Geer And Maisel: Lack Of Control As A Cause Of Stress

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To see if perceived control or actual control can reduce stress reactions to other stimuli

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Lab experiment

Independent measures

Question 3

Participants

Answer 3

60 psych undergraduates in New York

Question 4

Procedure

Answer 4

Participants shown photographs of dead car crash victims and stress levels were measured by GSR skin response and heart rate through ECG reading

Group 1) given control over how long images shown (press button to terminate, tone would proceed new image)

Group 2) warned photos would be 60 seconds apart and see photo for 35 seconds. 10 second warning tone for each photo

Group 3) told from time to time they would see photos and hear tones

In sound proof room, wired to GSR&ECG machines, baseline measurement taken 5 min before. Instructions read over intercom

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

ECG Recordings were discarded as appeared in accurate

Group 2 showed most stress and group 1 showed least stress

Question 6

Conclusions

Answer 6

Having control over your environment can reduce stress responses

Reducing adversion stimuli reduces stress

Question 7

Background

Answer 7

It has been suggested that having no control over an event can make You more stressed

E.g having no control over test questions