Sociotropic cognition moderates stress-induced cardiovascular responsiveness in college women

This study examined the moderating effects of sociotropic cognition (SC), a nondefensive need for approval, on stress-induced cardiovascular responsiv eness (CVR) In women. Sixty-seven college-age females had blood pressure (B P) and heart rate (HR) monitored during baseline, anticipation, story-telli ng (where participants were randomly assigned to a low or high threat condi tion), and recovery periods. SC showed a positive association with CVR only in the high interpersonal threat context during task and early stages of t he recovery periods SC was positively correlated with such variables as anx iety, ruminative style, dysphoria, and anger. This is the first report exam ining the moderating effects of SC on interpersonal stress-induced CVR prio r to, during, and following a task, using art explicit manipulation of soci al evaluation. The data help define risk factors for CVR in women, which ma y aid in the understanding of how emotions and stress affect physical healt h and well-being.