Stress-Measuring Stress

Question 1

How can stress be measured objectively?

Answer 1

Stress can also be measured physiologically using machines and by any device which measures arousal e.g. adrenaline can cause an increased heart rate

Question 2

What is the skin conductance response?

Answer 2

• Measures the electrical resistance of the skin which is indicator of levels of arousal in nervous system
• Can be measured using blood or urine test: can test hormone levels of the body
• Relates to amount of sweat on skin and so can measure activity of sweat gland
• Precisely monitors stress levels by translating tiny tension-related changes in skin conductance using sensors on the fingers to monitor sweating and translating these into a risking or falling tone

Question 3

What might a skin conductance response be used in?

Answer 3

Treatments of anxiety, fears, phobias or stress

Question 4

What are the problems with a skin conductance response?

Answer 4

Individual difference- some sweat little and others sweat lots

Question 5

What are the positives of physiological measuring?

Answer 5

Objective, quantitative data, can be used on any age