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 inperson 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.