THE DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE TO ACUTE STRESS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH HIGHER AND LOWER NEUROTICISM

Abstract

Although some studies analyze neuroticism s role in individuals response to acute stress, the results are controversial. There is a lack of studies examining the response to stressors of individuals with higher and lower neuroticism in all phases (during the period of anticipation of the stressor, at the time of exposure to the stressor, and during the recovery period after exposure to a stressor), measuring different physiological parameters and evaluating emotional response to a stressor at the same time. This study aimed to assess individuals with higher and lower neuroticism physiological and emotional responses to acute stress. 168 students participated in a study (23 males and 145 females). Their response to 4 different stressors (1 physical and 3 psychological (with standard instruction, the pressure to compete and critique) was evaluated, measuring the changes in their skin conductance, skin temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate while waiting for the stressor (anticipation phase), during the stressor and in the stress recovery phase. The changes in students ‘emotional responses were also measured using the C.R. Carlson et al. (1989) Emotional Assessment Scale (EAS). Students’ neuroticism was assessed using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory s neuroticism subscale (NEO-FFI, Costa, McCrae, 1992). The study results showed that students having higher and lower neuroticism differed when reacting to a physiological stressor. Students responses to a psychological stressor differed only in the condition when they were criticized.