PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF BLOOD PRESSURE*

Abstract

SUMMARY Personality and behavior characteristics of 102 young male individuals with elevated blood pressure have been investigated, with suitable experimental and statistical controls. Corroborative evidence from 271 additional subjects has been presented. Individuals with elevated blood pressure were found to tend, as a group, toward less physical and social activity. They tended to move and walk more slowly, and exhibited a definite tendency to avoid exercise and sports. They were somewhat less dominant and self-assertive; they had fewer friends and were somewhat more susceptible to anger. The principal symptoms reported were blushing and palpitation after exercise.