Aftereffects of stress on human performance and social behavior: A review of research and theory.

A review of experimental and correlational studies of the aftereffects of stress on performance suggests that these effects occur as a consequence of a wide range of unpredictable, uncontrollable stressors including noise, electric shock, bureaucratic stress, arbitrary discrimination, density, and cold pressor.

Abstract

A review of experimental and correlational studies of the aftereffects of stress on performance suggests that these effects occur as a consequence of a wide range of unpredictable , uncontrollable stressors including noise, electric shock, bureaucratic stress, arbitrary discrimination, density, and cold pressor. Moreover, these effects are not limited to a restricted range of stressful situations that involve a lack of predictabilit y and controllability over a distracting stimulus, but they can also be induced by increased task demand. Interventions that increase personal control and/or stressor predictability are effective in reducing poststressor effects. There is also evidence for poststimulation effects on social behavior that generally involve an insensitivity toward others following stressor exposure, Studies of exposure to environmental stressors in naturalistic settings report effects similar to those found in laboratory settings. Several theories (e.g., psychic cost, learned helplessness, arousal) are examined in light of existing evidence. Although some theories receive more support than others, it is suggested that the reliability and the generality of poststimulati on effects occur in part because of a multiplicity of causes.