Anticipated Responses to Short-Term Sensory Deprivation

Abstract

21 Ss were initially tested for discomfort (Somatic Symptom Check List) and anxiety (Affect Adjective Check List) and then viewed a sensory deprivation (SD) Laboratory and given standard SD instructions. Subsequent to viewing the laboratory, Ss were asked to complete the anxiety and discomfort scales as if they had actually undergone 3 hr. of SD. As hypothesized, anticipation scores on scales were significantly higher for both sexes following exposure to the SD laboratory. on the anxiety scales anticipation scores by females were significantly higher than those of males. Data were then compared with scores previously obtained from Ss who had actually undergone the experience. Females anticipated significantly greater anxiety to an SD experience than females who had actually undergone the experience. These results support the general hypothesis that Ss anticipate anxiety and discomfort from an isolation experience.