Effects of internet-based stress management on acute cortisol stress reactivity: Preliminary evidence using the Trier Social Stress Test for Groups (TSST-G)

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of face-to-face stress management programs in reducing psychological and endocrine responses to acute psychosocial stress exposure. With the present pilot study, we compare the effects of a brief internet-based stress management (IBSM) intervention versus relaxation training on subjective, autonomic, and endocrine stress responses to a standardized psychosocial laboratory stressor (Trier Social Stress Test for Groups, TSST-G). A group of male participants receiving IBSM was compared to a group receiving Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) training and a waiting-list control group. All groups underwent the TSST-G following a 6-week training/waiting period. Both the IBSM and PMR group reported lower subjective stress levels than the control group. However, the IBSM group exhibited the lowest free salivary cortisol responses to the TSST-G, with significantly lower levels than the PMR group. The waiting-list control group exhibited an intermediate cortisol response. These preliminary results suggest that a 6-week internet-based stress management program is effective in reducing the subjective stress levels, and might be associated with an attenuated salivary cortisol response to an acute stressor.