The effect of a supportive other on cardiovascular responses

Abstract

The effects of the presence of a supportive other on hemodynamics were assessed in 28 male undergraduate students. Participants were assigned to a support group or to a non-support group and they executed a mental arithmetic task. In the support group, a close friend accompanied participants to the laboratory and they executed the task in the proximity of the friend. To minimize evaluative aspects, friends executed their own task (cross word puzzle) while listening to music with headphones. Heart rate, blood pressure, impedance cardiography and emotional responses were recorded. Participants in the support group relative to the non-support group showed reduced reactivity only in diastolic blood pressure. Distinct differences in hemodynamics were not found between the two groups. There were no group differences in negative affects, but obvious differences were found in positive affects. Interpersonal support may reduce cardiovascular response through cognitive processes. The role of positive affects was particularly emphasized as a stress buffer process. (Japanese Journal of Physiological Psychology and Psychophysiology, 23 (3) : 197-205, 2005.)View full abstract