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Garces-Arilla S, Fidalgo C, Mendez-Lopez M, Osma J, Peiro T, Salvador A, Hidalgo V. Female students' personality and stress response to an academic examination. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024; 37:460-472. [PMID: 37771236 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2023.2264208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are vulnerable to stress-related disorders. Examinations are a source of stress, triggering emotional, cognitive, and hormonal responses. We examined women's psychological and hormonal stress responses and academic performance according to personality during a real-life examination. METHODS Female students (N = 66) were divided into two groups based on hierarchical cluster analysis: one cluster characterized by high neuroticism and moderate extraversion (HN-ME; n = 42) and the other by low neuroticism and high extraversion (LN-HE; n = 24). Academic performance, perceived stress, and emotional dysregulation were analyzed. State anxiety, affect, and cortisol release were measured before and on the examination day. RESULTS The HN-ME cluster was high in perceived stress, emotional dysregulation, and negative affect. This cluster also had higher state anxiety levels two days before and shortly after the examination compared to the LN-HE cluster. Students' cortisol levels were higher on the examination day, and there was a marginal significance of the Cluster factor in the cortisol release regardless of the day of measurement. CONCLUSIONS Women with high neuroticism and moderate extraversion may be more vulnerable to psychological stress in academic settings but similar to other women in their cortisol response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Garces-Arilla
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Teruel, Spain
| | - Camino Fidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Teruel, Spain
| | - Magdalena Mendez-Lopez
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Teruel, Spain
| | - Jorge Osma
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Teruel, Spain
| | - Teresa Peiro
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Teruel, Spain
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Pachimsawat P, Tammayan M, Do TKA, Jantaratnotai N. The Use of Coffee Aroma for Stress Reduction in Postgraduate Dental Students. Int Dent J 2024:S0020-6539(24)00105-9. [PMID: 38677970 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the potential reduction of academic stress related to a graded oral presentation in postgraduate dental students using coffee aromatherapy. METHODS Healthy postgraduate dental students in a seminar class were divided into coffee (n = 32) and control (n = 26) groups. There were 3 modes of aroma distribution: personal distribution with a coffee pad attached to a lanyard, a lanyard plus a personal fan for ventilation of the aroma, and the typical method of the diffuser to spread the aroma in the ambient air. Stress markers comprised levels of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), cortisol (sCort), and chromogranin A (sCgA). Pulse rates were also measured. RESULTS Levels of sAA increased 176.62% ± 30.26% between pre- and postpresentation in the control group. Inhaling coffee aroma during the presentation period significantly ameliorated sAA increase at 81.02% ± 14.90% (P = .015). sCort levels tended to decrease in the coffee group, but not significantly. Surprisingly, sCgA levels increased more in the coffee group. Also, pulse rates decreased in the coffee group (-2.07 ± 2.81 bpm) and increased in the control group (6.90 ± 3.22 bpm; P = .035). Subgroup analysis did not reveal differences in salivary markers amongst the 3 aroma distribution modes. CONCLUSIONS Coffee aroma could have an anxiolytic effect on postgraduate dental students, as evidenced by changes in sAA levels and pulse rates. Personal aroma distribution was also a useful and effective mode of aromatherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praewpat Pachimsawat
- Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Manita Tammayan
- Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thi Kim Anh Do
- Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Prosthodontic, Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at HCM City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Campanella S, Altaleb A, Belli A, Pierleoni P, Palma L. PPG and EDA dataset collected with Empatica E4 for stress assessment. Data Brief 2024; 53:110102. [PMID: 38328286 PMCID: PMC10847510 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2024.110102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In response to challenging circumstances, the human body can experience marked levels of anxiety and distress. Wearable devices offer a means of real-time and ongoing data collection, facilitating personalized stress monitoring. Therefore, we collected physiological signals (blood pressure volume and electrodermal activities), using Empatica E4, from 29 subjects. A personalized protocol was developed to cause cognitive, mental, and psychological stressors since they are the ones that can be experienced in working or academic environment. We also propose a pipeline to clean and process these two signals to maximize the quality of further analysis. This study aids in the comprehension of the complex connection between stress and working situations by offering a sizable dataset made up of different physiological data. It additionally enables them to create cutting-edge stress-reduction techniques and improving professional achievement while lessening the negative impact of stress on welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Campanella
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ayham Altaleb
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alberto Belli
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paola Pierleoni
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Palma
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
