DEALING WITH TIME PRESSURE

A sample of 250 people completed a questionnaire where they rated 30 s tatements describing their behavior and experiences during a recent ti me pressure situation. A factor analysis resulted in three factors: Pe rsonal Burden, Work Problems and Difficulties, and Challenge Orientati on. People high on this last factor liked the excitement of being unde r pressure, were very absorbed in the task, and showed signs of being effective in dealing with the situation. Such individuals were having what has been identified as a ''flow experience'' often observed in sp orts and the arts. The results of this study suggest that effective co ping with time pressure is related to taking a task-oriented attitude, avoiding self-preoccupation, and using time management skills to focu s on successful achievement.