Date of Award
12-1988
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. R. Wayne Fuqua
Second Advisor
Dr. Fred Gault
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Several risk factors have been linked to cardiovascular diseases; among them are exposure to psychological stressors and caffeine consumption.
The objective of this study was to examine the effects of caffeine consumption on cardiovascular reactivity to role play simulations of social stressors. A double-blind alternating treatment design was employed. Eight subjects (five female and three male) received either caffeine-containing or placebo beverages. Each subject received four samples of each beverage over a total of eight sessions. The results include: (a) stressors increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure along with heart rate in baseline, placebo and drug conditions; (b) caffeine produced increases in blood pressure over placebo but was not statistically significant; and (c) caffeine did not increase cardiovascular reactivity when presented in conjunction with stressful social interactions. An additive effect between caffeine consumption and stressful social interactions was evidenced by increases in blood pressure.
Recommended Citation
Keller, Suzanne L., "Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Cardiovascular Reactivity to Social Stress" (1988). Masters Theses. 1203.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1203