Role-played interpersonal interaction: Ecological validity and cardiovascular reactivity

Author(s): Neumann, S. A., Burns, H. O., Maier, K. J.

Journal/Book: Ann Behavioral Med. 1998; 20: 7611 Elmwood Ave, Ste 201, Middleton, WI 53562-3161, USA. Soc Behavioral Medicine. 302-309.

Abstract: Conflictual role-play scenarios have been used to model brief interpersonal interaction and to elicit cardiovascular reactivity in the laboratory. Here we discuss data suggesting that role-played interactions constitute an ecologically valid laboratory task that may improve laboratory-to-field generalization of cardiovascular response. Specifically our research indicates that young adults perceive the stress associated with role-play scenarios as similar to that encountered in everyday life. Furthermore, these stress appraisals moderate cardiovascular response to role-play in men. We also find that a social stressor (i.e. Speech task) is perceived as significantly more similar to a real-life stressor as compared to other standard laboratory tasks. We propose that particular constellations of cognitive, affective and behavioral responses to laboratory-based social stressors, such as role-played interaction, may elicit different patterns of hemodynamic response. Further understanding of interrelations among cognitive, affective, behavioral, and physiological response patterns may assist in the study of cardiovascular reactivity as a potential mechanism linking personality factors and the development of cardiovascular disease.

Note: Article Waldstein SR, Univ Maryland Baltimore Cty, Dept Psychol, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore,MD 21250 USA

Keyword(s): BLOOD-PRESSURE; HEMODYNAMIC-RESPONSES; CYNICAL HOSTILITY; SOCIAL COMPETENCE; STRESS; HYPERTENSION; DISEASE; HEART; CHALLENGE; APPRAISAL

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