Acoustic and perceptual indicators of emotional stress

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Abstract
Tape recordings of telephone conversations of Consolidated Edison''s [Con Ed] system operator (SO) and his immediate superior (CSO), beginning 1 h before the 1977 New York [USA] blackout, were analyzed for indications of psychological stress. (SO was responsible for monitoring and switching power loads within the Con Ed network). Utterances from the 2 individuals were analyzed to yield several pitch and amplitude statistics. To assess the perceptual correlates of stress, 4 groups of listeners used a 7 point scale to rate the stress of SO and CSO from either randomized vocal utterances or transcripts of the randomized utterances. Whereas CSO''s vocal pitch increased significantly with increased situational stress, SO''s pitch decreased. Listener ratings of stress from the voice were positively related to average pitch. Apparently, listener''s stereotype of psychological stress includes elevated pitch and amplitude levels, as well as their increased variability.

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