George Fieldman - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by George Fieldman

Journal of Hypertension, Jul 1, 1993

To assess the effects of control over work pace on cardiovascular stress responses in healthy mid... more To assess the effects of control over work pace on cardiovascular stress responses in healthy middle-aged men. The study involved administration in the laboratory of visual matrix and mirror drawing tasks, the pace of tasks being either under the control of the subject (self-paced) or determined externally (externally paced). The work demands in the two conditions were equated. Forty men aged 55-65 years were randomly assigned to self-paced or externally paced conditions. Blood pressure (recorded continuously using the Finapres), heart rate, cardiac baroreflex sensitivity, salivary cortisol, skin conductance and breathing pattern were monitored at rest, during task performance and at recovery following tasks. Blood pressure and heart rate responses were significantly greater under the externally paced than self-paced conditions. The mean increase in blood pressure during the visual matrix task averaged 19.8/9.4 versus 34.1/15.5 mmHg for the self- and externally paced conditions, and 28.2/13.7 versus 41.8/19.5 mmHg in response to mirror drawing, respectively. Performance of the matrix task was less accurate under externally paced than self-paced conditions, but the two groups did not differ in mirror drawing. A reduction in baroreflex sensitivity and increases in cortisol, respiration rate, tidal volume and skin conductance responses were recorded during tasks, but these responses did not distinguish the two groups. Men were divided on the basis of reported job strain associated with their regular work, using the demand-control model. Blood pressure and heart rate responses were particularly pronounced among men reporting high job strain who were allocated to the externally paced condition. Middle-aged men showed greater stress-related cardiovascular responses when they performed tasks at a pace that they could not control. This pattern may be relevant to the mechanisms through which job strain (high demands associated with low control) influences cardiovascular disease risk.

British Journal of Psychology, May 1, 2007

Nihon Shinri Gakkai Taikai happyo ronbunshu, Nov 3, 2006

International Journal of Psychophysiology, Apr 1, 1997

This experiment tested the hypothesis that perceptions of control over work pace would modulate c... more This experiment tested the hypothesis that perceptions of control over work pace would modulate cardiovascular Ž. reactions to mental stress tests. One hundred and thirty two adults aged 30᎐65 years 64 men and 68 women were randomized to self-paced and externally-paced task conditions. The self-paced group carried out visual matrix problem solving and mirror tracing tasks at their own pace. Work pace requirements were imposed on the externally-paced group, with performance requirements being set to equate those in the self-paced condition. This Ž. was done to equate work demands. Blood pressure assessed with the Finapres , heart rate, cardiac baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, skin conductance, respiration rate and tidal volume were monitored. Behavioural performance of the mirror tracing task was comparable in the two conditions, but the externally-paced group attempted more problems and made more errors on the visual matrix task. Systolic blood pressure reactions to mirror drawing were Ž. greater in the external than self-paced conditions mean increases of 27.5" 16.1 vs. 23.1" 18.5 mmHg, P-0.025 , Ž. and electrodermal responsivity was also heightened in the externally-paced group P-0.05. No differences were recorded in diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, baroreflex sensitivity or respiratory parameters. Results are discussed in relation to the literature on control and physiological stress responsivity, and their implications for understanding the health consequences of lack of control at work are considered. ᮊ 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Psychopharmacology, Aug 1, 1996

Journal of Psychophysiology, 1993

Ergonomics, May 1, 1994

There is increasing interest in the acquisition and measurement of physical fitness in general po... more There is increasing interest in the acquisition and measurement of physical fitness in general populations (Bassey and Fentem 1981). Measuring fitness can be uncomfortable and exhausting for subjects and expensive and time-consuming for experimenters (Andersen et al. 1971). Various authors have described and/or evaluated methods for the prediction of VO2 max (Astrand and Rhyming 1954, Davies 1968, Fitchett 1985, Harrison et al. 1980, Jette 1979, Jette et al. 1982, Shephard 1975, Shephard et al. 1979). A valid, safe, socially-acceptable alternative for such measurements applicable to a population would be of benefit. Asking subjects how they perceive their own physical fitness might be such an alternative. The validity and reliability of the data contained from such a questionnaire could be tested against conventional measures of physical fitness. A study which incorporated questionnaire surveys as one method of determining physical fitness in a large population was undertaken on Fire Service personnel in England, Scotland, and Wales (Ellam et al. 1985); a subsample of the population were questioned in the same way but in addition their fitness was assessed by physiological measurements. This paper describes the characteristics of the physical fitness of an average fireman as revealed by responses to questionnaires and how firemen felt their fitness was related to their working duties; it further examines these in relation to objective measurements.

Journal of organisational transformation & social change, Jun 2, 2008

Abstract: With the rapid and decisive impact electronic communication has had on our lives in gen... more Abstract: With the rapid and decisive impact electronic communication has had on our lives in general, and the work place in particular, notably e-mail as the preferred communication medium, this literature review paper examines the available evidence of its potential ...

European journal of cardiovascular prevention & rehabilitation, Feb 1, 1996

Who wears cosmetics? Individual differences and their relationship with cosmetic usage. Bucks Kno... more Who wears cosmetics? Individual differences and their relationship with cosmetic usage. Bucks Knowledge Archive. Login. ... Some features of this site may not work without it. Who wears cosmetics? Individual differences and their relationship with cosmetic usage. ...

