts A and B – TMT-A, TMT-B; Cue Sensitivity Index of the free recall test with selective cues – CSI) and affective (Starkstein Apathy Scale; Geriatric Depression Scale – GDS; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory – STAI). Results. After covariate adjustment, a statistically significant between-group advantage of active tDCS was found for 8 of 11 assessed outcomes: UPDRS-III (d = -0.49; p < 0.01), ADL (d = -0.59; p = 0.016), apathy (d = -1.07; p < 0.01), depression according to GDS (d = -0.63; p = 0.013), trait anxiety according to STAI (d = -0.67; p = 0.018), state anxiety according to STAI (d = -0.58; p = 0.041), TMT-A (d = -1.00; p = 0.025), and MoCA (d = 0.52; p = 0.024). The most pronounced effects were observed for apathy and TMT-A. No statistically significant between-group differences after adjustment were found for TMT-B (d = -0.39; p = 0.188), FAB (d = -0.25; p = 0.095), and CSI (d = 0.34; p = 0.29). No serious adverse events were recorded throughout the study period. Conclusion. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex has a high safety profile and may be considered as an adjunctive method in the comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with stage II–III PD, with the most pronounced effects observed in the affective domain and in terms of cognitive processing speed.

In cases of chronic non-specific neck and low back pain (CNLBP), where emotional disorders are identified, the involvement of a psychiatrist in patient management is considered. However, the effectiveness of this approach in patients with CNLBP and a confirmed anxiety or depressive disorder (F41, F33, F32) remains insufficiently studied. Objective: To conduct a comparative evaluation of the efficacy of a comprehensive approach (involving a psychiatrist, an educational programme incorporating elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and personalised therapeutic exercise) versus a standard approach in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) in patients diagnosed with an anxiety or depressive disorder (F41, F33, F32) by a psychiatrist. Material and methods. The study included 55 patients with CNLBP and anxiety (F41) or depressive disorder (F33, F32), who were randomized into two groups. The first group (comprehensive therapy – CT) consisted of patients (n=27) who received a comprehensive (multimodal) approach, including the involvement of a psychiatrist in patient management, 6 sessions of an individualized educational programme incorporating elements of CBT delivered by a certified specialist in chronic pain and emotional disorders, 4–5 individual sessions of therapeutic exercise (TE) with the development of a personalized exercise regimen, and recommendations on workplace ergonomics. The standard therapy (ST) group comprised patients (n = 28) who were treated using a standard therapy protocol (optimisation of drug therapy, a one-off educational programme to improve physical activity, and standard kinesiotherapy). The study protocol involved 6 months of therapy and fol-low-up with efficacy assessments at three time points – 1, 3 and 6 months after the start of treatment. A numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess pain intensity; the Spielberger test, which assesses state (ST) and trait (TT) anxiety, and the Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess anxiety and depressive disorders. The SF-12 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life, taking into account the division of this questionnaire into summary scales for physical (PCS-12) and mental health (MCS-12). To determine the impact of neck pain (NP), the Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used; to assess the impact of low back pain (LBP) on daily activities, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire was used. Results. Against the background of treatment, a more significant decrease in pain intensity according to the NRS was noted in the CT group than in the ST group – respectively, for NP to 1.46 ± 0.75 and 2.92 ± 1.0 after 3 months (p < 0.001) and to 0.69 ± 0.72 and 3.0 ± 1.41 after 6 months (p < 0.001), for LBP 2.04 ± 0.86 and 3.29 ± 1.31 after 3 months (p < 0.001), and to 1.04 ± 0.91 and 3.29 ± 1.48 after 6 months (p < 0.001), a decrease in functional impairment according to the Oswestry questionnaire to 15.57 ± 3.55 and 27.62 ± 3.27 after 3 months (p < 0.001) and up to 10.22 ± 2.54 and 29.67 ± 4.24 after 6 months (p < 0.001), a decrease in functional impairment according to the NDI to 12.54 ± 4.36 and 23.38 ± 4.5 after 3 months (p < 0.001) and up to 8.08 ± 2.81 and 25.23 ± 4.95 after 6 months (p < 0.001), an improvement in the quality of life according to PCS to 46.04 ± 4.31 and 43.21 ± 4.04 after 3 months (p < 0.05) and up to 50.07 ± 3.27 and 43.57 ± 3.17 after 6 months (p < 0.001), an improvement in the quality of life according to MCS to 47.3 ± 4.31 and 44.57 ± 3.13 after 3 months (p < 0.05) and up to 50.56 ± 2.86 and 44.75 ± 2.63 after 6 months (p < 0.001). During therapy, no significant differences were found between the CT and ST groups according to the Beck Depression Inventory, ST and TT, in both groups an improvement in the indicators was observed over time, however, when comparing the survey indicators after 3 and 6 months, the CT group showed a statistically significant improvement according to the Beck Depression Inventory (p = 0.04), while in the ST group no further changes were noted (p = 0.14). Conclusion. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach (involving a psychiatrist) to the treatment of patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) and mental health disorders (anxiety and depressive disorders) leads to a more significant reduction in pain and an improvement in functional activity. Prescribed drug therapy for mental disorders improved the improvement in pain, functional activity and quality of life in the long term.

