PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS REACTIVITY OF THE BODY IN RESPONSE TO A COGNITIVE LOAD TEST IN YOUNG HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS: GENDER DIFFERENCES

Highlights

The study results revealed gender differences in reactions to psycho-emotional stress in young healthy people, showing that women had higher levels of muscle tension, while men had higher levels of skin conduction. This highlights the importance of taking gender differences into account when assessing stress reactivity and developing stress resilience programs. The data obtained can be used to create an optimal battery of physiological parameters for assessing the dynamics of stress tolerance and developing biofeedback programs for stress management.

Abstract

Aim. To study gender-specific reactions to psycho-emotional stress in young healthy individuals, emphasizing the physiological parameters of the cardiovascular system.

Methods. The study included 47 students of Kemerovo State Medical University aged 18 to 32 years. The participants were divided into male (n = 14) and female (n = 33) groups. Psychophysiological diagnostics was performed using the BOSLAB complex: an electromyogram, an electrocardiogram, body temperature, respiration, a galvanic skin reaction and a photoplethysmogram were obtained. The stress testing protocol included cognitive tasks and rest phases.

Results. When exposed to stress tests, there was a statistically significant increase in heart rate (HR) and a shortening of the R-R intervals (p < 0.001), as well as an increase in the duration of the respiratory cycle (p = 0.029) and a decrease in the frequency of the respiratory mode (p < 0.001). Gender differences were manifested in higher levels of muscle tension in women (p < 0.001) and higher skin conduction in men (p = 0.033).

Conclusion. In young healthy individuals, mental stress causes activation of the sympathoadrenal system, which manifests itself in changes in heart rate and respiratory parameters. Gender differences in stress responses are expressed in differences in muscle tension and skin conduction. This data can be useful for the development of stress tolerance and stress training programs.

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