The impact of acute stress induced increases in cortisol on various facets of behavioural adaptability in healthy humans

Summary

This study examines how acute stress affects problem-solving and reward-related decision-making, focusing on how people adjust to new or changing situations. It also explores whether these effects differ between males and females. Participants will complete questionnaires and provide blood, saliva, and hair samples to measure stress-related responses. They will then perform tasks designed to test problem-solving and decision-making both before and after experiencing a stress-inducing situation.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 18 to 60

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

1. Individuals of all sexes, gender identities, and ethnicities
2. Aged 18-60
3. Fluent in English
4. Willing to participate in two in-person sessions and one short online session
5. Willing to provide three blood samples (at two time points), 7 saliva samples, a single hair sample, and a urine drug test
6. Agree not to consume recreational drugs (aside from nicotine) at least 24 hours before lab session
7. Agree to refrain from eating, drinking caffeinated beverages, consume nicotine or exercise for at least 2 hours before lab session

Exclusion criteria:

1. Pregnant
2. Regularly taking anti-inflammatory (e.g. ibuprofen) or psychiatric medications (e.g. SSRIs)
3. Diagnosed psychiatric/mental health or severe substance use disorder, endocrine disorder, autoimmune disorder, heart condition, metabolic disorder or chronic pain disorder

Participate

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Method of contact

Collection of personal information
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Additional information

Contact information

PhD Student Keira Aubin, Keira.aubin@ucalgary.ca

Principal investigator:

Leah Mayo

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB24-1588