A Semi-Virtual Trier Social Stress Test (SV-TSST)

The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a strategy for inducing acute psychological stress and increases in glucocorticoid levels. Here we describe the methodology and implementation of a Semi-Virtual Trier Social Stress Test (SV-TSST) which combines the control of a laboratory environment with reduced need for in-person logistical support and enhanced social distancing without the need for specialized equipment. During the SV-TSST, the participant is guided through the baseline, anticipatory, challenge, and recovery phases of the test by an in-person experimenter. Confederate judges involved in the challenge phase of the protocol connect with the participant via live video teleconference. Fifty-five healthy male and female participants aged 18-25 completed measures of self-report stress and provided saliva samples for cortisol assay throughout the SV-TSST session. The SV-TSST protocol was found to induce a significant acute increase in subjective psychological stress and salivary cortisol, with elevated psychological stress in SV-TSST female compared to male participants. Results indicate that the SV-TSST can be implemented as protocol for acute stress induction in a within-subject design that can serve as an alternative to classic, virtual, and virtual reality adaptations of this methodology.