Evaluation of the socially evaluated cold-pressor group test (SECPT-G) in the general population

Becker L, Schade U, Rohleder N (2019)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

Book Volume: 7

Pages Range: 1-15

Article Number: PeerJ 7:e7521

URI: https://peerj.com/articles/7521/

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7521

Open Access Link: https://peerj.com/articles/7521/

Abstract

Background

In stress research, economic instruments for introducing acute stress responses are needed. In this study, we investigated whether the socially evaluated cold-pressor group test (SECPT-G) induces salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and/or cortisol responses in the general population and whether this is associated with anthropometric, experimental, and lifestyle factors.

Methods

A sample of 91 participants from the general population was recruited. Salivary cortisol and sAA levels were assessed prior to (t0), immediately after (t1), and 10 min after the SECPT-G (t2).

Results

A robust cortisol increase was found immediately after the SECPT-G, which further increased between t1 and t2. This was independent of most of the control variables. However, men showed a trend toward higher cortisol increases than women (p = 0.005). No sAA responses were found at all. However, sAA levels were dependent on measurement time point with highest levels between 9 pm and 9:30 pm. Participants who immersed their hands into the ice water for the maximally allowed time of 3 min showed higher sAA levels at all time points than participants who removed their hands from the water earlier.

Conclusions

We conclude that the SECPT-G is a good means of an acute stress test when cortisol—but not necessarily sAA—responses are intended.

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How to cite

APA:

Becker, L., Schade, U., & Rohleder, N. (2019). Evaluation of the socially evaluated cold-pressor group test (SECPT-G) in the general population. PeerJ, 7, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7521

MLA:

Becker, Linda, Ursula Schade, and Nicolas Rohleder. "Evaluation of the socially evaluated cold-pressor group test (SECPT-G) in the general population." PeerJ 7 (2019): 1-15.

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