Further Data on a Stress Syndrome Related to Achievement Motivation: Relationships with Age and Basal Serum Cholesterol Level

Abstract

Sz~mmasy.-A cross-validation of a standard method of measuring strivinginduced stress is described. The sensitivity of the previously reported stress measures, based on heart-rate elevation, is verified. The procedure is demonstrably applicable to more varied populations than those used in the original standardization. While a tendency toward higher over-all heart rates with increased age was observed, the principal specific finding was a positive association of basal serum cholesterol level with post-stress heart rate, independent of age. Individuals with higher serum cholesterol levels showed less complete recovery following stress and higher initial heart rates, but they did not necessarily show a stronger immediate response to the stressors. Psychosomatic implications are discussed.