ADAPTIVE POTENTIAL OF INDIVIDUALS AGED 15–60 DEPENDING ON ANXIETY LEVEL

Background. In the context of growing psycho-emotional stress, studying the relationship between anxiety levels, cardiovascular system function, and the adaptive capacity of individuals becomes increasingly relevant. Decreased stress resilience and dysregulation of autonomic systems may contribute to maladaptation across different age groups. Methods. The study involved 109 individuals aged 15–60, divided into three age groups: Group 1 – 35 adolescents (15–21 years); Group 2 – 37 young adults (22–35 years); Group 3 – 37 middle-aged adults (36–60 years). Anxiety levels were assessed using the Spielberger–Khanin State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); the adaptive potential was evaluated by the Functional State Index (FSI) according to R. Baevsky; the cardiovascular response was examined via the Martinet–Kushelevsky test. Statistical analysis was performed using the mean and standard error (M ± m), and differences were tested with Student’s t-test. Results. In the first group (15–21 years), a high level of state anxiety (45.2 points), moderate FSI (2.20), and a predominance of hypertensive cardiovascular response was observed, indicating limited adaptive reserve. The second group (22–35 years) demonstrated moderate anxiety levels, the lowest FSI (1.46), and a normotonic cardiovascular response, suggesting the highest adaptive capacity. In the third group (36–60 years), high trait anxiety (48.6 points) and the highest FSI (3.28) were recorded, along with a predominant hypertensive response type, indicating significant strain on adaptive mechanisms. Conclusions. Statistically significant differences were found between age groups in anxiety levels, cardiovascular reactivity, and adaptation indicators. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in anxiety level was observed between the youngest and oldest groups, suggesting the cumulative effect of chronic emotional stress and the development of anxiety as a stable personality trait with age. FSI decreased by 33.6% from adolescence to young adulthood, indicating improved adaptation; in the 36–60 age group, FSI more than doubled, reflecting marked adaptive stress. Elevated anxiety levels, particularly trait anxiety, were associated with increased FSI and decreased efficiency of cardiovascular response to physical load. The highest adaptive potential was observed in young adults with moderate anxiety, while the lowest was found in older adults with high-trait anxiety. These findings emphasize the importance of integrated assessment of psycho-emotional state and physiological adaptation, especially in adolescents and middle-aged individuals.