The RBFOX1 regulatory gene network contributes to major depressive disorder, anxiety, irritability and neuroticism.

Introduction. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), both invasive and non-invasive, has demonstrated significant effects on emotional states in various psychiatric and neurological disorders, with evidence supporting its role in improving mood, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall quality of life. Despite demonstrated effectiveness, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation has a set of shortcomings and unsolved technical problems. Aim.We aimed to examine an individual threshold of vagus nerve stimulation for minimizing the negative impact of everyday job-related stress. Materials and methods.A total of 14 volunteers, 40 ± 13.75 years, were recruited for the study. We used a combination of pleasant meditative classical music and a slow bi-polar wave of non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the auricular area (BrainPatch platform for non-invasive stimulation). The set of 7 neuromodulation sessions was performed during staff work hours. Psychological testing included State and Trait Anxiety (STAI), psychological stress level (PSM-25), severity of emotional burnout (MBI), depressive symptomatology (IDS), generalized anxiety (GAD-7), and experienced positive and negative emotions (PANAS). Results. VNS leads to significant decreases in depression, generalized anxiety, and State Anxiety scores. Due to the large variability of the data and a generally fairly low level of burnout in the sample, the detected changes were not statistically significant. Our data indicate that the first signs of improvement in psychoemotional state (decrease in Negative Affect scores and the increase in Positive Affect) are observed after three sessions of threshold stimulation, with improvements maintained at follow-up for the final day. Conclusions.The proposed approach to selecting an effective stimulation regimen proves its validity. An individual threshold has demonstrated significant therapeutic effects of taVNS on emotion regulation, depression, and anxiety. BrainPatch non-invasive stimulation technology demonstrates potential for reducing depression symptoms, anxiety, and improving mood, making it a promising intervention for individuals experiencing stress and burnout.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to examine the association between competitive trait anxiety and coping skills, adjusting for gender and type of sport. The observational cross-sectional design encompassed 445 male and female athletes aged 12–17 years from both individual and team sports. The assessment of competitive trait anxiety was conducted utilizing the Sport Anxiety Scale-2, while the evaluation of coping skills was verified by the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory. Linear regressions were employed to assess the associations between anxiety (dependent variable) and coping skills (independent variable), with gender and sport type designated as adjustment variables. The results indicated that somatic anxiety exhibited an inverse relationship with concentration and freedom from worry and was higher in females and team-sport athletes; Worry was negatively associated with coping with adversity, confidence and achievement motivation, and freedom from worry and was higher in team-sport athletes; concentration disruption was inversely related to confidence and achievement motivation, concentration, freedom from worry, and coachability; finally, total competitive anxiety was negatively associated with confidence and achievement motivation, concentration, and freedom from worry, and was higher in females. In conclusion, the findings indicated an inverse relationship between various coping skills and dimensions of competitive trait anxiety, suggesting that athletes who demonstrated stronger coping abilities tended to report lower levels of anxiety. These findings suggest the significance of psychological skills training in enhancing coping resources and reducing competitive trait anxiety.

