Abstract
BACKGROUND: In stress research, economic instruments for introducing acute stress responses are needed. In this study, we investigated whether the socially evaluated cold-pressor group test (SECPT-G) induces salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and/or cortisol responses in the general population and whether this is associated with anthropometric, experimental, and lifestyle factors. METHODS: A sample of 91 participants from the general population was recruited. Salivary cortisol and sAA levels were assessed prior to (t (0)), immediately after (t (1)), and 10 min after the SECPT-G (t (2)). RESULTS: A robust cortisol increase was found immediately after the SECPT-G, which further increased between t (1) and t (2). This was independent of most of the control variables. However, men showed a trend toward higher cortisol increases than women (p = 0.005). No sAA responses were found at all. However, sAA levels were dependent on measurement time point with highest levels between 9 pm and 9:30 pm. Participants who immersed their hands into the ice water for the maximally allowed time of 3 min showed higher sAA levels at all time points than participants who removed their hands from the water earlier. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the SECPT-G is a good means of an acute stress test when cortisol-but not necessarily sAA-responses are intended.