Effects of a Stressor on a Specific Motor Task on Individuals Displaying Selected Personality Factors

Abstract

This study was designed to determine if 2 personality factors, emotional stability and self-confidence, as measured by Cattell's 16 Personality Factor Inventory were useful in predicting an individual's response to a specific motor task performed under stressful conditions. The subjects were 120 collegiate females who met the criteria of possessing a high (stanine 7 or higher) or low (stanine 4 or lower) factor C (emotional stability) or factor O (self-confidence) score on the 16 PF. Through randomization, subjects were placed in a control (no stress) or experimental (stress) situation. All subjects performed a hand-eye coordination task on a rotor pursuit apparatus. However, the experimental group was subjected to tape recorded distracting noises to produce stress. The data were analyzed using a 3-factor mixed design of repeated measures to determine the relationship between the personality factors and resistance to stress. It was found that both traits, self-confidence or emotional stability, are related to ability to withstand stress. The subjects high in self-confidence or emotional stability were less affected by the stressor than were the subjects low in self-confidence or emotional stability.