This experiment examined the competitive behavior in a seven-choice Prisone
r's Dilemma game of 108 adult students (68 women, 40 men) classified as hig
h, average, or low in competitiveness based on their scores on the Competit
iveness Index. Participants were then presented one of three preprogrammed
response conditions representing (1) Competitive, (2) De-escalating, or (3)
Noncompetitive conflict behavior from a simulated opponent. Participants h
igh in competitiveness engaged in more competitive behavior and reported hi
gher satisfaction with the task than those low in competitiveness. As expec
ted, the Competitive conditions elicited more competitive behavior than Non
competitive conditions. The results suggest competitive individuals may be
particularly susceptible to social cues that trigger competitive behavior.