Using Virtual Reality for stress research

Is it possible to use virtual environments to trigger stress reactions in people? The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is an established and validated method used to study stress response. TSST consists of two parts: the subject makes a presentation for a committee in a hypothetical job interview and then performs a mathematical task in front of the committee. The problem with TSST is that it is a very complicated and resource demanding procedure. In this research we investigate if a virtual version of TSST, realised with Virtual Reality technology, could be used instead.

This research is part of METALUND, a FAS Centre of Excellence in which EAT collaborates with Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the Department of Laboratory Medicine.

Publications

Jönsson, P., Wallergård, M., Karlson, B., Johansson, G., Österberg, K., Eek, F., and Eriksson, J. "Trier Social Stress Test in the Black Box: Inducing Social Stress in a Virtual Environment", Poster presented at A Brain Research Meeting: Stress, Coping and Disease, Arlington, Washington, USA, 13 - 14 November 2008.

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