ABSTRACT Math anxiety (MA) refers to negative feelings when thinking about and performing math. We tested a novel intervention to explore whether animal-assisted education can reduce MA and improve math performance using a math-targeted therapy dog approach. Our initial pilot study showed significant reductions in math trait anxiety, leading to a larger investigation using a mixed measures design. The sample included 201 students (57 intervention group) aged 6–9 years from two international schools in Mauritius. Across sessions, children in the intervention group showed consistent, statistically reliable reductions in both general state anxiety and math state anxiety from pre- to post-session, indicating immediate emotion regulation effects. Math state anxiety also decreased from baseline to endpoint. Math performance improved more over time in the intervention group than in the control group. Math trait anxiety decreased over time, with larger descriptive reductions in the intervention group; however, baseline differences between groups mean that evidence for a specific effect on math trait anxiety remains inconclusive. This research offers a novel approach to addressing math anxiety in the classroom, with findings demonstrating that short, adaptable interventions can be effectively implemented to support emotion regulation and greater math engagement.

Effect of a child life video intervention on preoperative anxiety and fear in children undergoing tonsillectomy and their parents.

Background: Subclinical psychological symptoms-such as low mood, perceived stress, and poor sleep-affect a large portion of the population and can impair quality of life despite remaining below clinical thresholds. The gut-brain axis has emerged as a promising target for interventions that support emotional and psychological resilience. Probiotics and postbiotics are gaining attention for their potential to modulate mood and stress via microbiome-related mechanisms, but human evidence remains limited, particularly in non-clinical populations. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of a two-strain combination of live microorganisms alongside a two-strain combination of heat-treated inactivated microorganisms on outcomes associated with anxiety, mood, perceived stress, and quality of life in healthy adults experiencing mild stress. Methods: This study was conducted in two parts. In Part I, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 100 participants were randomized to receive either a blend of live microorganisms (Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT 8361) or an identical placebo once daily for 12 weeks. In Part II, a pilot feasibility study, a subset of eight placebo non-responders from Part I received the heat-inactivated preparation of the same bacterial strains in a 6-week trial extension phase. For Parts I and II, the primary outcome was the change in the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Secondary outcomes included measures of mood (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)), stress (state and trait anxiety inventory (STAI); Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), quality of life (36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36)), gastrointestinal symptoms (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)), salivary cortisol and microbiome modulation. Results: In Part I, there were no significant effects of the live blend on the HAM-A, indicating that the primary endpoint was not met. In addition, no significant effects were seen on the STAI or PSS scores when compared to the placebo. However, participants consuming the live blend trended toward a reduction in total PHQ-9 scores compared to placebo (p = 0.089), whilst preliminary exploratory analyses suggested an improvement in anhedonia (p = 0.045). Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the vitality domain of the SF-36 compared to placebo (p = 0.017). On microbiome analysis, it was noted that consumption of the live blend was linked to the preservation of butyrate-producing bacteria, particularly members of the Pseudoflavonifractor genus and the Clostridium SGB6179 species. Furthermore, the abundance of B. longum species was found to be inversely associated with the total PSS Scores. In Part II, supplementation with the inactivated preparation resulted in significant within-group improvements for the vitality (p = 0.006) and social functioning (p = 0.010) domains of the SF-36 and improvements in PSS scores compared to baseline (p = 0.050). Conclusions: Supplementation with either the dual-strain live or inactivated formulations was associated with significant improvements in the vitality domain of the SF-36, whilst participants receiving the inactivated formulation demonstrated lower perceived stress and improved social functioning compared to baseline. Overall, the findings from this pilot study suggest that these two biotic consortia are well-tolerated and may be associated with improvements in measures of vitality in individuals with subclinical psychological symptoms. The subtle observations detected for stress and anhedonia suggest that further well-powered trials are needed to better characterize these findings, potentially in populations with greater baseline symptomatology.

