[concepts in Sensorimotor Research]
The Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST) is a research laboratory procedure that is used to induce stress in research participants. It is used to study the effects of stress on a variety of physiological and psychological processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels, anxiety, and depression. The MAST combines elements from two of the most common experimental paradigms measuring stress, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and the Cold Pressor Test (CPT).
The Test:
There is a 5-minute preparation phase, during which the participant is seated in a comfortable chair and is given instructions about the task. The participant is then asked to put their right hand into a bowl of ice water for 60-90 seconds. In between each hand immersion trial, the participant is asked to complete a series of mental arithmetic problems. The participant is given negative feedback if they make a mistake or take too long to answer a question.
The test takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. During the procedure, the participant's heart rate, BP, and salivary cortisol levels are measured. The participant is also asked to rate their subjective feelings of stress on a scale of 1 to 10.
Benefits
- It is a simple and easy-to-use procedure.
- It is non-invasive and does not pose any risk to participants.
- It is effective at inducing stress in participants.
- It can be used to measure a variety of stress-related outcomes.
Limitations
- Laboratory-based procedures may not be representative of real-world stress.
- It can be stressful for participants and may not be suitable for everyone. (will autistics even agree to do this?)
- It is not a diagnostic tool and cannot be used to diagnose any medical conditions.
