Longitudinal analysis of academic stress and its effects on salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and academic outcomes: Study protocol

It is anticipated that (i) biological variables, such as cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase, will play a significant mediating role in the relationship between academic stress and academic performance, particularly towards the end of the semester. (ii) psycho-behavioural variables will also have a mediating effect, with different impacts on academic performance depending on the level of stress experienced. The use of accessible technologies and non-invasive methods such as saliva sample collection will provide a replicable model for future research.