Manipulation of physiological and emotional responses to stress in repressors and sensitizers

In this study, it was investigated whether the discrepancies between physiological (p) and emotional (e) stress responses typical for repressors (p > e) and sensitizers (e > p) can be experimentally induced. Thirty repressors and thirty sensitizers, defined according to questionnaire scores, were tested in a public speaking paradigm. During the anticipation period, they were given either sensitizing or defensive feedback about their own physiological stress responses or no feedback. A discrepancy value between standardized emotional responses and physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol) was computed. In both manipulated conditions higher emotional than physiological arousal was induced by the sensitizing manipulation, while the inverse discrepancy was induced by the defensive manipulation. In sensitizers, this result was brought about by mere differential changes in emotional arousal whereas in repressors both emotional and physiological arousal changed in opposite directions. Results are discussed with respect to the health-related risks implicated in the repressive coping style.