The Effects of Experimentally Provided Social Support on Task Performance and Anxiety

Abstract

Examined the effects of assessed social support (SOS), as measured by the Social Support Questionnaire, and experimentally provided SOS on state anxiety and task performance at different stress levels among 72 university students. A within-Ss design for support manipulation (provided vs not provided) was administered to specify the intrapersonal changes in state anxiety and performance. Dependent variables were pulse rates as a physiological anxiety index, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory as a psychological anxiety index, and correct word puzzle solutions. There was a significant interaction between support manipulation and stress condition on physiological anxiety. The effects of provided support to Ss who reported high SOS were negative on task performance in the high stress situation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2002 APA, all rights reserved)