Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026

The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
The stress-buffering effects of a brief dyadic interaction before an acute stressor
Perry M Pauley1, Kory Floyd, Colin Hesse
1a School of Communication , San Diego State University.
Abstract:
Although previous studies have confirmed that affectionate interaction can reduce the effects of stress, whether or not this effect is due more to habituation or the accumulation of affection remains an area of debate. The goal of the present study was to determine how specific acts of affection mitigate the effects of stress. Sixty mixed-sex dyads (half platonic friends and half dating partners) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, affectionate interaction, quiet rest with the friend/romantic partner present, or separation from the friend/romantic partner, before one of the partners experienced a series of stressful activities. Results revealed that participants in the affection condition experienced the smallest increase in cardiovascular arousal regardless of relationship status. Participants' endocrine responses were more nuanced and depended on both their biological sex and the nature of the relationship with the companion. Given that these systems did not act in concert with one another, results provide mixed evidence for both an accumulation and habituation effect.
Related Concept Videos
Psychological Responses to Stress
Relationship Growth
Relationship Formation
Components of Stress
Interestingly, the hidden cube faces also experience these stresses, equal and...
Buffer Effectiveness
The buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base that can be added to a given volume...
Types of Stressors
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...

