Observational Learning of Social Stress

Several Bachelor's/Master's theses in TSST study to be awarded from WS 2024/25

Subject of the research project

Can the psychobiological stress response be learned through observation?

This project will investigate how stress is learned in a social context, specifically by focusing on the acquisition of individuals’ stress responses through the observation of others. In a controlled laboratory setting, we will investigate whether observation of others’ reactions to an acute stressor, such as the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), influences the observer’s own physiological and psychological stress responses. The findings will contribute to better understanding of how stress is transmitted socially. This could help develop strategies to reduce the negative impact of stress. The project will offer students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in designing and conducting experimental research.

Requirement

• Interest in (and possibly previous experience with) neuropsychological research and experimental stress research
• Reliability and ability to work independently
• Interest in working in a team with other students and assistants
• Time flexibility

Responsibilities

• Support with the recruitment and selection of probands
• Support in conducting the laboratory experiment

What we offer

• Insight into neuropsychological and experimental stress research
• Opportunity to learn more about the evaluation of behavioral and endocrine data
• Supervision of the Master's thesis under regular supervision

If you are interested, please send a short e-mail (with CV) to: alcan[at]uni-trier.de