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Garces-Arilla S, Mendez-Lopez M, Fidalgo C, Salvador A, Hidalgo V. Examination-related anticipatory levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol predict positive affect, examination marks and support-seeking in college students. Stress 2024; 27:2330009. [PMID: 38952223 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2330009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol release appear to have contrasting effects on stress perception during stressful tasks. This study aimed to investigate anticipatory examination stress in college students by considering DHEA, cortisol, psycho-emotional aspects and examination performance. Seventy-six students (66 females, 10 males; age range 18-25 years) provided saliva samples and completed questionnaires in two sessions 48 hours apart. During the second session, the students performed the examination. The questionnaires used were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory. DHEA, cortisol, anxiety and negative affect showed an anticipatory rise before the examination (all ps < 0.001). This rise of DHEA and cortisol was associated with lower positive affect (p = 0.001 and p = 0.043, respectively). However, only the DHEA anticipatory levels were linked to poorer examination marks (p = 0.020). Higher levels of the DHEA/cortisol ratio in anticipation of the examination were related to lower scores on the support-seeking strategy (p = 0.022). There was no association between DHEA and cortisol levels and anxiety, negative affect, active and avoidant coping strategies, or academic record. These results suggest that how DHEA and cortisol respond in anticipation of examination stress significantly impacts students' emotional well-being during examination periods and how they cope with stress. They also suggest that levels of DHEA in anticipation of an academic stressor have detrimental effects on stress management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Garces-Arilla
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Teruel, Spain
| | - Magdalena Mendez-Lopez
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Teruel, Spain
| | - Camino Fidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Teruel, Spain
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Teruel, Spain
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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5
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Campanella S, Altaleb A, Belli A, Pierleoni P, Palma L. A Method for Stress Detection Using Empatica E4 Bracelet and Machine-Learning Techniques. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3565. [PMID: 37050625 PMCID: PMC10098696 DOI: 10.3390/s23073565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In response to challenging circumstances, the human body can experience marked levels of anxiety and distress. To prevent stress-related complications, timely identification of stress symptoms is crucial, necessitating the need for continuous stress monitoring. Wearable devices offer a means of real-time and ongoing data collection, facilitating personalized stress monitoring. Based on our protocol for data pre-processing, this study proposes to analyze signals obtained from the Empatica E4 bracelet using machine-learning algorithms (Random Forest, SVM, and Logistic Regression) to determine the efficacy of the abovementioned techniques in differentiating between stressful and non-stressful situations. Photoplethysmographic and electrodermal activity signals were collected from 29 subjects to extract 27 features which were then fed into three different machine-learning algorithms for binary classification. Using MATLAB after applying the chi-square test and Pearson's correlation coefficient on WEKA for features' importance ranking, the results demonstrated that the Random Forest model has the highest stability (accuracy of 76.5%) using all the features. Moreover, the Random Forest applying the chi-test for feature selection reached consistent results in terms of stress evaluation based on precision, recall, and F1-measure (71%, 60%, 65%, respectively).
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Beck K, Meir Drexler S, Wolf OT, Merz CJ. Stress effects on memory retrieval of aversive and appetitive instrumental counterconditioning in men. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2022; 196:107697. [PMID: 36336274 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2022.107697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Extinction training creates a second inhibitory memory trace and effectively reduces conditioned responding. However, acute stress inhibits the retrieval of this extinction memory trace. It is not known whether this also applies to other forms of associative learning such as instrumental counterconditioning, where previously learned associations are reversed and paired with the opposite valence. Therefore, the current preregistered study investigates whether stress decreases the retrieval of instrumental counterconditioning memories with aversive and appetitive consequences. Fifty-two healthy men were randomly assigned to either a stress or control group and took part in a two-day instrumental learning paradigm. During a first phase, participants learned that pressing specific buttons in response to the presentation of four neutral stimuli either leads to gaining or losing money. During a second phase, two stimuli reversed their contingencies (counterconditioning). One day later, participants were exposed to acute stress or a control condition prior to the same task, which no longer included feedback about gains or losses. Stressed participants showed more approach behavior towards appetitive and less avoidance behavior towards aversive stimuli as compared to non-stressed participants. Our findings indicate that stress effects on memory retrieval differ depending on the associative learning approach in men. These differences might be related to stress effects on decision making and different motivational systems involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Beck
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Shira Meir Drexler
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany; Department of Neurology, Mauritius Hospital Meerbusch, Strümper Straße 111, 40670 Meerbusch, Germany.
| | - Oliver T Wolf
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Christian J Merz
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
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Rüttgens T, Wolf OT. The influence of a glucose administration on stress responsivity and memory after a socially evaluated cold pressor test. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 142:105803. [PMID: 35605475 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The nutritional state of participants prior to stress induction via a laboratory stressor has been demonstrated to influence reactivity of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis. So far, either primarily psychosocial or primarily physiological stressors have been utilized investigating this effect. In the present study, we aimed to fill this gap in the existing literature by utilizing a stressor that combines both elements, namely the Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Test. Furthermore, we investigated how glucose consumption and subsequent stress induction influence long-term memory retrieval as well as working memory. In a 2 × 2 design, half of the 72 participants (36 women, 36 men) participated in the laboratory stressor while the other half participated in a control condition after having fasted for at least six hours. Thirty minutes prior to stress or control treatment, fasted participants consumed either 75 g of glucose or stevia-sweetened water. Salivary cortisol levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as affect did not significantly differ between participants consuming glucose or the placebo beverage. Acute stress impaired working memory but had no effect on long-term memory retrieval. Glucose consumption did not significantly influence memory. Our results suggest that the intensity of a stressor might be important when determining the effects of a glucose administration on stress reactivity. The nutritional state of participants taking part in studies investigating the effects of acute stress on memory might be less decisive than previously assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Rüttgens
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver T Wolf
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
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8
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Romantic partner embraces reduce cortisol release after acute stress induction in women but not in men. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266887. [PMID: 35584124 PMCID: PMC9116618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is omnipresent in our everyday lives. It is therefore critical to identify potential stress-buffering behaviors that can help to prevent the negative effects of acute stress in daily life. Massages, a form of social touch, are an effective buffer against both the endocrinological and sympathetic stress response in women. However, for other forms of social touch, potential stress-buffering effects have not been investigated in detail. Furthermore, the possible stress-buffering effects of social touch on men have not been researched so far. The present study focused on embracing, one of the most common forms of social touch across many cultures. We used a short-term embrace between romantic partners as a social touch intervention prior to the induction of acute stress via the Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Test. Women who embraced their partner prior to being stressed showed a reduced cortisol response compared to a control group in which no embrace occurred. No stress-buffering effect could be observed in men. No differences between the embrace and control group were observed regarding sympathetic nervous system activation measured via blood pressure or subjective affect ratings. These findings suggest that in women, short-term embraces prior to stressful social situations such as examinations or stressful interviews can reduce the cortisol response in that situation.
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9
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Pfeifer LS, Heyers K, Ocklenburg S, Wolf OT. Stress research during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:581-596. [PMID: 34599918 PMCID: PMC8480136 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic confronts stress researchers in psychology and neuroscience with unique challenges. Widely used experimental paradigms such as the Trier Social Stress Test feature physical social encounters to induce stress by means of social-evaluative threat. As lockdowns and contact restrictions currently prevent in-person meetings, established stress induction paradigms are often difficult to use. Despite these challenges, stress research is of pivotal importance as the pandemic will likely increase the prevalence of stress-related mental disorders. Therefore, we review recent research trends like virtual reality, pre-recordings and online adaptations regarding their usefulness for established stress induction paradigms. Such approaches are not only crucial for stress research during COVID-19 but will likely stimulate the field far beyond the pandemic. They may facilitate research in new contexts and in homebound or movement-restricted participant groups. Moreover, they allow for new experimental variations that may advance procedures as well as the conceptualization of stress itself. While posing challenges for stress researchers undeniably, the COVID-19 pandemic may evolve into a driving force for progress eventually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Sophie Pfeifer
- Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany,Corresponding author at: Lena Sophie Pfeifer (Cognitive Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Room: IB 6/77, 44780, Bochum, Germany)
| | - Katrin Heyers
- Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany,General Psychology II and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology, School of Human Sciences, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ocklenburg
- Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver T. Wolf
- Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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McManus E, Talmi D, Haroon H, Muhlert N. Psychosocial stress has weaker than expected effects on episodic memory and related cognitive abilities: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:1099-1113. [PMID: 34748879 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The impact of stress on episodic memory and related cognitive abilities is well documented in both animal and human literature. However, it is unclear whether the same cognitive effects result from all forms of stress - in particular psychosocial stress. This review systematically explored the effects of psychosocial stress on episodic memory and associated cognitive abilities. PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science databases were searched. Fifty-one studies were identified and compared based on the timing of stress induction. A small positive effect of post-learning psychosocial stress with a long retention interval was shown. No other effects of psychosocial stress were seen. Re-analysis of previous meta-analyses also showed no significant effect of psychosocial stress on episodic memory, highlighting potentially different effects between stressor types. Psychosocial stress also had a moderately different effect when emotional vs. neutral stimuli were compared. Finally, psychosocial stress also decreased performance on executive function, but not working memory tasks. Our findings demonstrate that psychosocial stress may not have the clear effects on episodic memory previously ascribed to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth McManus
