J. Bruins et A. Barber, Crowding, performance, and affect: A field experiment investigating mediational processes, J APPL SO P, 30(6), 2000, pp. 1268-1280
Several mediating variables have been suggested for the effects of crowding
on mental task performance. Among these are behavioral constraints imposed
by crowds, mental overload, and loss of control. The present field experim
ent investigated the influence of crowding and providing information about
the physiological effects of crowding on task performance and on affect, an
d the extent to which each of these effects is mediated by the 3 potential
mediators. The results indicate that the effects of crowding on physical ta
sk performance were mediated by mental overload, and the effects on mental
task performance and affect were mediated mainly by behavioral constraints.
Directions for future research are suggested.