Sex Differences in the Effects of Frustration and Attack on Emotion and Vascular Processes

Abstract

The effects of frustration (test-failure) and attack (insult) on mood, aggression, and vascular arousal were explored in 30 male and female Ss. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded prior to and immediately following provocation and Ss were asked to rate their feelings on a post-experimental mood questionnaire. The results indicated that both types of provocation led to increased vascular activity. Males evidenced a greater rise in systolic pressure than did females; whereas, no sex differences were noted for diastolic changes. No differences were found between frustration and attack regarding their effect on vascular arousal. On the mood ratings, female Ss rended to rate themselves as being weaker than males regardless of the treatment. Females also reported more felt depression after being frustrated or attacked than did control females, a pattern of emotional response not shown by male Ss. No differential effects were observed for aggression.