Designing Database of Speech Under Stress Using a Simulation in Virtual Reality

the aim of this study was to establish a methodology for creating a database of speech under real stress, which may be used in future experiments investigating speech under stress. To induce the stress related speech changes, speakers took part in a virtual reality simulation of a roller coaster ride. Heart rate and skin resistance were monitored as bodily reference indicators, while subjective experience was monitored via stress and arousal checklist (SACL). The research sample consisted of 12 healthy volunteers (8 males and 4 females aged from 25 to 56 years). In the recorded data, we found slight increases in pitch and intensity of speech during the simulation. However, these effects were not statistically significant. In bodily indicators we found significant increase in HR and decrease in skin resistance during the simulation which shows increased arousal. The present findings are only preliminary as more data are still to be collected.