Stress Caused by Waiting: A Theoretical Evaluation of a Mathematical Model

Authors: Suck R.¹; Holling H.²

Source: Journal of Mathematical Psychology, Volume 41, Number 3, September 1997 , pp. 280-286(7)

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Abstract:

According to cognitive stress theories, stress caused bywaiting is influenced by two components, the (psychological)cost of waiting, that is, a function C of time, and a probabilitydistribution over waiting times. Osuna (1985a) suggested a modelby which stress as a function of time could be calculated fromthese constituents. The aim of this paper is (1) to generalizethe model, (2) to investigate its mathematical properties, (3)to derive predictions for experimental tests of the model, and(4) to give a precise meaning to the variability and durationhypothesis discussed in the experimental literature. In particular,several theorems are derived which specify situations in whichthe model enables the user to compare conditions for their stressinducing potential. Such conditions are the duration of thewaiting time and the predictability of the length of a waitingperiod. The core of the mathematical derivations is an identityfor expected stress which simplifies the calculations of theOsuna model considerably.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Universitat Osnabruck 2: Universitat Munster

Publication date: 1997-09-01