Abstract
ABSTRACT Background and Objectives Laboratory-based stress inductions are commonly used to elicit acute stress but vary widely in their procedures and effectiveness. We compared the effects of stress induction techniques on measures of two major biological stress systems: the early sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) and the delayed hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis response. Design A review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between stress induction techniques on cardiorespiratory and salivary measures of SAM and HPA system activity. Methods A systematic literature search identified 245 reports and 700 effects. Results The overall effect of stress induction techniques on the stress response was moderate (Fisher’s z r = 0.44), inducing stronger SAM-related (z r = 0.48) versus HPA-related (z r = 0.37) responses. Three factors moderated these associations: the stress system examined (SAM vs HPA), the specific stress induction technique employed (e.g., Cold Pressor), the physiological sampling time relative to the stress induction, and participant sex. Loud music elicited the most robust SAM-related effects, whereas combined stress inductions elicited the most robust HPA-related effects. Men showed stronger stress responses than women. Conclusions Stress induction techniques variably elicit SAM – and HPA-related responses. Results recommend specific induction techniques for targeting stress systems, highlighting the importance of carefully selecting methodologies in laboratory contexts.
Published Version
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