| Abstract: | This study aimed to examine the influence of the presence of a partner in terms of affiliation level and role on anxiety in a physically threatening situation. In the first experiment, nine male subjects waited alone for the electric shock, and the other nine subjects waited with their partner. In the second experiment, 36 female subjects were assigned to four experimental groups by the difference of the role of a partner (coactor or audience) and the affiliation level of a partner (friend or stranger), and subjects waited for the electric shock with their partner. It was found that anxiety of subjects decreased when the partner was a coactor and/or a friend. It was suggested that these two functioned differently in anxiety reduction in a physically threatening situation. |
