Enhancing Ecological Validity in Wearable Sensor Stress Research: A Novel Laboratory Paradigm Integrating Cognitive, Physical, and Social-Evaluative Demands

Popular laboratory stress tasks used to develop wearable stress detection systems lack key contextual features common in dynamic field environments. To address this gap, we developed a novel laboratory stress task integrating contextual factors present in field settings while maintaining key features from traditional stress tasks. Twenty participants performed the Open Multi-Attribute Task Battery (OM) under varying difficulty levels and with/without an evaluator present and with varying levels of light physical activity. During the Stress Trial, an evaluator provided critical evaluative feedback throughout the task. We measured physiological correlates of stress using electrodermal activity, electrocardiography, respiration, skin temperature, and physical activity. Self-report measures of stress were collected via questionnaires, and qualitative information was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Results indicated stress was significantly higher during the Stress Trial, confirming the efficacy of the experimental manipulations. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a laboratory stress paradigm that integrates cognitive, physical, and social-evaluative demands, enhancing ecological validity compared to traditional stress tasks.