Key result
Laboratory-based stress inductions variably elicit SAM- and HPA-related responses (effect = 0.37), with loud music driving robust SAM effects and combined inductions driving HPA effects.
Why the study?
Laboratory-based acute stress inductions are commonly used, but they vary widely in their procedures and effectiveness across biological stress systems.
Do different laboratory-based stress induction techniques elicit distinct SAM- and HPA-related physiological responses?
Meta-Analysis
Do different laboratory-based stress induction techniques elicit distinct SAM- and HPA-related physiological responses?
Different laboratory stress induction techniques are better suited for targeting specific biological stress systems, highlighting the importance of methodology selection in stress research.
Select induction techniques by target axis in lab protocols; extends prior work by quantifying differential SAM versus HPA efficacy.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laboratory-based stress inductions are commonly used to elicit acute stress but vary widely in their procedures and effectiveness. We compared the effects of stress induction techniques on measures of two major biological stress systems: the early sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) and the delayed hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response. DESIGN: A review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between stress induction techniques on cardiorespiratory and salivary measures of SAM and HPA system activity. METHODS: A systematic literature search identified 245 reports and 700 effects. RESULTS: = 0.37) responses. Three factors moderated these associations: the stress system examined (SAM vs HPA), the specific stress induction technique employed (e.g., Cold Pressor), the physiological sampling time relative to the stress induction, and participant sex. Loud music elicited the most robust SAM-related effects, whereas combined stress inductions elicited the most robust HPA-related effects. Men showed stronger stress responses than women. CONCLUSIONS: Stress induction techniques variably elicit SAM - and HPA-related responses. Results recommend specific induction techniques for targeting stress systems, highlighting the importance of carefully selecting methodologies in laboratory contexts.
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Brunyé et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis in Acute stress. Laboratory-based stress inductions was evaluated on Cardiorespiratory and salivary measures of SAM and HPA system activity (= 0.37). Laboratory-based stress inductions variably elicit SAM- and HPA-related responses (effect = 0.37), with loud music driving robust SAM effects and combined inductions driving HPA effects.
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