15.1.8

Physiological Measures of Stress

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Physiological Measures of Stress

Stress can be measured using physiological markers such as heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels and skin conductance.

Heart rate

Heart rate

  • High heart rate is a product of the ‘fight or flight’ sympathomedullary pathway and indicates stress.
  • Heart rate can be measured through a transmitter strapped to the chest measuring electrical impulses.
Blood pressure

Blood pressure

  • High blood pressure is a byproduct of prolonged stress.
  • Blood pressure can be measured using an inflatable cuff on the arm that limits blood flow. As air is released from the cuff, a pulse rate is measured in the arm - this signals blood pressure.
Hormone levels

Hormone levels

  • Levels of cortisol and adrenaline can be measured and high levels are linked to stress.
  • Urine and blood samples are taken and tested for these hormones.
Skin conductance

Skin conductance

  • Skin conductance response (SCR) can be measured using electrodes strapped to the middle and index fingers.
  • An increase in sweat in these fingers (caused by the 'fight or flight' response) affects the electric resistance of the skin and increases conductance.
  • So, increased conductance is linked to increased stress.
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