Open TSST VR

The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a frequently used stressor in experimental and translational psychobiological research. The TSST can be used to induce subjective stress responses in the majority of subjects, as well as activation of the HHN axis, the catecholaminergic system, cardiovascular responses and immunological modulations. There are several adaptations in virtual reality, some of which are not freely accessible. The open version available here, the "Open TSST-VR", is therefore intended to close this gap in order to enable adaptations and collaborative studies.

The Open TSST-VR was tested and evaluated in two independent experiments with regard to the psychobiological stress response. The results show that the Open TSST-VR leads to subjective stress and moderate physical reactions compared to an active control condition. The results of these experiments are available as a preprint here: Linnig, K., Seel, S., von Dawans, B., Zielasko, D., Standard, W., Weyers, B., & Domes, G. (2024). Open TSST VR: Psychobiological reactions to an open version of the Trier Social Stress Test in Virtual Reality. Preprint: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/fpe2h

The Open TSST-VR is freely available and provided under a "copyleft" license for non-commercial research (for details see user's guide). The executable files, a short description and instructions and other accompanying materials can be downloaded from OSF. Download: https://osf.io/cmw2g/

If you use the Open TSST-VR for your research and this research results in publications, we would be grateful if you cite the Open TSST-VR with the above reference. If you are interested in adapting the Open TSST-VR or in a cooperation, please contact: Ena Alcan (alcanuni-trierde).