Key result
Self-perceived chronic stress links to anxiety and depression but shows no association with resting HRV.
Why the study?
Chronic stress is linked to psychological vulnerability and autonomic dysregulation, but few studies have characterized the psychophysiological profile of individuals who self-identify as chronically stressed.
Cross-Sectional (n=54)
No
Adults with chronic self-perceived stress exhibit emotional vulnerability and cognitive overcontrol, but this does not translate to overt autonomic failure as measured by resting HRV.
Self-reported chronic stress may link to altered HRV profiles; leaves open causal direction and clinical utility.
Background Chronic stress is a major public health issue linked to psychological vulnerability and autonomic dysregulation. While heart rate variability (HRV) is widely recognized as a biomarker of stress adaptability, few studies have characterized the psychophysiological profile of individuals who self-identify as chronically stressed. Understanding this relationship could clarify the integration between subjective perception and autonomic control mechanisms. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 54 adults reporting chronic self-perceived stress for at least 6 months. Psychological assessment included validated Spanish versions of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4), State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). HRV was recorded using a Polar H10 sensor in 2 daily 5-min supine measurements (morning and evening) over 7 days. Time, frequency, and nonlinear-domain parameters were analyzed according to the Task Force standards. Results Participants presented high levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological inflexibility, together with moderately reduced HRV indices. No significant differences were found between levels of perceived stress. Higher conscientiousness showed modest positive correlations with SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, and HRV triangular index, while sex differences were observed in frequency-domain HRV parameters. Overall, HRV was not clearly differentiated across perceived stress levels. Conclusion Adults with chronic self-perceived stress exhibit a psychophysiological pattern characterized by emotional vulnerability, cognitive overcontrol, and reduced autonomic flexibility. This state reflects latent regulatory vulnerability rather than an overt autonomic failure. HRV assessment combined with psychological profiling may enhance early identification of individuals at risk and support integrative approaches for stress regulation.
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Alcalde et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Self-perceived chronic stress (n=54). Self-perceived chronic stress vs. Different levels of perceived stress was evaluated on Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Self-perceived chronic stress was associated with high levels of anxiety and depression, but resting heart rate variability did not significantly differ across levels of perceived stress.
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