Design and evaluate a wearable device to monitor stress-induced physiological changes

Thesis Abstract

Stress-induced physiological responses are significant indicators of an individual's mental health status, yet current methods for monitoring these responses are often limited to clinical settings, lacking continuous, real-time assessment capabilities compatible with everyday environments. This study aims to design, develop, and evaluate a wearable device capable of accurately monitoring physiological changes associated with acute and chronic stress, thereby facilitating timely intervention and improved stress management strategies. The specific objectives include identifying key physiological markers of stress, designing a wearable prototype incorporating sensors for heart rate variability (HRV), galvanic skin response (GSR), and cortisol levels, and evaluating the device’s accuracy, reliability, and user acceptability within a real-world context. The research employs a mixed-methods approach based on a pragmatic research design. The quantitative component involves a cross-sectional study sample of 150 adult participants aged 20–50 years recruited from a metropolitan community through stratified random sampling. The sample size was determined based on power analysis to ensure statistical robustness. Data collection instruments comprise the wearable device itself, validated physiological sensors, and a digital stress questionnaire to correlate physiological data with perceived stress levels. The device's data outputs are subjected to statistical analysis using multiple linear regression and Bland-Altman plots to assess measurement validity and reliability. Qualitative feedback on device usability and acceptability is analyzed through thematic analysis, providing insights into user experience and practical implementation considerations. Key expected findings include high correlation coefficients (r > 0.85) between device-recorded physiological parameters and established laboratory measures, demonstrating the device’s accuracy in capturing stress-related changes. It is anticipated that the device will reliably detect fluctuations in HRV, GSR, and cortisol levels during controlled and uncontrolled stress scenarios. Additionally, findings are expected to reveal critical factors influencing user adherence and acceptance, including comfort, ease of use, and perceived usefulness. The analysis is projected to show significant differences in physiological parameters under stress conditions (p < 0.01), validating the device’s sensitivity to stress-induced physiological variations. This research contributes to existing knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of wearable technology in real-time stress monitoring, bridging the gap between laboratory-based assessments and practical, everyday applications. It advances the theoretical understanding of physiological stress markers' integration within portable health monitoring systems, grounded in the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and the Biopsychosocial Model of Health. The study also offers a novel conceptual framework for continuous stress assessment, combining biometric data with contextual factors. The study concludes that the wearable device demonstrates significant potential as a non-invasive, user-friendly tool for continuous stress monitoring in diverse populations. Recommendations include further refinement of sensor technology for enhanced cortisol measurement accuracy, integration with mobile health platforms for personalized feedback, and large-scale longitudinal studies to assess long-term effectiveness and health outcomes. Overall, this research underscores the importance of wearable health technologies in proactive stress management and mental health promotion, advocating for their incorporation into routine clinical practice and health promotion programs.