Our longer-term objective is to see how acute stress interacts with a person’s genes, and with medication, to affect attention and memory. However, first we need to decide how best to induce stress in the laboratory, and see how the body responds to it. We want to study healthy men, aged 18-40. What will happen to me if I take part? First, by phone (or in person if you prefer) we will ask some screening questions about you and your health to ensure you are eligible to take part. You would not be eligible if you suffer from a neurological or psychiatric disorder, or if you are taking any medication which affects the brain or the response to stress. If you are eligible, you will be invited to the laboratory at the above address on a convenient afternoon. On arrival, we will explain the procedures again, and you will be asked to give a sample of saliva (to measure stress hormones), and electrodes will be attached to your hand to allow us to measure your heart rate and sweating. We will also measure your blood pressure. Moreover, we will ask you to complete questionnaires about yourself and how you are feeling. You will then be exposed to either a stressful or control manipulation. Because of the nature of the study, we cannot give full details about what each manipulation entails but all have been tested and used previously in other studies. After the manipulation we will ask you to complete a computer test of attention and concentration. At regular intervals we will collect more saliva and ask you how you are feeling. The whole process will take about two and a half hours. Previous studies show that the effects of the stressors are mild and short-lived. Before you leave, we will also ‘debrief’ you about the experiment. We will reimburse you £25 for your time, plus reasonable travel expenses.
