It is widely believed that a mother’s emotional intelligence has a significant impact on a child’s emotional well‑being. The aim of the study was to establish significant relationships and identify differences in maternal emotional intelligence and children’s emotional well‑being. The study involved preschool children from senior kindergarten groups (n = 150), including 78 boys and 72 girls, as well as their mothers (n = 150). Valid, reliable, and representative instruments adapted for Kazakhstani samples were used. Positive correlations were identified between emotional well‑being and parent–child relationship parameters (p ≤ .050): “autonomy–control,” “emotional distance–closeness,”and “satisfaction with relations with the child,” along with one inverse correlation for “anxiety about the child.” The positive correlations reflect balance in the specified dimensions of parent–child relationships, whereas the inverse correlation indicates consequences of overprotection and excessive control over adherence to social norms. It was also found that emotional well‑being has two direct relationships with parameters of maternal emotional intelligence: “using emotions to achieve goals” and “emotion regulation” (p ≤ .010; p ≤ .050). The significant superiority in the “rejection–acceptance” parameter (p ≤ .050) indicates that this scale reflects the fundamental attitude toward the child — either acceptance or denial of personal qualities and behavioural manifestations. Balance on this scale is crucial for emotional well‑being, and accepting the child as an individual is a key condition for positive psycho‑emotional development and the formation of self‑esteem. In summary, these characteristics demonstrate the child’s ability to exhibit an adequate and socially appropriate level of psychological development.
Dentistry is a highly valued and widely practiced profession across all age groups. However, dentists may be exposed to significant psychological strain, which can lead to various mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and maladaptive personality-related patterns. In order to explore this issue. The study included 61 participants, of whom 52.5% were women, with a mean age of 33.13 1.29 years. Most respondents (90.2%, n = 55) worked in the private sector. The prevalence of dentists presenting SPI (SPI+) was 12.7% (n = 8). We used the SPI questionnaire (13 items) to assess early maladaptive schemas among dentists. The distribution of SPI+ participants across the questionnaire scales revealed a minimum prevalence of 12.2% for the “everything is my fault” schema and a maximum prevalence of 23.8% for the fear schema. This was followed by exclusion (20.6%) and three schemas with comparable prevalence rates: abandonment, insufficient self-control, and related maladaptive patterns (19% each). Statistical analyses indicated that the main factors associated with SPI were gender, sector of practice, and initial expectations regarding the profession. Given that individuals requiring monitoring represent more than 50% of the surveyed population, the implementation of an appropriate preventive and therapeutic intervention appears necessary. Such an intervention could help reduce maladaptive behaviors, improve professional functioning, and protect the mental health of dentists.
This article presents a review of contemporary research on the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It discusses the current state of knowledge regarding the complex etiology of ASD, which involves genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Despite significant scientific progress, no single biomarker has yet been identified that would allow for an unequivocal diagnosis, which increases the importance of both biological and digital biomarkers such as eye‑tracking analysis, virtual reality environments, speech analysis, and tools based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. The review also includes findings from neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies (EEG, QEEG, MRI, fMRI), which indicate abnormalities in functional connectivity, disruptions in brain oscillatory activity, and difficulties in processing social stimuli. These results suggest that modern technologies enable increasingly objective, multidimensional, and early assessment of individuals with ASD, supporting the timely implementation of appropriate therapeutic interventions. The final part of the article presents the possibility of integrating selected psychological and neurobiological models to better understand the individual profile of a person with ASD. Briefly discussed are Pąchalska’s (2019) microgenetic model of symptom formation, emphasizing the multilayered structure of the self system, and Gazzaniga’s (2013) concept of the “interpreter,” which describes how the brain constructs narratives explaining one’s own behavior. Integrating these perspectives indicates that individuals with ASD differ not only in neurobiological mechanisms but also in how they interpret social cues and construct self‑narratives. Both approaches support the development of personalized, multimodal diagnostic strategies that take into account biological variability and individual cognitive style, potentially leading to more precise and contextually appropriate interventions.
