The TSST triggers self-reported stress and biological stress and frustrates basic psychological needs: general and specific buffering effects of physical activity and social support
Situations characterized by uncontrollability and critical social evaluation frustrate basic psychological needs, as outlined in Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Uncontrollability and social evaluation are central elements of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), leading to the hypothesis that the TS...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article (Journal) |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
19 May 2025
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| In: |
Stress
Year: 2025, Volume: 28, Issue: 1, Pages: 1-10 |
| ISSN: | 1607-8888 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10253890.2025.2503984 |
| Online Access: | Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1080/10253890.2025.2503984 Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10253890.2025.2503984 
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| Author Notes: | Julia Schüler, Simona Rindelhardt, Beate Ditzen |
| Summary: | Situations characterized by uncontrollability and critical social evaluation frustrate basic psychological needs, as outlined in Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Uncontrollability and social evaluation are central elements of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), leading to the hypothesis that the TSST, in addition to increasing self-reported stress and cortisol responses, also frustrates the needs for autonomy, competence, and social relatedness. Participants (N = 195) reported elevated stress and reduced need satisfaction, and increased cortisol responses during the TSST. The roles of assessed physical activity and experimentally-induced social support were also examined. Indeed, in time-sensitive and specific manner, the TSST frustrated basic psychological needs. Social support however mitigated frustration of social relatedness. Physical activity buffered against self-reported stress, the frustration of competence and the cortisol response. Further research is recommended to explore more differentiated interventions that can counteract the negative effects of psychosocial stressors. |
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| Item Description: | Gesehen am 21.10.2025 |
| Physical Description: | Online Resource |
| ISSN: | 1607-8888 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10253890.2025.2503984 |