ISSN:
1469-8986
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
,
Psychology
Notes:
In three experiments involving young adult males, beta-adrenergic influences on heart rate and carotid dP/dt were evaluated as a function of the degree of individual control over stressful events. Beta-adrenergic effects were more pronounced under conditions in which the subjects were either led to believe they had control or where some control was actually provided, i.e., a shock avoidance task. Beta-adrenergic influences were either minimal or rapidly dissipated under conditions where no control was possible, i.e., the cold pressor, a pornographic film, inescapable shocks, or conditions which provided ready mastery of the task. Where beta-adrenergic effects were maximal, systolic blood pressure was more appreciably elevated while diastolic blood pressure was less elevated than when beta-adrenergic effects were minimal. A pharmacological blocking agent (propranolol) was used in one experiment to specify the extent the various cardiovascular changes were influenced by beta-adrenergic activity. The results are discussed with respect to issues concerning stimulus parameters, blood pressure control mechanisms, individual differences in cardiovascular reactivity, and some methodological problems of the current study.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8986.1978.tb01344.x
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