Stress Measurement Methodology

The large body of previous research conducted within the lab has focused on using biological measures of stress, primarily using cortisol. This stress hormone, controlled by the HPA-axis, can be measured through saliva samples and can accurately demonstrate variations in baseline levels of stress, stress reactivity, and recovery from a stressful event.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers in the INI lab have postponed salivary cortisol collection until the safety of all participants and lab members can be ensured while handling saliva samples. Until such precautions can be realized, our current research explores other physiological markers of stress.