Deepening the Understanding of Deviant Patterns of Vagal Stress Reactivity Associated with Chronic Exhaustion.

• Applicant: Dr. Magdalena Wekenborg
• Subject Area: Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 576469499

Chronic exhaustion caused by prolonged psychosocial stress poses a significant challenge to public health and is closely associated with both psychological and physical pathologies, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Despite its increasing prevalence, the psychophysiological mechanisms underlying chronic exhaustion remain insufficiently understood. Our own findings, as well as results from other research groups, suggest that vagal dysregulation (measurable through changes in heart rate variability [HRV]) in both laboratory and real-life settings, particularly during confrontations with psychosocial stressors, may play a key role in the development of chronic exhaustion. However, the consistency of these effects, both within and between individuals, as well as the underlying neural and cognitive mechanisms remain unclear. This binational project aims to address this research gap through an innovative multimethod approach that combines laboratory studies with Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). The expertise of the Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Digital Health (TU Dresden) and the Health Psychology Department (University of Graz) is leveraged to create synergies. The foundation of this work is the Neuro-Cognitive Vagal Exhaustion Model (NC-VEX Model), developed by us and based on established psychophysiological models (Polyvagal Theory, Neurovisceral Integration Model, and Motivational Intensity Theory). The NC-VEX Model posits that chronic stress induces dysregulation of the central autonomic network, primarily through impaired fronto-limbic coupling. This leads to reduced flexibility in adapting to environmental demands. The altered vagal stress reactivity reflects this lack of flexibility. Over time, this creates a vicious cycle that ultimately results in chronic exhaustion. The model further proposes that, on a cognitive level, altered perceptions of task difficulty mediate the relationship between central autonomic dysregulation and the deviant vagal stress response pattern. The project tests key assumptions of the NC-VEX Model through three work packages (WPs): 1. WP1: Analysis of the impact of intra-individual changes in chronic exhaustion symptoms on HRV stress reactivity using a longitudinal design that combines laboratory experiments and EMA. 2. WP2: Examination of the relationship between the modulation of fronto-basal coupling during a laboratory stressor and vagal dysregulation during acute stress in everyday life, using a combination of laboratory experiments and EMA. 3. WP3: Investigation of the (mal)adaptiveness of altered vagal stress reactivity associated with chronic exhaustion through a just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) designed to modulate HRV.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria
• Partner Organisation: Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF)
• Cooperation Partner: Privatdozent Dr. Christian Rominger