Patients recovering from COVID‑19 may experience long‑lasting neuromotor dysfunction, muscle weakness, and delayed tissue regeneration, which increases the risk of atypical muscle injuries even under minimal load. The literature lacks descriptions of simultaneous muscle injuries of mixed etiology in post‑COVID‑19 patients, as well as reports combining PRP therapy with rehabilitation based on spiral movement patterns. We present the case of a female patient who developed significant musculoskeletal complications several months after recovering from PCR‑confirmed COVID‑19. During the acute phase of the infection, she exhibited severe symptoms, including high fever up to 40C, hallucinations, “brain fog,” anosmia, ageusia, intense rhinorrhea, severe “razor‑blade” sore throat, and bronchitis. Initially treated with standard anti‑inflammatory medications, she later required antibiotic therapy and oxygen supplementation due to clinical deterioration. This case highlights the need for cautious load planning and consideration of potential neuromotor disturbances in post‑COVID‑19 patients. PRP therapy may serve as an effective tool for managing complex muscle injuries; however, full functional recovery may require rehabilitation based on spiral movement patterns. The combination of both methods may yield synergistic benefits in tissue regeneration and functional restoration.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated therapeutic program combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), EEG neurofeedback, and art therapy in an 11‑year‑old girl who developed sudden ADHD‑like symptoms following SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and COVID‑19. Post‑COVID difficulties included impaired concentration, cognitive slowing, fatigue, executive dysfunction, sensory hypersensitivity, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety confirmed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The patient, previously healthy and developing typically, contracted SARS‑CoV‑2 in March 2022 (PCR‑confirmed). After an initial flu‑like presentation (fever, cough, myalgia, anosmia, ageusia), her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to severe dyspnea and urgent hospitalization. She spent two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit receiving oxygen therapy for respiratory failure, an experience associated with significant physical and emotional stress. Within weeks after discharge, new ADHD‑like symptoms emerged: distractibility, impaired sustained attention, impulsivity, irritability, and reduced frustration tolerance. Teachers reported decreased academic efficiency, difficulty maintaining focus, and increased motor restlessness. After three months, sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, and low mood appeared. Psychiatric evaluation confirmed a post‑COVID syndrome with ADHD‑like symptoms and co‑occurring emotional disturbances (low mood and anxiety). The patient underwent a three‑month integrated intervention consisting of anodic tDCS targeting the left prefrontal cortex, EEG neurofeedback aimed at reducing frontal alpha asymmetry (F7–F8), and parallel art therapy sessions. Intervention parameters were individualized based on the patient’s EEG profile, which showed marked frontal asymmetry and excessive alpha activity during wakefulness. Following treatment, significant improvements were observed in emotional and cognitive functioning. Depression and anxiety symptoms resolved (HADS), and ADHD‑like symptoms—including concentration deficits, cognitive slowing, and executive dysfunction—were substantially reduced. EEG parameters normalized, particularly frontal alpha asymmetry. The patient also demonstrated notable growth in artistic expression, although some artworks continued to reflect emotional experiences related to the illness. Integrated tDCS neuromodulation, EEG neurofeedback, and art therapy proved to be an effective and safe approach for treating complex post‑COVID cognitive‑emotional difficulties in this pediatric case. Continued supportive therapy is recommended to consolidate gains and facilitate full emotional integration.
This article reviews and analyzes contemporary methods of diagnosis and therapy that rely on novel digital technologies. Although the advantages and disadvantages of using such technologies in patient care are not unique to neuropsychology, the specific characteristics of individuals with neurological conditions may intensify certain challenges. For example, virtual reality techniques can exacerbate difficulties with spatial and temporal orientation or balance, and may even introduce new problems such as symptoms of cybersickness. At the same time, the potential benefits for these patients are substantial. Many digital tools—such as computer and smartphone applications—are already familiar to users in their daily lives, and more advanced environments, including extended reality (XR), can offer innovative opportunities for assessment and intervention. The article examines both the benefits and limitations associated with information and communication technologies (ICT). The rapid delivery and broad reach of e‑health services are contrasted with the difficulty of establishing deep, trust‑based therapeutic relationships when interactions are mediated by a computer or phone. Issues of digital exclusion are also addressed, as access to information technology and telematics infrastructure is not universal. Similarly, specialized diagnostic or therapeutic programs developed through scientific research may remain inaccessible due to high financial costs. In addition, the article evaluates the use of digital tools for generating psychological knowledge, including insights into disorders of the central nervous system. It highlights principles for the safe use of online resources and outlines guidelines for designing computer programs and therapeutic games that enable patients to perform necessary exercises under the remote supervision of a neuropsychologist and/or neurotherapist.
