Self-reported fears and electrodermal responsiveness of high and low trait anxious subjects to fear of failure and other stressors

We examined the relationship between self-reported fears on the Wolpe-Lang Fear Survey Schedule and scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) among hospitalized male veterans and evaluated the effects of threat of failure and loss of self-esteem on the electrodermal activity of 32 male college students classified as high or low trait anxious. Results showed a significant relationship between trait anxiety and fearfulness with HA-trait individuals demonstrating greater overall fearfulness than those classified as LA-Trait with the most significant differences indicated for fears of failure. There were no differences in electrodermal activity between HA- and LA-Trait participants in response to manipulation of instructions designed to increase the level of A-State. Though high stress instructions involving ego and failure threat produced an increased frequency of nonspecific EDRs in both groups, there was no evidence that HA-Trait participants responded with any greater increase in electrodermal activity.