Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Mitigating Physiological Responses to Layoff Threat: An Experimental Test of the Efficacy of Two Coping Interventions
Tahira M Probst1, Lixin Jiang2
1Department of Psychology, Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver, WA 98686, USA. probst@wsu.edu.
Abstract:
The purpose of the current study was to assess real-time physiological reactions to the threat of layoffs and to determine whether the use of an emotion-focused vs. problem-focused coping intervention would be more efficacious in attenuating these physiological reactions. A 2 (coping intervention) × 4 (within-subjects time points) mixed experimental design was used to test the hypotheses. Eighty-four undergraduates participated in this laboratory experiment during which their galvanic skin response (GSR) and heart rate (HR) were continuously monitored. Analyses indicate that individuals instructed to utilize an emotion-focused coping strategy experienced a significantly greater decline in their GSR compared to those utilizing the problem-focused coping method. Results suggest organizations conducting layoffs might focus first on dealing with the emotional aftermath of downsizing before focusing on problem-solving tasks, such as resume writing and other traditional outplacement activities.
More Related Videos
06:42Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
05:03Author Spotlight: Unveiling Mechanisms of Stress Resilience - Significant Findings, Advancements, and Future Research
Published on: December 15, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Psychological Responses to Stress
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Lazarus's Cognitive Appraisal Theory
Primary Appraisal:...
Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...