The relationship between chronic perceived stress and error processing: evidence from event-related potentials.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Prolonged stress significantly affects brain function and cognition, particularly executive functions like error processing.
• Limited research exists on the direct relationship between chronic stress and the neural mechanisms of error processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between chronic perceived stress and distinct phases of error processing.
• To utilize Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) to examine neural responses during error detection.

Main Methods:

• The study employed the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to quantify chronic stress levels.
• An auditory Go/NoGo task was used to elicit error processing, with Event-Related Potential (ERP) components, Error-related Negativity (ERN) and Error Positivity (Pe), analyzed.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was found between higher PSS scores and increased Pe amplitude, indicating heightened sensitivity to errors.
• No significant correlation was observed between PSS scores and the early ERN component.
• This relationship between stress and Pe amplitude remained significant after accounting for trait anxiety and depression.

Conclusions:

• Chronic perceived stress is linked to enhanced neural responses in the later stages of error monitoring (Pe).
• Individuals with higher stress levels exhibit greater sensitivity and emotional attention towards their own errors.
• These findings highlight the impact of chronic stress on cognitive control and self-monitoring mechanisms.