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Upon being told to deliver an unprepared short talk and then subtract sequentially in increments of seventeen – all in front of a trio of unknown individuals – the sudden tension was evident in my expression.

That is because researchers were documenting this somewhat terrifying scenario for a scientific study that is analyzing anxiety using infrared imaging.

Stress alters the circulation in the face, and experts have determined that the cooling effect of a person's nose can be used as a gauge of anxiety and to track recuperation.

Thermal imaging, based on researcher findings behind the study could be a "game changer" in stress research.

The Experimental Stress Test

The research anxiety evaluation that I underwent is carefully controlled and intentionally created to be an unpleasant surprise. I came to the university with no idea what I was facing.

First, I was instructed to position myself, calm down and listen to background static through a set of headphones.

So far, so calming.

Subsequently, the scientist who was conducting the experiment brought in a group of unfamiliar people into the room. They collectively gazed at me silently as the scientist explained that I now had three minutes to develop a brief presentation about my "dream job".

While experiencing the heat rise around my throat, the scientists captured my complexion altering through their thermal camera. My nasal area rapidly cooled in temperature – appearing cooler on the infrared display – as I thought about how to bluster my way through this spontaneous talk.

Research Findings

The scientists have carried out this same stress test on multiple participants. In all instances, they saw their nose dip in temperature by between three and six degrees.

My nose dropped in temperature by two degrees, as my biological response system shifted blood distribution from my nose and to my sensory systems – a physical reaction to enable me to see and detect for hazards.

Most participants, like me, returned to normal swiftly; their facial temperatures rose to pre-stressed levels within a short time.

Principal investigator explained that being a media professional has probably made me "somewhat accustomed to being placed in tense situations".

"You're familiar with the filming device and speaking to unfamiliar people, so it's probable you're somewhat resistant to public speaking anxieties," the scientist clarified.

"But even someone like you, trained to be stressful situations, shows a bodily response alteration, so this indicates this 'facial cooling' is a robust marker of a changing stress state."

Tension Regulation Possibilities

Tension is inevitable. But this revelation, the experts claim, could be used to assist in controlling damaging amounts of tension.

"The duration it takes a person to return to normal from this temperature drop could be an reliable gauge of how effectively a person manages their tension," noted the lead researcher.

"When they return exceptionally gradually, could that be a warning sign of psychological issues? Could this be a factor that we can do anything about?"

As this approach is non-intrusive and monitors physiological changes, it could also be useful to observe tension in babies or in people who can't communicate.

The Mental Arithmetic Challenge

The second task in my stress assessment was, personally, more challenging than the first. I was told to calculate sequentially decreasing from 2023 in steps of 17. Someone on the panel of expressionless people stopped me every time I made a mistake and asked me to begin anew.

I confess, I am inexperienced in doing math in my head.

As I spent embarrassing length of time striving to push my brain to perform subtraction, my sole consideration was that I wished to leave the increasingly stuffy room.

During the research, just a single of the 29 volunteers for the tension evaluation did truly seek to exit. The remainder, comparable to my experience, completed their tasks – likely experiencing different levels of humiliation – and were given a further peaceful interval of background static through earphones at the finish.

Animal Research Applications

Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of the approach is that, since infrared imaging monitor physiological anxiety indicators that is inherent within numerous ape species, it can furthermore be utilized in animal primates.

The investigators are actively working on its application in refuges for primates, including chimpanzees and gorillas. They aim to determine how to reduce stress and improve the wellbeing of animals that may have been saved from harmful environments.

Researchers have previously discovered that showing adult chimpanzees visual content of young primates has a soothing influence. When the investigators placed a visual device near the protected apes' living area, they saw the noses of animals that watched the content increase in temperature.

Consequently, concerning tension, viewing infant primates playing is the contrary to a surprise job interview or an impromptu mathematical challenge.

Coming Implementations

Employing infrared imaging in ape sanctuaries could prove to be valuable in helping rescued animals to adapt and acclimate to a new social group and unknown territory.

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