This study examines the nocebo effect in orthodontics by assessing how parental orthodontic experiences and attitudes toward dental care influence children's pain and discomfort at treatment onset. Consecutive orthodontic patients aged 12-18 years were included in this prospective observational cohort study. Parents' prior orthodontic experiences, perceptions of dental care, and pain expectations were assessed by questionnaire. Children completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) before fixed appliance bonding. Follow-up questionnaires 3-5 days post-bonding assessed pain, dysfunction, medication use, and oral health impact (OHIP-14). Non-parametric tests and regression analyses were used to assess associations between parental expectations and patient-reported outcomes. Seventy patients (mean age 14.1 ± 1.7 years; 51.3% females) were included. Greater pain medication use was reported among patients whose parents had prior orthodontic experience (p = 0.038). Parental associations of orthodontic care with pain were linked to higher patient anxiety and pain catastrophizing. Regression analyses confirmed associations between parental expectations and patient orofacial dysfunction, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and oral health impact. The study indicates a proxy nocebo effect in orthodontics, where parental experiences and perceptions influence children's pain during treatment. Addressing parental perceptions may help reduce this effect and improve treatment experiences for children and adolescents.

Purpose The study aimed to examine whether resilience skills upon hospital admission and its changes throughout the hospital school experience improve the state and trait anxiety of hospitalized children. Design The study examined data from a prospective one-group pretest–posttest study. The State and Trait Anxiety Scale (STAIC) and the School Resilience Scale (SRS) for children were assessed upon admission to and before discharge from the hospital school (HS). A visual Likert scale was used to evaluate the acceptance of curriculum-based activities. Complementary variables related to children's diseases were included. Results Sixty children, aged 9–14 years, who attended the HS were included (36 girls and 24 boys). Upon admission to the HS, students were in the 53rd and 31st percentile for state and trait anxiety and in the 50th percentile for resilience. Before their discharge, a decrease was observed in both state and trait anxiety ( P = 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively) along with a significant improvement in overall resilience ( P = 0.022). Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent factor that negatively moderated the evolution of state anxiety was previous admissions ( p = 0.002). However, the time spent at the HS ( p = 0.035), as well as the resilience dimensions related to children's identity ( p = 0.009), their environment ( p = 0.031), and external resources ( p = 0.048) were factors that reduced trait anxiety during hospitalization. Conclusions Whereas the state anxiety evolution in hospitalized children was fundamentally conditioned by previous hospitalization experiences, in terms of moderating trait anxiety, both individual resilience capacities and those provided by the socio-family environment contributed significantly to reinforcing the positive management of children's emotions throughout the Hospital School experience.

This study examines the mediating roles of academic procrastination and academic perfectionism in the relationship between trait anxiety and self-handicapping among university students, while controlling for state anxiety as a covariate. The research used a cross-sectional design with 400 undergraduates from 38 universities. Data were collected through the Self-Handicapping Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Academic Procrastination Scale, and Academic Perfectionism Scale. Mediation analyses were performed using PROCESS Macro (Model 4) to test a parallel mediation framework. Findings revealed a significant positive association between trait anxiety and self-handicapping. The results demonstrated that academic procrastination and academic perfectionism independently and significantly mediated the link between trait anxiety and self-handicapping behaviours. Students with higher trait anxiety exhibited greater tendencies toward both procrastination and perfectionism, which in turn were associated with increased self-handicapping behaviours. The proposed model accounted for 55% of the variance in self-handicapping and was statistically significant overall. These results underscore that procrastination and perfectionism operate as distinct, concurrent self-regulatory pathways through which trait anxiety contributes to self-sabotaging behaviours. The findings suggest that psychological interventions should simultaneously target both avoidant behavioural patterns and maladaptive cognitive standards to enhance academic functioning in anxious students.

