1. Interplay of anxiety, depression, vascular function, and biomarkers in post-myocardial infarction patientsJan Kafol, Borut Jug, Mojca Božič Mijovski, Jure Tršan, Daniel Košuta, Marko Novaković, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background and aims: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality. Depression and anxiety are common in CAD patients and negatively affect quality of life, physical functioning, and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. This study aimed to identify possible associations with clinically relevant parameters, vascular function and blood biomarkers. Methods: Participants were consecutively recruited during cardiac rehabilitation intake visits at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana within 4 months of myocardial infarction (MI). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores were analyzed in relation to endothelial function (assessed with flow-mediated dilation), arterial stiffness, and blood biomarkers (fibrinogen, endocan, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]) in post-MI patients. All vascular and biomarker assessments were performed within 5 days of questionnaire completion and prior to the start of rehabilitation. Results: There were 105 patients included in the study. The median age was 56 years (49–62), and 80.0% of participants were male. Clinically relevant anxiety and depression were present in 29.5% and 21.9% of participants, respectively. Anxiety was significantly associated with younger age, higher body mass index, and increased arterial stiffness, with total HADS scores negatively correlated with age. Endothelial function showed no significant associations with HADS scores. Vital signs showed no significant differences, except for slightly higher systolic blood pressure in those with clinically relevant depression. Fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in participants with anxiety and depression, while endocan and BDNF levels were lower in those with anxiety. Conclusion: Depression and especially anxiety are significantly associated with endothelial function and relevant biomarkers in post-MI patients. However, as HADS is a screening tool and not a diagnostic instrument, and given the study’s observational design, findings reflect associations rather than causality. Routine screening and targeted mental health support within CR programs might improve participation, enhance cardiovascular recovery, and optimize long-term outcomes. These findings underscore the clinical importance of psychological assessment in the early post-MI period and support the integration of mental health evaluation into cardiovascular care.
Keywords: anxiety, depression, cardiac rehabilitation, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, pulse-wave velocity, endothelial dysfunction
Published in DiRROS: 24.11.2025; Views: 135; Downloads: 72
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2. Relationship between job characteristics and music performance anxiety in collaborative pianists working in Slovenian music schoolsKatarina Babnik, Žan Lep, Katarina Habe, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a significant challenge for amateur and professional musicians, as well as music students. Systematic literature reviews highlight a lack of research on the role of contextual variables in MPA. This study contributes to existing knowledge by examining how job characteristics, particularly job demands and job resources, influence MPA among collaborative pianists. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted on 94 collaborative pianists (24% of the population) working at all three levels of the Slovenian music education system. Data were collected through an online survey, including demographic characteristics, objective workload measures, and perceived job characteristics scales (cognitive job demands, emotional demands, job influence, role clarity, role conflict, and organizational justice), along with an adapted MPA scale. Confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency analysis were conducted for each scale, followed by correlation analysis and a multiple linear regression model to predict MPA. Results: The study tested six hypotheses, with mixed support for the proposed relationships. The regression model explained 50% (F = 5.11; df1 = 10, df2 = 51, p < 0.001) of the variance in MPA, with perceived emotional demands (β = 0. 50; t = 3.57; p < 0.001) and role conflict (β = 0.38; t = 2.65; p = 0.011) playing significant roles in predicting MPA. Discussion and conclusions: The findings enhance the understanding of MPA in the job context and have practical implications for music school management. Future research should explore the interaction between job characteristics and individual psychological resources across diverse professional and cultural contexts with representative samples.
Keywords: job demands, job resources, performance anxiety, music education, accompanists
Published in DiRROS: 29.09.2025; Views: 222; Downloads: 95
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4. Anxiety in a COVID-19 school year context : three-way longitudinal study on Slovenian adolescent sampleAna Kozina, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Background and Objectives:We investigated the trajectories of anxiety,general anxiety and more specifically COVID-19 anxiety in the period ofschool closure in Slovenia using a longitudinal design with three timepoints: at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the school year.Design and Methods:We have used data from a representativeadolescent sample for Slovenia (n= 1233) and two anxiety scales: theLAOM Anxiety Scale and the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale. Thefindings fromlatent growth curve models show a significant difference in initial levelsand a decrease in both types of anxiety as well as an interaction effectbetween the initial level and the rate of change of COVID-19 anxiety. Inaddition to investigating the change in time, we were interested incovariates.Results and Conclusions:Thefindings show significant effects of: (a)gender, school level and academic achievement on initial levels ofCOVID-19 anxiety; (b) gender and school level on initial levels ofanxiety; (c) gender on the rate of change in anxiety; (d) academicachievement on the rate of change in COVID-19 anxiety; and,additionally, (e) the significant but different role that schoolbelongingness plays in anxiety and in particular COVID-19 anxiety.
Keywords: education, schoolbelongingnes, adolescents, grades, gender, covid-19, anxiety, covid-19 anxiety, longitudinal study, Slovenia
Published in DiRROS: 08.07.2025; Views: 377; Downloads: 297
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5. Longitudinal analysis of COVID-19 anxiety and mental well-being during lockdown : the role of emotional self-efficacy and mindfulness practices in Slovenian adults - insights for post-pandemic mental health and educationMaša Vidmar, Ana Kozina, Manja Veldin, Tina Pivec, Igor Peras, 2024, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Keywords: psychology, mental well-being, prevention, covid-19 anxiety, emotional self-efficacy, mindfulness, covid-19, adults, Slovenia
Published in DiRROS: 27.01.2025; Views: 591; Downloads: 378
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6. Key components and content of efective evidence‑based digital prevention programs for anxiety and depression in children and adolescents : a systematic umbrella reviewFranziska Reitegger, Igor Peras, Michaela Wright, Barbara Gasteiger-Klicpera, 2024, original scientific article Keywords: children, adolescents, digital prevention programs, internalizing disorders, depression, anxiety, youth, e-mental health, digital mental health
Published in DiRROS: 27.01.2025; Views: 620; Downloads: 347
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