Need for achievement moderates the effect of motive-relevant challenge on salivary cortisol changes

Yang F, Ramsay JE, Schultheiss O, Pang JS (2015)

Publication Language: English

Publication Status: Published

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Motivation and Emotion Springer Verlag (Germany)

Publisher: Springer Verlag (Germany)

Book Volume: 39

Pages Range: 321-334

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1007/s11031-014-9465-7

Abstract

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis plays a key role in the physiological response to stress, preparing the organism for appropriate action. While some research has examined universally relevant threats, other research has suggested that individual differences may moderate the relationship between stress and cortisol release, such that some individuals exhibit modified reactivity to personally relevant stressors or challenges. In the present study we investigated whether one individual difference—the implicit need for achievement—moderates the effect of motive-relevant challenge on salivary cortisol. Participants’ salivary cortisol and felt affect were measured before and after engagement in an achievement task. In the positive- and no-feedback conditions, individuals high in implicit achievement motivation demonstrated increased cortisol response to the task, whereas in the negative feedback condition, individuals high in implicit achievement motivation demonstrated a dampened cortisol response. Furthermore, changes in cortisol were accompanied by changes in felt affect in the same direction, specifically hedonic tone. These results suggest that the HPA axis also responds to non-social-evaluative challenge in a personality-contingent manner.

Authors with CRIS profile

Oliver Schultheiss Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine Psychologie (Motivation, Emotion und Lernen)

Related research project(s)

The implicit achievement motive and resilience July 1, 2013 - July 1, 2016 Psychoendocrinology of dominance and affiliation Feb. 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013

Involved external institutions

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) SG Singapore (SG) Shanghai University / 上海大学 (SHU) CN China (CN) SIM University (UniSIM) SG Singapore (SG)

How to cite

APA:

Yang, F., Ramsay, J.E., Schultheiss, O., & Pang, J.S. (2015). Need for achievement moderates the effect of motive-relevant challenge on salivary cortisol changes. Motivation and Emotion, 39(3), 321-334. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11031-014-9465-7

MLA:

Yang, Fang, et al. "Need for achievement moderates the effect of motive-relevant challenge on salivary cortisol changes." Motivation and Emotion 39.3 (2015): 321-334.

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