Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2025
07:26
Assessment of Stress Effects on Cognitive Flexibility using an Operant Strategy Shifting Paradigm
Published on: May 4, 2020
3.3K
Flexible processing of distractor stimuli under stress.
Imke M Duehnen1, Susanne Vogel2,3, Nina Alexander4,5
1Experimental Psychology Unit, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|May 11, 2024
Summary
Acute stress impacts how the brain processes information, showing flexible attention but reduced use of distractor cues for response selection. This study used the temporal flanker task to explore stress effects on executive functions.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- Acute stress is hypothesized to alter executive functions, but research findings are inconsistent.
- The temporal flanker task is a valuable tool for examining information processing adjustments and conflict control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute stress on distractor-related processing and conflict control.
- To analyze behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) data using the temporal flanker task.
Main Methods:
- Induction of acute stress using the Trier Social Stress Test.
- Utilizing the temporal flanker task to assess attentional adjustment and distractor processing.
- Recording behavioral data and event-related potentials (ERPs) via EEG.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found between stressed and unstressed groups in behavioral attentional adjustment (Proportion Congruent Effect) or early sensory EEG components (P1, N1).
- The lateralized readiness potential (LRp) indicated reduced activation from predictive distractor information under stress.
- This suggests a flexible adjustment of attention but decreased reliance on irrelevant stimulus information for response selection.
Conclusions:
- Acute stress may lead to a more flexible attentional system.
- Stress appears to reduce the influence of predictive, irrelevant stimulus information on response selection processes.
- Findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between stress, attention, and executive control.
