[Effects of stress comments on autonomic measures during the performance of a task (author's transl)]

The present study examined the effects of stressful comments on autonomic measures during the performance of a task. Thirty subjects were assigned at random to the stress condition (S group) and to the nonstress condition (NS group). Negative and stressful comments were given to the S group. Positive and comfortable comments were given to the NS group after the performance. The results showed that heart rates were much higher during the performance than during the adaptation and the rest period, although they were not affected by the negative comments. Vasoconstriction was significantly larger in the S group than in the NS group. In conclusion, vasoconstriction was more sensitive to the stressful comments than heart rate was.