Stress of Predictable and Unpredictable Shock

This article examines the claim that unpredictable shock is more stressful than predictable shock in short-term studies ( Abbott, Schoen, & Badia, 1984 ). These authors' classification of studies as short or long term, their conceptualization of them as predictability studies, and their failure to note contrary evidence are discussed. The conclusion is that predictable shock (the presence of a warning signal before shock) makes the situation more stressful both in short- and long-term studies. Conflicting results are most likely due to the presence of additional and confounding variables in contrary studies.