Abstract
The effects of stress on state anxiety and on HR of male high school Ss were investigated using two psychomotor tasks. In the Stress Condition, Ss received negative feedback about performance; Ss in the Nonstress Condition were given rest intervals. Ss in the two conditions showed similar pretask, p> .05, A-State and HR measures. However, during the tasks the groups showed differing regression lines. The Nonstress Group maintained the same A-State level across the tasks with increased HR occurring as a result of the motor task. The Stress Group increased in A-State and HR measures. The two groups were significantly different, p<.01, in all within-task measures. The Stress Group performed better on the two motor skill tasks.