Background: University students are exposed to social media addiction and depressive symptoms, related to perspective time unconsciously adopted by them. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between variables in university student's sample. Material/ Methods: 640 participants were recruited from 11 university faculties selected through cluster sampling, aged between 17 to 39 years old (M= 20.60, SD=2.69); 70.9% were women; self-reported questionnaire was used, including Bergen social media addiction scale, depression, anxiety and stress scale 8-items and Zimbardo Perspective Time Instrument 15-items. The study was conducted between November 2023 and April 2024 at university IBN TOFAIL in Kenitra city, Morocco. Results: Social media addiction and depressive symptoms positively correlated with negative past (p<0.01), present fatalistic (p<0.05) and negatively with future orientation (p<0.01). Social media addiction may be predicted positively by present fatalistic and negative past (beta = 0.213; 0.326; CI = 95% respectively) and negatively by future perspective (beta =-0.145; CI = 95%). Conclusions: Specific knowledge about perspective time may reduce level of social media addiction and depressive symptoms. The university period serves as a critical developmental juncture for the cultivation of positive self-appraisal and the acquisition of adaptive, approach-oriented coping mechanisms and also healthy time perception.
Background: The study investigates the level of expression, interrelations, and statistically significant differences in social intelligence within the context of students' educational and professional activities. Material/ Methods: The sample consisted of second-and third-year university students representing various fields of study in Kazakhstan Universities. A set of psychodiagnostic instruments adapted and validated for the Kazakhstani population was applied. Results: Average indicators of learning styles and thinking styles were obtained. In terms of social intelligence, students are encouraged to strengthen their competence in verbal expression and to develop logical reasoning that supports effective behavioural responses. These competencies were shown to be associated with creativity and the prognostic aspects of thinking. Significant male advantages were identified in four areas: (1) practical learning style, (2) ability to solve tasks based on behavioural story completion, (3) ability to solve tasks requiring logical completion of behavioural sequences, and (4) analytic thinking style. Significant female advantages were observed in three areas: (1) activist learning style, (1) competence in verbal expression, and (3) realist thinking style. Among learning styles, the activist style demonstrated the highest dependence on external factors, whereas the reflector and pragmatist styles appeared the most autonomous. Conclusions: The findings support the view that social intelligence, within educational and professional activities, reflects students' ability to understand others, interact effectively in the learning environment, and solve cognitive tasks relevant to professional development. It is recommended that university educational planners consider these results when designing programmes aimed at enhancing students' social and cognitive competencies.
Background: Material/ Methods: Results: Conclusions: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between occupational balance, stress-coping strategies, and sleep quality among medical students. Occupational balance was conceptualized as a potential moderating variable. The authors assumed that higher occupational balance would be associated with better sleep quality and a greater tendency to use adaptive coping strategies. Material/Methods: The study involved 124 participants aged 18-25, representing three medical-related fields of study: physiotherapy (n = 57), occupational therapy (n = 47), and nursing (n = 20). The sample included 80 women (64.5%) and 44 men (35.5%). Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Mini-COPE Stress Coping Inventory, and the Occupational Balance Questionnaire. Results: Occupational balance was found to be a statistically significant mediator in the relationships between planning, behavioural disengagement, and self-blame, and sleep quality. Mediation effects approaching statistical significance were also observed for the relationships between acceptance, substance use, and sleep quality. Participants' gender, field of study, and year of study moderated these mediation processes. Conclusions: Occupational balance mediates the relationship between coping strategies and sleep quality, contributing to health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Adaptive coping strategies (e.g., planning, acceptance) support both occupational balance and better sleep quality. Gender, field of study, and year of study differentiate these outcomes. Maintaining a healthy work/occupationallife balance appears particularly important for medical students, who are expected to become competent professionals capable of effectively supporting their patients and clients.
