LE3 .A278 2001

2001

MacLeod, Peter

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Psychology

Psychology

Cardiovascular, endocrine and affective responses to an acute, psychosocial stressor were investigated in 79 undergraduates using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a 10-min, public speaking and mental arithmetic stressor. Objective control and self-efficacy (specific and generalized) were assessed as potential stress-buffers. Males, non-medicated females and females taking oral contraceptives (OC) were compared to assess the impact of OC on cortisol reactivity. There was a significant increase from baseline after exposure to the TSST for heart rate ('p' < .05), systolic blood pressure ('p' < .001), diastolic blood pressure ('p' < .001), cortisol ('p' < .001), and negative affect ('p' < .001), and a decrease from baseline in positive affect ('p' < .001). OC-females had lower cortisol reactivity than males (' p' < .01) but not non-medicated females. Specific self-efficacy predicted subjective stress measures and predicted cortisol reactivity through a suppressor relationship. No effect was found for the control manipulation or for generalized self-efficacy.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2943