[Effects of repression and sensitization on self observation and coping with stress]

The influence of repression-sensitization as a two-dimensional concept (trait anxiety and defensiveness) on stress and coping behavior in daily life is studied. N = 60 students were trained to use a computer-aided self-observation system (COMES) and to protocol their stressful episodes. The results reveal only few effects of the 4 defense modes (assessed by STAI trait anxiety and social desirability scale SDS) on stress and coping behavior in the field: Sensitizers recorded more negative emotions and stronger connections between their stressful episodes. There were no differences in reported coping tendencies (e.g. control of attention) and effectiveness. During self-observation, repressors slightly changed their behavior toward non-defensiveness, a possible effect of self-observation specific to the defense mode. In general, we observed only few changes in the course of the self-observation which can be interpreted as reactivity effects of the method. The results are discussed in the light of the R-S concept referring to daily life stressors and in relation to different assessment methods (questionnaires vs. trained self-observation in the field).