title: Prediction of endocrine stress reactions by means of personality variables.
abstract: The study examined the predictability of endocrine stress indicators on the basis of personality measures. The subjects were 83 computer operators (63 men, 20 women; mean age 28 years) who by means of an experimental situation were confronted with a mild stressor (a cognitive two-channel task with a high information load). Using scores on personality questionnaires (comprising scales for defense mechanisms, neuroticism, and 2 achievement motivation variables), subjects were classified into extreme groups of stress-resistant (17 subjects) versus nonstress-resistant (13 subjects). Immediately after the experiment blood samples were taken to assay the norepinephrine metabolites plasma-free 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol (MHPG) and MHPG sulfate (MHPG.SO4), which formed the dependent variables. Personality measures and endocrine stress indicators were until the final analysis of the data kept apart by a double-blind strategy. A significant difference was noted in the MHPG level between the stress-resistant and the nonstress-resistant group. The value and applicability of these results for stress prevention is discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: de Leeuwe
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hentschel
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tavenier
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Edelbroek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology*; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood*; D010556:Personality Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: C030284:3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol sulfate; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol