Hauck F, Gibu LR, Jansen S, Rohleder N (2022)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2022
Book Volume: 25
Pages Range: 313-322
Journal Issue: 25(1)
DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2022.2110466
Using a second language is a daily experience for many people today, among them many migrants. To determine whether speaking a second language induces a stronger cortisol or alpha-amylase (sAA) response than first language, we tested a Hispanic-American sample in two Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) conditions: First (Spanish) and second (German) language. Thirty-two participants (64.5% female) between the age of 19 and 53 years (mean = 30.68) from Latin America were tested (15 in Spanish, 17 in German). Participants were randomized to a German or Spanish version of the TSST, gave six saliva samples and completed questionnaires on perceived threat and stress, positive and negative affect as well as state-anxiety. A significantly higher stress response was found in the German condition for salivary cortisol, but not for sAA. Self-report showed significantly higher perceived threat and negative affect after the TSST for the German compared to the first language condition. Speaking a second compared to first language in a challenging situation appeared to be more stressful and threatening for participants. Further, reported increases in state-anxiety appeared to be higher in the German condition, even though group differences did not reach significance. A more detailed investigation of underlying, stress inducing mechanisms should be considered in future studies as well as associations with language proficiency and improvements over time.
APA:
Hauck, F., Gibu, L.R., Jansen, S., & Rohleder, N. (2022). Differences in acute stress responses depending on first or second language in a Hispanic-American sample. Stress. The International Journal on the Biology of Stress, 25(25(1)), 313-322. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10253890.2022.2110466
MLA:
Hauck, Felicitas, et al. "Differences in acute stress responses depending on first or second language in a Hispanic-American sample." Stress. The International Journal on the Biology of Stress 25.25(1) (2022): 313-322.
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