An introductory guide to conducting the Trier Social Stress Test. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Labuschagne, Izelle; Grace, Caitlin; Rendell, Peter; Terrett, Gill; Heinrichs, Markus
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. Volume 107(2019)
• Page Start: 686
• Page End: 695
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Cortisol -- HPA axis -- Humans -- Public speaking -- Mental arithmetic -- TSST; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Ethology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiologie -- Périodiques; Comportement humain -- Périodiques; Animaux -- Mœurs et comportement -- Périodiques; Neurologie -- Périodiques; Animal behavior; Human behavior; Neurology; Psychophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7634

Abstract

Highlights: The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a robust tool to induce acute psychobiological stress. Yet, clear methodological guidelines for conducting the TSST are not available. We provide an accessible step-by-step introductory guide for conducting the TSST. These guidelines may be modified depending on to the individual research question. We hope to provide a valuable resource for researchers and improve the scientific standard in this field of research. Abstract: The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a reliable biopsychological tool to examine the effects of acute stress on psychological and physiological functioning in humans. While the TSST reliably increases hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation, amongst other biomarkers, through a combination of social evaluative threat and uncontrollability, the original protocol is limited in methodological detail that has impacted its reproducibility. Although many studies include a mock job interview and surprise arithmetic task, there are large variations in the timing of events, the number and method of biological (e.g., cortisol) sampling, the administration of a glucose drink, set-up of equipment and rooms, panel composition, and panel interaction with participants. We provide an overview of the potential impact of methodological variations on the stress (cortisol) response. Importantly, we also provide a step-by-step guide as a laboratory manual on how to conduct the TSST. This introductory guide may be a useful and time-saving resource that may also improve the scientific standard and reliability of the reported psychobiological stress effects in future studies.