Higher education in prison has been linked to numerous positive outcomes, such as desistence from crime and employment post-release. While qualitative research indicates improvements in various aspects of psychological well-being for these students, there is yet to be a longitudinal quantitative analysis of how mental health and well-being change over time. Our study compares mental health and psychological well-being questionnaires from before, during, and after a semester of higher education in prison. The results demonstrate significant reductions in depression and trait anxiety. These novel findings associate participation in higher education in prison with improvements in mental health.

This cross-sectional exploratory study aimed to explore the association between inflammatory biomarkers and multidimensional psychological burden in informal primary caregivers of dependent older adults in an emergency department. We included 78 caregivers and up to 89 controls. Multidimensional psychological burden (perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and caregiver burden) was assessed using standardized instruments. Morning serum levels of cortisol, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive Protein, were measured. Statistical analyses included between-group comparisons (Mann-Whitney U test), correlations (Spearman rank correlation coefficient), and hierarchical block regression adjusted for obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in the caregiver group. Multiplicity was addressed using the False Discovery Rate (FDR) procedure, and the findings were validated through 1000 bootstrap resamples. Caregivers had significantly higher levels of TNF-α compared to controls (p = 0.021), a finding confirmed by bootstrap analysis (95% CI: -2.6730 to -0.2940). IL-6 levels were positively correlated with trait anxiety (p = 0.007) and caregiver burden (p = 0.019). Comorbidity-adjusted hierarchical regression confirmed significant associations between IL-6 levels and trait anxiety and caregiver burden (ΔR2 = 0.123, p = 0.007), although these associations did not remain significant after adjustment for FDR. Caregivers showed elevated levels of TNF-α and exploratory associations between IL-6, trait anxiety, and caregiver burden, justifying confirmation in studies with a larger number of participants.

Burnout represents a complex occupational risk with significant psychosocial implications. This study estimates the prevalence of burnout among Spanish Catholic priests and examines its correlations with sociodemographic, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and personality factors. A total of 116 priests completed a battery of psychological instruments. The prevalence results varied depending on the assessment scale used. Lifestyle, type of priesthood, quality of life, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and personality traits, were significantly correlated with burnout.

This study examined the interrelations among anxiety, meaning in life, self-efficacy, and resilience in Greek families with and without members having Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) during the post-COVID-19 era. The sample consisted of 472 participants, with a mean age of 37.6 years. Data were collected using a Self-Report Questionnaire, the Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Resilience Scale. Descriptive statistics and pathway analysis were employed to assess both levels and structural relations among variables. Participants reported high levels of meaning in life, self-efficacy, and resilience, along with relatively low anxiety. Pathway analysis revealed significant correlations among the constructs, confirming that resilience mediated the effects of meaning in life and self-efficacy on anxiety. Although families with members with SEND experienced greater emotional strain, they activated protective mechanisms such as meaning in life, self-efficacy, and resilience to preserve psychological balance and mental health in the aftermath of the pandemic. These findings highlight the importance of salutogenic and strength-based perspectives in supporting family adaptation and well-being in postcrisis contexts.

Anxiety, Mental Well-Being, and Life Satisfaction Among Postpartum Women After the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake: Interrelations and Predictors.

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.State anxiety: State anxiety is defined as a “transitory emotional state or condition characterised by subjective, consciously perceived feelings of tension and apprehension and heightened autonomic nervous system activity.” ( Spielberger eat al., 1983) Trait anxiety: Trait anxiety is defined as “ an individual’s predisposition to respond with anxiety across diverse situations perceived as threatening “ ( Endler, 2001).Pulse rate is defined as “ a vital sign that indicates how many times the heart beats in one minute providing important insights into cardiovascular health.” (EBSCO,2013). Gordon W. Allport (1937) described personality as “the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his characteristic behavior and thought.” He emphasized personality as stable and consistent patterns of behavior and thought that differentiate individuals.