| dc.description.abstract | This study investigated the effect of stress on selective attention and how waiting time plays a role in that. The efficacy of the socially evaluated cold pressor (SECPT) task has only been tested on a limited scale, despite many advantages in using it. We evaluated if it can be effectively used to elicit stress, in males as well as females. Stress studies have shown that stress may hinder as well as enhance selective attention in a time-dependent approach. Selective attention was measured using the Stroop task and three waiting times were used: 10, 20 and 30 minutes. 49 participants took part in a crossover within-subjects (SECPT and control) design. We hypothesized that stress would be increased in the SECPT compared to a control group. Stress would have an affect on selective attention, more than the control group. Lastly, longer waiting time is associated with worse selective attention. Correlation, multiple regression, moderation analysis, t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, ANOVA and ANCOVA’s were performed. SECPT does significantly elicit more stress, in males as well as females. However, there was a differential effect of gender in selective attention, males showed hindered selective attention and females did not show any effect. Waiting time analysis showed that performance was most hindered at 20 minutes. Concludingly, SECPT was successful in eliciting stress in both genders but subsequently hindering selective attention only in males. Waiting time also had a significant effect but there was no difference between SECPT and the control condition. Limitations and strengths are discussed. | |
