Stress and neurocognitive efficiency in managerial contexts

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Ahead of Print. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test the potential of an innovative technology-mediated mental training protocol for the empowerment of stress management and neurocognitive efficiency in highly stressful professional contexts, with people who occupy top management positions. The innovative protocol specifically combines mindfulness practice and a wearable neurofeedback system managed via smartphone. Design/methodology/approach The longitudinal research included pre- and post-training assessment steps in order to test training effects with respect to subjective level and physiological markers of stress, anxiety and mood profiles, cognitive abilities and markers of neurocognitive efficiency. Findings Results showed decreased stress, anxiety, anger and mental fatigue; increased participants ’ information-processing efficiency; increased electrophysiological markers concerning the balance and reactivity of the mind-brain system; and improved physiological markers of vagal tone. Research limitations/implications Though further investigation and replication with larger samples would s trengthen present findings, the authors suggest that observed outcomes, together with the limited duration of the overall protocol and of daily practices, make the training a potentially valuable tool especially for people whose professional position imposes time limitations and elevated job duties, thus increasing the...
Source: International Journal of Workplace Health Management - Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research