The role of perceived control in physiological reactivity: self-efficacy and incentive value as regulators of cardiovascular adjustment

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of self-efficacy and ince ntive value on cardiovascular reactivity. Ninety-six subjects were randomly assigned to four experimental groups in each of which the self-efficacy (h igh or low) and incentive value (high or low) were modified in relation to a mental arithmetic task. Subjects were led to believe that failure in this behaviour would result in the appearance of an aversive stimulus, Heart ra te, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and skin temperat ure were all recorded throughout task performance, and at two given moments prior to the task, in order to establish baseline values. Subjects with hi gh self-efficacy experienced a smaller increase in heart rate and systolic pressure, a greater increase in diastolic pressure, greater reduction in sk in temperature and a reduction in pulse pressure during task performance. T he effects were moderated by the incentive value in such a way that the eff ects of self-efficacy on cardiovascular reactivity were stronger when the c onsequences of task failure were perceived as highly relevant (high incenti ve value). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.