Background: The aim of this study is to examine the impact of flipped classroom pedagogy on the development of learning styles among psychomotricity students in the health sciences field. Material/Methods: The study included 46 second-year psychomotricity students from two universities in the Casablanca region during the 2024 academic year. A quantitative and descriptive approach was employed. A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test assessments was used to evaluate students' learning styles before and after the implementation of the flipped classroom method. Results: The findings reveal a significant shift in learning styles following the intervention. Before the flipped classroom, assimilative (41.30%) and convergent (32.61%) learning styles were predominant, while accommodative (10.87%) and divergent (15.22%) styles were less common. After the intervention, a marked transition occurred: accommodative styles became predominant (39.13%), followed by divergent styles (30.43%), while assimilative and convergent styles decreased to 13.04% and 17.39%, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U test confirmed significant differences (p < 0.001) for all styles, with large effect sizes: accommodator (mean rank pre: 31.15, post: 61.85, effect size: 0.869), assimilator (mean rank pre: 59.33, post: 33.67, effect size: 0.723), convergent (mean rank pre: 57.59, post: 35.41, effect size: 0.624), and divergent (mean rank pre: 32.00, post: 61.00, effect size: 0.818). These results suggest that the flipped classroom approach fosters a more active, experiential, and reflective mode of learning, better aligned with students' individual needs. Conclusions: The findings support the integration of flipped classrooms in health sciences education, as they enhance student competencies and foster a more dynamic and personalized learning experience. This study shows that flipped classrooms in psychomotricity shift students' learning styles toward more active and reflective approaches, providing empirical evidence for the effectiveness of this method and paving the way for future research on educational innovation.
Background: Material/ Methods: Results: Conclusions: Around 2% of the general Polish population is infected with HCV. The majority of infected individuals (70-80%) may develop chronic hepatitis C which, if untreated, can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Effective coping strategies during illness can motivate patients to engage in modern therapeutic approaches. The aim of this study was to identify coping styles among patients with hepatitis C treated within the Disease Treatment Programme of the Ministry of Health in Poland. Material/Methods: The study included 113 adults diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C. A diagnostic survey was conducted using the Polish standardized questionnaire Brief Method of Assessment of Coping with Disease (KMORSZCH) and an author-designed questionnaire. Results: Patients with hepatitis C most frequently used a coping style focused on seeking the best solution to the problem, followed by problem-solving, emotional experiencing, and passivity. The avoidance-oriented style was used least often. Most respondents demonstrated moderate knowledge about hepatitis C (69.9%). The majority did not know when they had become infected with HCV (85.0%), and only a few were aware of the circum-stances of infection. Knowledge regarding nutritional principles during hepatitis C treatment was moderate (50.4%) or high (46.9%). Conclusions: Health education in Poland should place greater emphasis on risk factors for HCV infection, as most respondents were unaware of how they became infected. Educational efforts should also target individuals with HCV to improve their understanding of dietary principles during treatment, given that many demonstrated only moderate knowledge of diet therapy.
Background: Case presentation: Conclusions: SUMMARY Cognitive and emotional disturbances are increasingly reported in patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly when complicated by cerebrovascular events. This study examines the recovery of cognitive and emotional functioning in a female patient who experienced COVID-19 followed by ruptured intracranial aneurysms requiring multiple neurosurgical interventions. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted neurotherapy during the post-embolization rehabilitation process and to document the patient's functional improvement. A 41-year-old female patient contracted COVID-19, confirmed by PCR testing, and required two weeks of oxygen therapy. Shortly after discharge, she developed worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting, and right-leg numbness. On November 2, 2020, she presented with speech disturbances and right-sided weakness. CT angiography revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage and three saccular aneurysms: one at the anterior communicating artery and two at the middle cerebral artery bifurcations. She underwent embolization of the ruptured ACoA aneurysm, followed by elective pterional craniotomies with clipping of the left (January 21, 2021) and right (July 6, 2021) MCA aneurysms. All procedures were completed without complications, and she was discharged in good neurological condition. Despite stable postoperative recovery, the patient reported persistent difficulties in attention, memory, and emotional functioning. Neuropsychological assessment, quantitative EEG, event-related potentials (ERPs), and sLORETA tomography revealed dysfunction of the premotor cortex in two independent ERP components during a GO/NOGO task. Based on these findings, an integrated neurotherapy program was implemented, combining EEG-based neurofeedback with structured art therapy, delivered twice weekly over 10 weeks. Following treatment, the patient demonstrated significant improvement in sustained attention, working memory, executive functioning, and emotional stability. This case highlights the potential benefits of combining EEG-based neurofeedback with art therapy in the recovery of cognitive and emotional disturbances following COVID-19 infection and neurosurgical treatment of ruptured brain aneurysms. Integrated neurotherapy may support neuroplasticity, enhance frontal lobe functioning, and facilitate return to daily activities in complex post-neurosurgical cases.
