Citation

Evans GW. J. Appl. Soc. Psychol. 1979; 9(1): 27-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1979, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1559-1816.1979.tb00793.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of crowding on human performance. Results generally supported the hypothesis that crowding acts as a stressor which may be mediated by overarousal. Moderate decrements in complex but not simple task performance were found for crowded subjects as compared to uncrowded controls. Poorer performance on a group cooperation task and less tolerance for frustration as an aftereffect of the crowded experience were reported. Crowded subjects in comparison to controls also exhibited significant elevations in blood pressure and pulse rate and manifested additional behavioral indices of stress, which included greater behavioral stereotypes, increased defensive postures, more remarks toward the door of the experimental room, and self reports of greater discomfort and hostility.