| Title: |
Challenge and threat states: examining cardiovascular, cognitive and affective responses to two distinct laboratory stress tasks |
| Author(s): |
Gavin P. Trotman, Sarah E. Williams, Mary L. Quinton and Jet J.C.S. Veldhuijzen van Zanten |
| Journal: |
International Journal of Psychophysiology |
| Year: |
2018 |
| Volume: |
126 |
| Pages: |
42-51 |
| DOI: |
10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.02.004 |
| File URL: |
/vuams-pubs/Challange and threat states_Trotman et al. 2018.pdf |
| Keywords: |
Cardiovascular reactivity, Challenge and threat, TCTSA
Biopsychosocial, Cognitive appraisals, Psychological stress |
| Abstract: |
Background: The theory of challenge and threat states in athletes (TCTSA) proposes psychological antecedents will
predict psychological and cardiovascular responses to stress. The present study investigated this theory in two
contextually different stress tasks.
Method: 78 males completed a computerised competition and a public speaking task. Cardiovascular activity
was measured with impedance cardiography and a blood pressure monitor. Challenge and threat antecedents,
indicators of challenge and threat and emotions were assessed pre- and post-tasks.
Results: Both tasks induced significant perturbations in cardiovascular activity and were perceived as highly
challenging. Reported perceived threat was higher in the public speaking task compared to the competition task.
Associations between the proposed antecedents, self-report and cardiovascular indices of challenge and threat
and emotions support the TCTSA for the competition task, but less so for the public speaking task.
Conclusion: The TCTSA is supported during competitive stress, however during social stress there is dissociation between self-report appraisals and cardiovascular reactivity. |
