Prediction of Self-Perceived Stress and Arousal Based on Electrodermal Activity

Abstract

Electrodermal activity (EDA) reflects the functions of autonomic nervous system and is often used in evaluation of mental states, e.g. short- and long-term stress. In this study, test subjects were exposed to a 3-phase adapted MIST test (relaxation, arousal, stress) during which EDA was recorded, and the self-perceived stress and arousal were assessed. The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of EDA features to predict the MIST test phases and self-perceived stress and arousal. With EDA features, the test phases were classified with accuracy of 94.1%, and the self-perceived stress and arousal were classified with accuracy of 60.5-72.2%. Results are promising for the use of EDA for long-term assessment of self-perceived stress and arousal during work.