Perceived control, self-observation, and response to aversive stimulation.

Abstract
Attempted to reconcile the apparently discrepant findings of R. A. Champion's and R. J. Bandler, G. R. Madaras, and D. J. Bem's (see record 1968-13090-001) studies of response to aversive stimuli. It was hypothesized that the discrepancy was in part a function of the choice provided by the Bandler, et al. instructions. 40 undergraduates were given 10 escape and 10 no-escape trials from aversive white noise. 1/2 of the Ss were given instructions which gave them the choice of escape or no escape, while the other 1/2 were given no such choice. Results support both studies. The use of choice instructions appears to be equivalent to giving the S a sense of control over the threatening stimulus. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
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