Validation of an online version of the Trier Social Stress Test– preliminary results of a pilot study in adults. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meier, Maria; Benz, Annika; Bentele, Ulrike U; Dimitroff, Stephanie J; Denk, Bernadette; Unternaehrer, Eva; Pruessner, Jens C
• Is Part Of: Psychoneuroendocrinology. Volume 131(2021)Supplement
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Psychoneuroendocrinology -- Periodicals; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Neuropsychoendocrinologie -- Périodiques; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105498
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4530

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a well-established, standardized protocol to induce acute psychosocial stress in the laboratory. Yet not all circumstances allow in-person assessments; thus, an online version of the TSST (TSST-OL) is needed. In this pilot study, we aimed to validate a TSST-OL for adults. Methods: N=21 adults (90.48% female, meanage =24.29, SD=6.29) took part in the study. Saliva sampling devices were sent to their home prior to testing. Sessions, for which the experimenter, a mixed-sex panel and the participant joined a video call, took place at 3 or 5 p.m. Participants underwent the TSST-OL and provided five saliva samples for cortisol detection. Mood ratings and personality questionnaires were completed online. Results: The TSST-OL significantly increased cortisol and arousal levels in the whole group, while it decreased pleasure. Yet, only 48% of the subjects were classified as responders (cortisol rise>1.5nmol/l). Subjects with low self-esteem descriptively had a higher cortisol response. Conclusion: The TSST-OL successfully induced psychophysiological stress. Yet, larger follow-up studies considering previously reported sex- and personality-effects should test its robustness and efficiency.