Are the stroop test, arithmetic test or a video games better stressors, and are there any better tests?
Look up the Trier Social Stress Task, I just conducted a study where I administered a modified version of the test (participants were instructed to give a speech about why their ideal partner should choose them as a mate, instead of the usual "why should you be hired for your dream job?") then performed a mental arithmetic task in one minute (count backwards by 13 starting with 1,022). Cortisol levels were measured via saliva sample. This article describes its validity http://p113367.typo3server.info/uploads/media/lit9304.pdf
There seem to be two parts to this question, as posed here: (1) a question about stressors and (2) a question about the measurement of stress. On balance, the first of these options looks to be of interest to you. In general, all of those activities you mentioned and more can induce stress if the demands they make on a person overwhelm a person’s capacity to cope. Further, all options you outlined (i.e., stroop test, arithmetic tests) are not conceptually equivalent, utilise distinct capacities, and are taxing for different reasons (e.g., interference, cognitive ability). It seems to me that developing a clearer idea of what, exactly, you want to understand will facilitate decisions about the research method, in general, and materials, procedures and design, in particular.
Some that come to mind are the ADD-1 Tasks described by Kahnemann in his book "thinking fast and slow", which should increase cognitive load.
Another idea would be a "stressful interview". Having authoritative personnel in lab-coats asking hard questions and giving no emotional feedback whatsoever.
Look up the Trier Social Stress Task, I just conducted a study where I administered a modified version of the test (participants were instructed to give a speech about why their ideal partner should choose them as a mate, instead of the usual "why should you be hired for your dream job?") then performed a mental arithmetic task in one minute (count backwards by 13 starting with 1,022). Cortisol levels were measured via saliva sample. This article describes its validity http://p113367.typo3server.info/uploads/media/lit9304.pdf
Use arithmetic task under time pressure with negative feedback.
You may refer to this work.
https://www.osapublishing.org/boe/abstract.cfm?URI=boe-7-10-3882
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