Background: Developmental dyslexia is frequently associated with deficits in working memory, visual perception, and attentional processes, which substantially interfere with reading acquisition and academic achievement. In recent years, game-based cognitive remediation has emerged as a promising intervention for enhancing cognitive functioning in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a structured game-based cognitive remediation program on working memory, neu rovisual perception, visuospatial abilities, and visual attention in Moroccan children with developmental dyslexia. Materials/Methods: Fifteen children diagnosed with developmental dyslexia (mean age = 8.47 +/- 0.52 years) participated in a structured program of game-based cognitive stimulation. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted before and after the intervention and included the Working Memory Index (WMI; WISC-V), the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, the Visuospatial Index and Processing Speed Index (VSI; WISC-V), and the Bells Test for visual attention. Pre-and post-intervention performances were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for paired samples. Resullts: Significant improvements were observed across all assessed cognitive domains. Visual memory increased from 34.8 +/- 6.35 to 37.8 +/- 7.78 (W = 1.00, p = 0.001). Working memory improved from 89.8 +/- 16.39 to 95.1 +/- 15.20 (W = 2.00, p = 0.002). Visuospatial abilities and processing speed increased from 78.7 +/- 11.20 to 80.3 +/- 11.22 (W = 0.00, p = 0.003). Visual attention (Bells Test) improved from 28.7 +/- 1.84 to 29.7 +/- 1.91 (W = 0.00, p = 0.005). Conclusion: These findings indicate that game-based cognitive remediation can effectively enhance working memory, neurovisual perception, visuospatial processing, and attentional control in children with developmental dyslexia. This approach represents a promising and engaging method for improving cognitive functioning and learning outcomes, particularly within the Moroccan educational context.
Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health condition that can severely affect mothers and lead to adverse developmental outcomes in their children. The first six months after childbirth represent a particularly vulnerable period for the onset of depressive symptoms. Emotional intelligence (EI) has been identified as a potential protective factor that may reduce the risk of depression and enhance maternal well-being. This study aims to examine the relationship between postpartum depression and emotional intelligence among women in Morocco. Material/Methods: Between 1 January and 30 July 2022, a descriptive, quantitative, and correlational study was conducted in two health centres in Morocco. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire incorporating the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS). Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) were applied. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between emotional intelligence and postpartum depression. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive value of selected variables on postpartum depression. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Results Findings revealed statistically significant differences at the 0.01 level between the hypothetical mean and the actual mean scores on the postpartum depression scale. The T-value of 6.775 (p = 0.000) indicates a high level of postpartum depression among participants. Emotional intelligence scores were significantly lower than the hypothetical mean (T = 6.532, p = 0.000). A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between emotional intelligence and postpartum depression (r = -0.216, p < 0.05), indicating that lower emotional intelligence is associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Conclusions Higher emotional intelligence appears to serve as a protective factor against postpartum depression. Training programmes aimed at strengthening emotional skills may therefore contribute to reducing the risk of anxiety-depressive disorders among postpartum women. Implementing EI-based interventions is recommended to support maternal mental health during the postnatal period.
Background The study examined the relationship between participation in organized activities and the sociodemographic and psychological resources of older adults. Its aim was to compare individuals engaged in senior organizations with those not involved in formal group activities, focusing on differences in life satisfaction, optimism, resilience, and other psychological factors relevant to successful aging. Material/Methods The sample consisted of 193 adults aged 58-92 years (M = 71.2, SD = 7.38). Participants included individuals active in the University of the Third Age and Senior Clubs (N = 97; 76 women, 23 men) and those not participating in organized groups (N = 96; 54 women, 42 men). The following instruments were used: Satisfaction With Religiosity Scale (SRP), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results Active participants reported higher levels of education, better material conditions, and longer marital duration. They engaged more frequently in various activities and evaluated their life, health, and future more positively. This group also demonstrated significantly higher dispositional optimism and psychological resilience - key resources supporting adaptation and emotional balance under stress. No significant differences were observed between groups in generalized self-efficacy, emotional control (anger, depression, anxiety), or personal religiosity. Conclusions Engagement in organized social and educational activities among older adults is associated with a more favorable psychosocial profile, particularly greater optimism and resilience, which support adaptive functioning in later life. Initiatives that promote active participation and strengthen psychological resources may contribute to enhanced well-being and successful aging.
