AGGRESSIVENESS AND PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSIVITY IN GROUPS OF REPRESSORS AND SENSITIZERS

In 2 separate experiments 5-person discussion groups were selected on the basis of their scores on the Repression-Sensitization (R-S) scale. 1/2 of the groups had repressors in the majority; the remaining 1/2 had sensitizers in the majority. Each group had 1 person from the midrange of the scale, an intermediate. In Exp. I the groups were given a task which necessitated considerable discussion. They were rated more aggressive than sensitizers and intermediates. Repressors, however, in their self-ratings reported themselves less aggressive than did the other groups. Comparable groups in Exp. II, interacting under similar conditions, had concurrent skin conductance responses (SCRs) recorded throughout the session. Repressors had significantly greater amount of SCRs, both in number and amplitude, than sensitizers. It was concluded that repressors compared to sensitizers and intermediates by both behavioral and psychophysiological criteria, were more highly involved in the group discussions, more goal-oriented and aggressive. The unidimensional concept of the R-S scale was questioned. (23 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.