Individual Alpha Frequency (IAF) Based Quantitative EEG Correlates of Psychological Stress.
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Date
2015-10
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Abstract
Objectives: To explore the EEG changes associated with psychological stress state.
Methods: The study was conducted on 34 healthy male student volunteers. The intervention consisted of
psychological stress, which was induced by asking the participants to play a pre-decided stressful computer
game. Physiological markers of psychological stress were assessed using galvanic skin response (GSR)
and heart rate (HR). Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded from 19 scalp locations according to 10-
20 international system of electrode placement.
Results: Computer game served as model of lab stressor and was associated with a significant increase in
physiological markers (GSR & heart rate) of stress response. Psychological stress was associated with
increased absolute power in theta, lower 1 alpha and gamma bands & decreased power in upper alpha and
beta bands. Lower 2 alpha band power remained unchanged.
Conclusions: Certain types of computer games serve as a model of lab stressor and are associated with
physiological and psychological stress and have unique electroencephalographic correlates. The EEG correlates
of mental stress are unique superimposed pattern of various cognitive domains. With sustained and continuing
stress resulting from computer game attention, alertness and performance starts declining.
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Keywords
Stress, Quantitative EEG, Stressor, IAF
Citation
Yogesh Singh1 and Ratna Sharma2. Individual Alpha Frequency (IAF) Based Quantitative EEG Correlates of Psychological Stress. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2015 Oct-Dec; 59(4): 414-421.