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Deborah Talmi
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; University of Cambridge, Department of Psychology, UK
| | - Hamied Haroon
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nils Muhlert
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Tammayan M, Jantaratnotai N, Pachimsawat P. Differential responses of salivary cortisol, amylase, and chromogranin A to academic stress. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256172. [PMID: 34383867 PMCID: PMC8360508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Salivary biomarkers have been widely used to help diagnose stress, anxiety, and/or depression. This study aimed to compare the responses of three commonly investigated salivary stress biomarkers that represent the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity (cortisol; sCort) and the sympathetic activity (alpha-amylase; sAA and chromogranin A; sCgA), using academic oral presentation as a model of stress. Twenty postgraduate dental students attended the seminar class as presenter and audience. The presenters' performances were evaluated by the instructors suggesting more stress than the audience. The saliva was collected two times: before attending class and after an academic presentation (for presenters) or during the class (for audience). The pulse rates (PR) were also recorded. The results showed that the levels of all three biomarkers, as well as PR, were significantly higher in the presenter group compared with the audience group; however, the changes were most prominent with sCort and sAA (99.56 ± 12.76% for sCort, 93.48 ± 41.29% for sAA, 16.86 ± 6.42% for sCgA, and 15.06 ± 3.41% for PR). When compared between pre-post presentation, the levels of sCgA were not different, while those of sCort and sAA were significantly increased. These results suggest more sensitive reactivity to academic stress of sCort and sAA compared with sCgA and that the response of sCgA did not necessarily follow sAA pattern even though both are claimed to reflect the sympathetic activity. More studies are needed to elucidate the roles of sCgA in stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manita Tammayan
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Praewpat Pachimsawat
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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12
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McManus E, Talmi D, Haroon H, Muhlert N. The effects of psychosocial stress on item, cued-pair and emotional memory. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2612-2631. [PMID: 34022077 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Physical stress, such as from the cold-pressor test, has been robustly associated with altered memory retrieval, but it is less clear whether the same happens following psychosocial stress. Studies using psychosocial stressors report mixed effects on memory, leading to uncertainty about the common cognitive impact of both forms of stress. The current study uses a series of four carefully designed experiments, each differing by only a single critical factor to determine the effects of psychosocial stress on specific aspects of episodic memory. In three experiments, we induced psychosocial stress after participants encoded words, then assessed retrieval of those words after a prolonged delay. These experiments found no effect of post-encoding stress on recognition of neutral words or cued recall of word-pairs, but a small effect on recollection of semantically related words. There were, however, positive relationships within the stress group between measures of stress (cortisol in experiment 1 and self-reported-anxiety in experiment 3) and recollection of single word stimuli. In the fourth experiment, we found that psychosocial stress immediately before retrieval did not influence word recognition. Recollection, particularly for semantically related stimuli, may therefore be more susceptible to the effects of psychosocial stress, and future studies can assess how this relates to other forms of stress. Overall, our findings suggest that the effects of psychosocial stress on episodic memory may be more subtle than expected, warranting further exploration in larger studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth McManus
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Deborah Talmi
- Department of Psychology, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hamied Haroon
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nils Muhlert
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Vera J, Redondo B, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Molina R, Jiménez R. The intraocular pressure responses to oral academic examination: The influence of perceived levels of public speaking anxiety. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 88:103158. [PMID: 32678777 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We examined the intraocular pressure responsiveness to oral examination stress, as well as the mediating role of the perceived levels of public speaking anxiety on intraocular pressure changes. Thirty-two university students (intervention group) publicly defended their degree final project, and intraocular pressure and perceived levels of stress were measured before and after the oral presentation, and after 10 min of recovery. The control group (n = 32) was not exposed to any stressful situation, and the dependent measures were taken at the same time points. All participants completed the public speaking anxiety scale. The intervention group exhibited higher intraocular pressure values before the oral presentation (corrected p-values<0.001), with these changes being positively associated with the perceived levels of public speaking anxiety (p < 0.001, r = 0.71). Our results reveal a mediating role of public speaking anxiety on the intraocular pressure responsiveness to oral examination stress, and highlight the utility of intraocular pressure as an indicator of stress in applied situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Vera
- Department of Optics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Beatriz Redondo
- Department of Optics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Spain.
| | | | - Rubén Molina
- Department of Optics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Raimundo Jiménez
- Department of Optics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Spain
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Smith AM, Elliott G, Hughes GI, Feinn RS, Brunyé TT. Acute stress improves analogical reasoning: examining the roles of stress hormones and long-term memory. THINKING & REASONING 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/13546783.2020.1819416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Smith
- Department of Psychology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, USA
| | - Grace Elliott
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Gregory I. Hughes
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Medford, MA, USA
- Tufts University, Department of Psychology, Medford, MA, USA
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
| | | | - Tad T. Brunyé
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Medford, MA, USA
- Tufts University, Department of Psychology, Medford, MA, USA
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
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