Influence of Type of Stressor and Sex of Subject on Time Estimation

Abstract

90 Ss estimated a fixed period of time under a no-stress condition and either a failure, pacing, or another no-stress condition. The results showed that men under failure reduced their estimates of the passage of time significantly more than women under failure and significantly more than men under pacing. These results were discussed primarily in terms of differential arousal of achievement motivation by the two stressors and differences between the sexes in achievement motivation. Results seem to support the hypothesis that unique stress-producing operations lead to unique effects on estimation of time. Further, the results highlight the role of sex in such research.