Physiological Measures of Stress
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 14.1.8
Physiological Measures of Stress
Stress can be measured using physiological markers such as heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels and skin conductance.
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
- 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
- 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 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.