Background: Competitive anxiety is a key psychological factor influencing athletic performance, and its accurate assessment is essential for both research and applied sport psychology. The Sports Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) is one of the most widely used instruments for measuring somatic anxiety, worry, and concentration disruption in athletes. Although the scale has been validated across several cultural contexts, evidence from South Asian populations remains limited. Cultural differences in emotional expression, competitive environments, and sport participation patterns highlight the need for localized validation. This study therefore aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the SAS-2 among Indian athletes, evaluating its reliability, factorial structure, measurement invariance, and convergent validity with established psychological measures. Material/ Methods: A total of 416 athletes aged 18 to 35 years (M=22.83; SD=3.38) participated in the study in India. Validity was examined through associations with the Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scale (ADSS-BSPSA) and the Self-Perception Measuring Scale (SPMS-A), allowing for an assessment of both convergent and divergent constructs. Internal consistency was high, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.90 for the total scale and 0.78, 0.79, and 0.77 for the somatic anxiety, worry, and concentration disruption subscales, respectively, indicating strong reliability across all dimensions of the SAS-2. Results: It was found that the three-factor and hierarchical models demonstrated good fit indices (CFI > 0.90, TLI > 0.90, RMSEA < 0.08), confirming that the underlying structure of the SAS-2 is stable and theoretically coherent within this population. Measurement invariance analyses further supported the scale's applicability across genders and athlete groups. Test-retest reliability was satisfactory (ICC = 0.79-0.84). A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was observed between self-perception and anxiety measures, while moderate positive correlations were found between total anxiety and ADSS-BSPSA subscales. Strong correlations were also observed among total anxiety and its subscales (r = 0.86-0.88). Conclusions: The findings indicate that the SAS-2 demonstrates strong reliability, a stable factorial structure, and consistent performance across different athlete groups, supporting its suitability for use in India. The confirmed measurement invariance, satisfactory test-retest reliability, and meaningful associations with related psychological constructs collectively show that the scale effectively captures key dimensions of competitive anxiety in this cultural context. These results highlight the SAS-2 as a robust instrument for both research and applied sport psychology among Indian athletes.
Background Emergency service personnel work under substantial physical and psychological strain. Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic reactivity and may serve as a non invasive indicator of occupational load. This study assessed heart rate (HR) and ultra short term HRV responses during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Material/Methods A total of 110 participants were enrolled (mean age 25.7 +/- 7.9 years; BMI 23.8 +/- 3.2 kg/m(2)): 84 emergency healthcare workers (43 women, 41 men) and 26 male firefighters, recruited from two sites (Poland n = 34; Hungary n = 76). The protocol consisted of three consecutive 120 second phases: Pre (rest), During (continuous chest compressions on a Rescue Anne QCPR manikin), and Post (rest). RR intervals were recorded using a Polar H10 sensor (1000 Hz). The primary outcome was RMSSD (ms), with mean HR (bpm) as a secondary measure. Statistical analyses included the Friedman test with Dunn-Bonferroni correction, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Spearman correlations. Results Mean HR increased from 92.8 +/- 23.0 bpm (Pre) to 117.8 +/- 18.7 bpm (During) (Delta = +25.0 bpm, +27%, p < 0.001), then decreased to 104.7 +/- 22.3 bpm (Post). RMSSD declined from 23 ms (IQR 16-33) to 19.5 ms (12-27) (Delta = -3.5 ms, -15%, p = 0.001), with partial recovery to 20 ms (15-28) (Pre vs Post phase). HR varied by age, BMI, and sex across multiple phases (e.g., mean HR: all phases p < 0.01). RMSSD differed by sex During and Post (p = 0.031 and p = 0.012), but not by age or BMI (all p >= 0.07). No monotonic association was found between mean HR and mean HRV within phases (|rho| <= 0.056, p >= 0.559). Conclusions Simulated CPR induced marked tachycardia and a short term reduction in RMSSD, indicating acute sympathetic activation with partial recovery afterward. Ultra short term HRV monitoring using wearable devices appears feasible in both training and operational contexts and may serve as an early marker of excessive psychophysical load. Incorporating HRV metrics into occupational health protocols could support risk stratification, targeted conditioning and recovery strategies, and enhance safety among emergency personnel.
