Differential physiological and cognitive response to induced stress as a function of perceptual and expectancy style

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of congruence-incongruence of locus of control and psychological differentiation on personality adjustment and stress reactivity. One hundred six male (n=53) and female (n=53) subjects were grouped using a median split procedure on Levenson's I, P, and C Scales and the Group Embedded Figures Test. Four groups resulted: Field independent internals (n=31), field independent internals (n=25), field dependent internals (n=21), and field dependent externals (n=29). Subjects were then randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions: Stress, watching an industrial accidents film; active control, watching a neutral film; or passive control, no film. No relationship between congruence-incongruence and personality adjustment as measured by the Psychological Screening Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was found. A discussion of methodological and assessment considerations follows. Psychological differentiation and subsequent GSR reactivity during the induced stress situation were significantly related (p<.05). Field independent subjects exhibited and maintained a significantly higher level of GSR frequency throughout the induced stress situation. Differences were discussed in relation to the labile-stabile distinction and the use of orienting as opposed to defense reflex responses. Sex as it interacted with locus of control and psychological differentiation was significantly (p<.001) related to the attribution of autonomic arousal.