Changes in Skin, Salivary, and Urinary pH as Indicators of Anxiety Level in Humans

In this study, an examination was made of the levels of skin, salivary, and urinary pH associated with changes in anxiety level. Thirty‐two normal women (20–25 yrs old) were the subjects in the study. Anxiety was measured by using the Anxiety State Behavioral Scale of Chorot and Sandin, the Eight State Questionnaire of Cattell et al., a self‐report rating scale, a behavioral index (motoric expression), and the Trait Anxiety Questionnaire S‐R of Sandin and Chorot. Personality was measured by the EPI of Eysenck and Eysenck. Dependent variables were measured in three experimental conditions (Baseline I vs. Oral Examination vs. Baseline II). The results showed that: 1) During the stress condition, a highly significant increase in anxiety (A‐state) occurred. 2) During the stress situation statistically significant reductions in the skin, salivary, and urinary pH were produced. 3) There was a statistically significant correlation between the change in pH and the level of A‐state as measured during the stress period. The change in pH was greater in subjects with a high A‐state than in those having a low A‐state. In conclusion, it appears that skin, salivary, and urinary pH may serve as physiological indicators of anxiety level.