Psychological and physiological stress indices were taken from collegiate swimmers of both sexes prior to a practice session and prior to a meet. At another time these same individuals were administered a scale to ascertain their relative self-reported masculinity and femininity. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that 14 males had higher systolic blood pressure than 13 females but lower self-reported feelings of anxiety and hostility associated with the stress of competition. Sex differences in relative masculinity and femininity provided the key to interpretation.
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