Virtually Stressed? A refined virtual reality adaptation of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) induces robust endocrine responses

Over the last decades a number of highly standardized laboratory stressors have been developed to induce psychosocial stress in the laboratory (e.g. the Socially-Evaluated Cold Pressor Test, SECPT, (Schwabe et al., 2013); Maastricht Acute Stress Test, MAST, (Smeets et al., 2012). Among these protocols, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST; Kirschbaum et al., 1993) has become widely used in psychobiological stress research as it has been proven to evoke robust endocrine and cardiovascular responses in the majority of participants.

Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 10, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Patrick Zimmer, Benjamin Buttlar, Georg Halbeisen, Eva Walther, Gregor Domes Source Type: research