The need and ability to achieve cognitive structuring: Individual differences that moderate the effect of stress on information processing

The authors examined the hypothesis that the interaction between the need f or cognitive structure (NCS) and the ability to achieve cognitive structure (AACS) moderates the effect of stress on information processing. NCS is th e preference for using cognitive structuring, as opposed to piecemeal proce sses, as a means to achieve certainty. AACS is the extent to which individu als are able to apply information processes that are consistent with their levels of NCS. The hypothesis was validated in 4 studies, which showed that stress increased high-AACS participants' use of cognitive structuring if t hey had high NCS and reduced it if they had low NCS. An opposite effect was found for low-AACS participants. The implications of these results for the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the effect of stress on in formation processing are discussed.