The influence of birth order and situational stress on motor performance

Abstract

Schachter’s hypothesis that first-borns are more vulnerable than later-boms to the interfering effects of stress was experimentally tested by comparing the tracking performance of 50 first-born and 72 later-born Ss exposed to a low, moderate, or high threat of physical-harm condition. Questionnaire responses of Ss’ perceived stress and Ss’ heart rates indicated that two levels (high and low) of stress were successfully created. The performance results suggest that under moderate- and high-stress conditions first-borns perform more poorly than later-borns on early performance trials, particularly on the second trial under high stress. © 1971, Psychonomic Journals, Inc.. All rights reserved.