Effect of information about a potentially stressful situation on responses to stress impact.

Abstract

Tested I. L. Janis's explanation for the ameliorative effect of information on stress impact in a study of 80 hernia-repair patients. It was proposed that Ss receiving accurate information about impending surgery would experience heightened anticipatory fear, develop specific problem-oriented ideas about the operation, profess greater confidence in the medical staff, and consequently manifest less postoperative depression and hostility. Exp I assessed the effects of detailed, accurate information on preoperative attitudes and affective states; Exp II, the effects on postoperative affect and behavior. Results support some aspects of Janis's theory (i.e., the development of problem-oriented ideas, specific reassurances, and the reduction of hostility as a result of increased informedness). However, there was no evidence that these presumed consequences of preparation were in any way related to "anticipatory fear" or "the work of worrying" as Janis proposed. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)