PSYCHIC COST OF ADAPTATION TO AN ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSOR

Investigated the behavioral consequences of adaptation to repeatedly presented aversive noise. Exp. I showed that among 34 college females, the work of adapting to unpredictable, in contrast to predictable, noise resulted in lowered tolerance for frustration and in impaired performance efficiency after termination of the noise. These effects were more pronounced when the unpredictable noise was delivered at 110 db. compared to 56 db. The behavior of Ss in both predictable-noise conditions did not differ significantly from no-noise controls. Exp. II showed that the adverse postadaptive effects following loud unpredictable noise were substantially reduced if the S believed he had control over the termination of the noise. The effects of cognitive factors on postadaptive responses to noise are discussed, and several theoretical interpretations of the results are offered. (28 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.