Backgound: Stress system consists of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the locus caeruleus/norepinephrine-autonomic nervous system (ANS). Traditionally, HPA axis activity is evaluated by measuring its end-product cortisol while the activity of ANS is assessed using heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Alterations in cortisol levels and HRV measures during laboratory-based stress tasks were extensively studied in previous research. However, scarce data exist on the associations of HRV measures with the levels of other adrenal steroid hormones under baseline conditions. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the activity of HPA axis by measuring salivary cortisol, cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels and their ratios and to examine its association with HRV measures in a sample of healthy young and middle-aged adults. Methods: For each participant (n=40), three data collection sessions taking place at the same time of the day were scheduled within five working days. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, filled out Perceived Stress Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Also, saliva samples were collected and physiological measures including resting HR and HRV were recorded during three data collection sessions. Results: Statistically significant associations between diminished parasympathetic vagal tone evaluated by time-domain HRV measures and higher salivary cortisol, lower DHEA levels, as well as increased DHEA to cortisol ratio were found. Also, physiological stress indicators (i.e. HRV) showed greater intrindividual stability compared with biochemical biomarkers (i. e. salivary steroid hormones) within the period of five days. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that both cortisol and DHEA mediate the link between two stress-sensitive homeostatic systems.

Various relaxation techniques could benefit from merging with virtual reality (VR) technologies, as these technologies are easily applicable, involving, and user-friendly. To date, it is unclear which relaxation technique using biofeedback combined with VR technology is the most effective. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of brief VR-based biofeedback-assisted relaxation techniques including electroencephalographic biofeedback, mindfulness-based biofeedback, galvanic skin response biofeedback, and respiratory biofeedback. Forty-three healthy volunteers (age 34.7 ± 7.2 years), comprising 28 (65%) women and 15 (35%) men, were enrolled in the study. All the participants were exposed to four distinct relaxation sessions according to a computer-generated random sequence. The efficacy of relaxation methods was evaluated by examining psychological, physiological, and biochemical stress indicators. All VR-based relaxation techniques reduced salivary steroid hormone (i.e., cortisol, cortisone, and total glucocorticoid) levels and increased galvanic skin response values. Similarly, all interventions led to a significantly reduced subjectively perceived psychological strain level. Three out of the four interventions (i.e., electroencephalographic, respiratory, and galvanic skin response-based biofeedback relaxation sessions) resulted in a decreased self-reported fatigue level. We suggest that newly developed VR-based relaxations techniques are potential tools for stress reduction and might be particularly suitable for individuals who are not capable of adhering to a strict and time-consuming stress management intervention schedule.

Psychological stress exposure is associated with long-lasting health effects including memory problems, depression, aches and pains, eating disorders, and alcohol or drug use. Thus, there is a need to develop effective stress management strategies that are easy to learn and practice. Respiratory biofeedback is an evidence-based stress management technique presenting breathing-related information to help subjects learn specific breathing skills for relaxation. It is suggested that the use of biofeedback techniques in conjunction with virtual reality makes biofeedback training an even more effective tool for stress management. The current study aimed to investigate dynamics of distinct stress indicators before, after, as well as during one brief virtual reality-based respiratory biofeedback session. Thirty-nine healthy volunteers participated in the study. Individuals provided their saliva samples and evaluated their mood status, fatigue, and strain level before and after the session. The subjects’ heart and respiratory rate, heart rate variability, and galvanic skin response measures were recorded during the session. The results showed that after single 12 min relaxation session, there was a significant decrease in salivary cortisol concentration, heart and respiratory rate, as well as decrease in skin conductance values. Self-reported strain, fatigue level, and mood status also significantly improved. VR-based respiratory-biofeedback-assisted relaxation sessions might serve as an effective stress management strategy, as even single session had positive effects on subjects’ autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamicpituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity, as well as self-reported fatigue, strain level, and mood status.

Siekiant nustatyti, kas lemia vadovavimo efektyvumą, buvo atlikti ir atliekami vadovų tyrimai, šių tyrimų pagrindu kuriamos vadovavimo teorijos. Nors vienareikšmiško atsakymo nėra iki šiol, tačiau daugumoje elgesio ir atitikimo teorijų nurodomi tie patys vadovavimo matmenys: pagarba (orientacija į tarpusavio santykius) ir struktūravimas (orientacija į tikslą). Tarpkultūrinių tyrimų rezultatai rodo, jog kultūros normos, vertybės bei ekonominės sistemos ypatumai daro reikšmingą įtaką efektyvaus vadovavimo sampratai. Tai paskatino atlikti išsamesnę vadovavimo efektyvumo matmenų analizę mūsų dienų Lietuvos organizacijos kontekste. Šiuo tyrimu siekiama nustatyti: a) vadovų efektyvaus elgesio matmenis, b) palyginti, kaip skiriasi vadovų ir darbuotojų pateiktų vadovo elgesį apibūdinančių konstruktų pagrindu nustatyti efektyvaus vadovavimo matmenys. T iriamųjų imtis sudaryta iš Lietuvos gamybinėje organizacijoje dirbančių 49 vadovų ir 52 darbuotojų, buvo naudojamos kritinių įvykių ir repertuarinės gardelės metodikos. Atlikus kokybinę ir kiekybinę tyrimo rezultatų analizę, nustatyti trys „efektyvaus vadovo", dirbančio Lietuvos gamybinėje organizacijoje, matmenys: 1) darbas su pavaldiniais; 2) individualios profesinės ypatybės; 3) į užduoties atlikimą orientuotas elgesys. Ištirta, kad vadovai ir darbuotojai teikia nevienodą reikšmę vadovavimo efektyvumo matmenims. Darbuotojai labiau linkę pabrėžti tarpusavio santykių, bendravimo svarbą, vadovai- individualias profesines ypatybes ir į užduoties atlikimą orientuotą elgesį.

Atlikome kompleksinę vadovų komandos efektyvumą lemiančių veiksnių analizę, taikydami Pradinių sąlygų - grupės procesų - rezultatų (J. E. McGrath) modelį. Tyrimui pasirinkome P. Vinai, G. Hjelm modelį ir jo pagrindu parengtą pusiau struktūruoto interviu metodą. Modelis apibūdina vadovų komandos kontroliuojamus ir nulemiamus organizacijos funkcionavimo aspektus: tikslus, veiklą ir rezultatus, išteklius, raidą, vadovavimą, įtaką, ryšius su "išore"(klientais, rėmėjais, kitomis organizacijomis). Tyrime dalyvavo 17 nevyriausybinių ne pelno organizacijų vadovų komandų, iš viso - 56 tiriamieji.Nustatėme, jog organizacijos efektyvumas reikšmingai susijęs su šiais pradinių sąlygų ir grupės procesų kintamaisiais- finansine priklausomybe, narių aktyvumu, ryšiais su rėmėjais ir valdžios atstovais, strategija, tikslais, administravimu, komunikacija. Nustatėme vadovų komandos veiklą apibūdinančius šešis faktorius: I. kryptingos veiklos, II. komunikacijos, III. įsisąmonintos kompetencijos, IV. planingos veiklos / ekonominių problemų sprendimo, V. išorinės orientacijos, VI. struktūros. Šie veiksniai nebuvo nustatyti per ankstesnius mums žinomus tyrimus. Išskyrėme kintamuosius, leidžiančius prognozuoti komandos efektyvumą, tai ryšiai su kitomis nevyriausybinėmis organizacijomis (pradinių sąlygų kintamasis), strategija, tikslai ir komunikacija (grupės procesų kintamieji). FACTORS DESCRIBING FUNCTIONING OF MANAGEMENT TEAM Edita Dereškevičiūtė, Gintaras Chomentauskas Summary The article presents the complex analysis of variables related with team effectiveness. We applied Input-process-output concept (J. E. McGrath) and P. Vinai, G. Hjelm model. P. Vinai, G. Hjelm's model describes the aspects of organizational functioning that are controlled and influenced by top management team: objectives, performance-output, resources, development and change, management, influence, external relations. In our research 17 top management teams from non-profit non-governmental organizations were assessed. According to our research data following input and process variables related with team effectiveness were determined: financial dependence, activity of members, external relations with sponsors, authorities, strategy, goals, administration and communication. Six factors describing team functioning were defined: I. Purposeful action, II. Communication, III. Conscious competence, IV. Planned activities versus resolution of financial problems, V. External orientation, VI. Structure. Regression analysis allowed to determine variables predicting team effectiveness - they are relations with other organizations (input variable), strategy, goals and communication (group processes).