Sexualities, Evolution & Gender, Aug 1, 2005

This paper explores whether sexual orientation has a significant effect on men and women's percep... more This paper explores whether sexual orientation has a significant effect on men and women's perceptions of attractiveness of 36-41-year-old women, and tests the validity of inversion theories of homosexuality. Previous research has established that female age is more salient to men than to women when judging female attractiveness. A web-based survey was implemented, attracting 135 male and 150 female British and American participants. They rated the age and attractiveness of 13 female images. Separate MANCOVAs were performed to analyse the effect of participant sex and sexual orientation on the perception of attractiveness. Consistent with prior research, men's ratings of attractiveness were lower than those of female participants. Sexual orientation was not found to be a significant variable in men's perceptions of attractiveness. The attractiveness ratings given by homosexual and bisexual women were significantly lower than those of heterosexual women. Sexual orientation may therefore be relevant to the perception of female attractiveness by women. The results imply that inversion models may be limited in their explanation of sexual orientation.

Journal of Applied Social Psychology, Mar 30, 2006

The study explored whether 4 Caucasian women would be evaluated differently on 4 social measures ... more The study explored whether 4 Caucasian women would be evaluated differently on 4 social measures depending on whether they were presented with or without makeup. ParticipantsF152 men and 171 womenFwere split into 2 groups and were presented with the women's facial photographs either with or without cosmetics. Women presented wearing cosmetics were perceived as healthier and more confident than when presented without. Participants also awarded women wearing makeup with a greater earning potential and with more prestigious jobs than the same women without cosmetics. The results suggest that women can successfully employ cosmetics to manipulate how they are assessed, which may be advantageous in social situations where women may be judged on their appearance, such as job interviews.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Aug 1, 2003

This study sought to investigate whether cosmetics do improve female facial attractiveness, and t... more This study sought to investigate whether cosmetics do improve female facial attractiveness, and to determine whether the contribution of different cosmetic products are separable, or whether they function synergistically to enhance female beauty. Ten volunteers were made up by a beautician under five cosmetics conditions: (i) no make-up; (ii) foundation only; (iii) eye make-up only; (iv) lip make-up only; and (v) full facial make-up. Male and female participants were asked to view the 10 sets of five photographs, and rank each set from most attractive to least attractive. As predicted, faces with full make-up were judged more attractive than the same faces with no make-up. Sex differences within the results were also apparent. Women judged eye make-up as contributing most to the attractiveness. Men rated eye make-up and foundation as having a significant impact on the attractiveness of a full facial makeover. Surprisingly, lipstick did not appear to contribute to attractiveness independently.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2003

Ergonomics, 1994

In this investigation the physical fitness of 34 recruits to the UK Fire Service was assessed bef... more In this investigation the physical fitness of 34 recruits to the UK Fire Service was assessed before and after their initial training (tests 1-2) and on three occasions (tests 3-5) during the first 18 months of their service (n = 34 + 6 = 40). The initial training (test 2-test 1) resulted in an increase in maximum aerobic power (11% p < 0.05), body mass (2 kg, p < 0.001), lean body mass (2.02 kg, p < 0.001), grip and lifting strengths (p < 0.001), and in calf girth (p < 0.05). But no change in waist girth, maximum anaerobic power or measures of lung function was noted. There was evidence therefore that the men became physically fitter. In the first eighteen months of their service, subjects' maximum oxygen consumption declined to pre-training levels, while body mass continued to increase with a decrease in lean body mass (p < 0.001). Strength remained unaltered or tended to fall with a decrease in calf girth (p < 0.05). These changes reflected a return towards pre-training physical fitness levels. It is suggested that the initial training, while ill-matched to the firemen's habitual activity, produced levels of physical fitness which may approximate more closely to the infrequent peak requirements experienced by the men during actual fire fighting. Consequently it is concluded that the physical training during service was insufficiently intense and that a more effective programme could be designed to maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness.

Journal of Psychophysiology 7 290 300, 1993

Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2003

Aims: To investigate the role played by employees' perceptions of their supervisors' interactiona... more Aims: To investigate the role played by employees' perceptions of their supervisors' interactional styles as a possible source of workplace stress that may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates from cardiovascular disorders in workers in the lower strata of organisational hierarchies. Methods: A controlled, quasi-experimental, field study of female healthcare assistants. Allocation to the experimental and control groups was based on participants' responses to a supervisor interactional style questionnaire. Experimental participants (n = 13) reported working under two divergently perceived supervisors at the same workplace, on different days. The control group (n = 15) worked either under one supervisor, or two similarly perceived supervisors. Ambulatory blood pressure was recorded every 30 minutes, over a 12 hour period for three days. Results: The control group showed a 3 mm Hg difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and a nonsignificant difference in diastolic blood pressure (DBP; mean difference 1 mm Hg) between the two supervisor conditions. The experimental group showed significantly higher SBP (15 mm Hg) and DBP (7 mm Hg) when working under a less favoured compared to a favoured supervisor. The degree of divergence in perceptions of supervisors shows a significant positive relation with the difference in blood pressure between the two workdays. Divergence in perceptions of interpersonal fairness is the strongest predictor of difference in blood pressure. Conclusion: An unfavourably perceived supervisor is a potent workplace stressor, which might have a clinically significant impact on supervisees' cardiovascular functioning.

British Journal of Psychology, 2007

† Trials using these methods were carried out and filmed in the course of making a BBC program ab... more † Trials using these methods were carried out and filmed in the course of making a BBC program about this research, broadcast in 2002. These trials did not provide any of the data reported here.