Novel Methods for (Remote) Acute Stress Induction

Project leader: Robert Richer, Björn Eskofier, Nicolas Rohleder
Project members: Robert Richer, Luca Abel, Veronika Ringgold, Arne Küderle
Start date: 1. September 2021

Abstract

Repeated exposure to acute psychosocial stress and the associated stimulation of biological stress pathways over a period of time can promote the transition from acute to chronic stress. Unfortunately, established laboratory stress protocols are limited for repeated use due to high personnel and resource demand, creating the need for novel approaches that can be conducted at a larger scale, and, possibly, remotely.

Therefore, this project aims to develop and test novel methods for inducing acute stress without requiring extensive personnel and resource demands. The project will explore the use of digital technologies, such as virtual reality and mobile apps, to create stress-inducing scenarios that can be experienced (remotely) by study participants. The project will also investigate the use of physiological and behavioral measures to validate the effectiveness of the stress induction methods.