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Related Experiment Video

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Implicit need for achievement predicts attenuated cortisol responses to difficult tasks.

Oliver C Schultheiss1, Uta S Wiemers2, Oliver T Wolf2

  • 1Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany.

Journal of Research in Personality
|September 17, 2021
PubMed
Summary

The implicit need for achievement (n Achievement) can buffer stress responses, leading to lower cortisol levels when facing difficult tasks. This suggests n Achievement plays a role in emotion regulation.

Keywords:
Picture Story Exercisecontent codingemotion regulationimplicit motivespersonalitystress responsetask difficulty

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Social Psychology

Background:

  • The implicit need for achievement (n Achievement) is a fundamental human motivation.
  • Cortisol (C) is a key biomarker for physiological stress responses.
  • Understanding factors that modulate stress reactivity is crucial for mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether the implicit need for achievement predicts attenuated cortisol responses to challenging tasks.
  • To explore the role of n Achievement in emotion regulation under stress.

Main Methods:

  • Two studies were conducted with student samples (US and German).
  • Need for achievement (n Achievement) was assessed via content-coding of imaginative stories.
  • Salivary cortisol (C) levels were measured at baseline and post-task, including laboratory competition and the Trier Social Stress Test.

Main Results:

  • n Achievement was associated with attenuated cortisol (C) responses to difficult tasks in both studies (average r = -.28).
  • This effect was observed regardless of winning or losing a competition and in response to a social stress test.
  • In Study 2, the attenuating effect of n Achievement on cortisol responses was moderated by gender, observed only in men.

Conclusions:

  • The implicit need for achievement (n Achievement) is linked to blunted cortisol (C) reactivity to challenging situations, indicating a role in emotion regulation.
  • These findings highlight the motivational underpinnings of physiological stress responses.
  • Future research could explore gender-specific mechanisms in the relationship between achievement motivation and stress.