Background: Considering the likely association between executive function performance and individuals' preferred coping strategies in stressful situations, this study addressed two main objectives. First, it examined the impact of burnout on employees' subjective well-being during Phase 1. Second, it investigated whether executive function performance and coping strategies mediated the relationship be-tween perceived stress and life satisfaction among employees identified as stressed or burned out in Phase 1. Material/Methods: Atotal of 102 employees participated in Phase 1, of whom 47 individuals classified as stressed or burned out proceeded to Phase 2. Six internationally validated self-report questionnaires, along with the numerical FCR-A and D2-R tests, were administered. A structural equation model based on principal component analysis (PCA) was developed to analyze Phase 2 data. Results: Burnout significantly reduced both components of subjective wellbeing (p < 0.001 for both). Perceived stress was positively correlated with executive function performance (r = .320) and negatively correlated with emotion-focused coping (r = -.343). The structural model (with validity indices within normative ranges) confirmed a direct negative effect of perceived stress on life satisfaction (beta = -0.214). However, this effect was fully mediated by executive functions (e.g., concentration capacity, processing speed, accuracy), which substantially improved life satisfaction (beta = 1.52). In contrast, emotion-focused coping strategies intensified the negative impact (beta = -0.43). Conclusions: Executive function performance and problem-focused coping strategies served as protective mediators, reducing the adverse effects of stress and supporting more effective management of occupational stress and burnout.
Breast cancer, alongside lung cancer, is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. This review aims to collect and summarize studies that utilize the Mini-MAC scale to assess psychological adjustment to cancer in women diagnosed with breast cancer.Two databases—PubMed and Embase—were searched using specific keywords. Articles were included in the analysis if they met certain criteria: they were written in English, focused on women with breast cancer, and used the Mini-MAC scale to examine psychological adjustment.After removing duplicates, 88 articles were screened for eligibility based on the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, 28 articles were included in the review. Most of these were cross-sectional studies. In addition to the Mini-MAC scale, authors frequently used complementary assessment tools such as the HADS scale, EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-BR23, and AIS.Among the studies that provided specific numerical data on coping strategies, women with breast cancer most commonly adopted fighting spirit and positive reevaluation strategies.
Among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These conditions significantly affect daily functioning, hindering learning, social relationships, and emotional development. In recent years, modern neurotechnologies—particularly the analysis of Event-Related Potentials (ERP)—have gained increasing importance in the diagnosis of these disorders, enabling more precise identification of neurophysiological deficits and, consequently, more effective therapeutic planning. ERPs represent a sensitive, non-invasive method for detecting subtle impairments in cognitive control, attention, and social processing—often invisible in standard behavioral assessments. This review discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of selected ERP components, such as P3cue, P3GO, P3NOGO, CNV, N170, and N400, with particular emphasis on their relevance in identifying ADHD and ASD. Based on data from the cued GO/NOGO paradigm, distinct ERP patterns were observed: reduced P3NOGO amplitude and delayed CNV onset in ADHD, as well as atypical N170 and P3cue responses in ASD, reflecting deficits in inhibitory control and social cognition, respectively. A clinical case of a 21-year-old female patient with ADHD is also presented. Despite the absence of behavioral deficits, ERP analysis revealed a selective reduction in the early P3NOGO component. This finding was confirmed by comparison with the normative Human Brain Index (HBI) database. Source localization and independent component analysis indicated altered frontal cortex activation, which guided the implementation of targeted neuromodulatory intervention using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). These results underscore the value of ERPs in personalized neuropsychology, supporting early diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and neuromodulation strategies tailored to individual neurophysiological profiles.
