Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress
Published on: October 19, 2011
Salivary composition, gender and psychosocial stress
E Somer1, H Ben-Aryeh, D Laufer
1Wolfe Centre for Study of Psychological Stress, University of Haifa, Israel.
Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate salivary composition as an indicator of psychological stress. A group of 26 new Israeli patients in a stress management clinic was studied in an attempt to assess both the effects of long standing trait-related stress as well as that of situational state related stress. Significantly higher state anxiety scores, blood pressure, pulse rate, and lower salivary flow rates were found in the patients before as compared to after the initial psychodiagnostic interview, illustrating the effect of a situational stress. Significantly lower salivary flow rates and elevated total protein concentrations were found in the patients after the interview as compared to healthy controls, illustrating the effect of sympathetic enhancement associated with more stable trait-related psychological stress. Salivary electrolytes (Na and K) and IgA did not differ significantly when the clinical sample was compared to the control group. Although male patients reported lower state anxiety than female patients did, their hemodynamic and salivary composition measures indicated a higher sympathetic arousal, possibly reflecting Israeli male patient difficulties in adapting their distress.
More Related Videos
08:25Collecting Saliva and Measuring Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase in Frail Community Residing Older Adults via Family Caregivers
Published on: December 18, 2013
05:33Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Salivary Glands and Saliva
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Psychological Responses to Stress
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as "workaholics," they...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...