Predicting a Failure of Public Speaking Performance Using Multidimensional Assessment
Résumé
The present study aimed to examine multidimensional factors that contribute to a poor performance in a public speaking
task. An adapted version of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) as used to elicit psychosocial stress among 43 university students and
multidimensional assessments were involved to investigate acute stress responses by psychological measures (i.e. personality, affect,
appraisal, coping), physiological measures (i.e. cortisol; Dehydroepiandrosterone: DHEA; ratio of cortisol/DHEA) and behavioural
measures (voice, postural control). Our results showed that psychological factors seemed to be the most sensitive to stress
performance. A mediation effect was detected between psychological factors and objective performance. Cortisol to DHEA ratio also
showed to be associated with speaking performance. This study added evidence to the literature with regards to a multidimensional
way to study human stress response and may help individuals use functional coping to improve their performance and better adapt to
stressful situations.