The concept of physiological individual response
specificity (IRS) was critically discussed. A review of
empirical studies focused on IRS magnitude, stability,
and personality correlates. Using difference scores, an
average of 33% of the participants showed a significant
IRS. IRS stability was found in only 15% of the participants.
In some studies, IRS incidence was associated with neuroticism
or stress coping styles. We suggest that the IRS concept
should include not only purely constitutional but also
situational and psychological determinants. Predictions
from this revised biopsychological model were tested with
a data set comprising 48 healthy male participants who
completed six tasks, which were replicated three times
in 1-week intervals. At Session 1, 21% of the participants
displayed a significant IRS. IRS stability was found in
only 8% of the participants. Participants with a significant
IRS at Session 1 reported higher levels of fear (anger
and happiness as covariates) and of pounding heart. Between-session
IRS (trait-IRS) but not within-session IRS (state-IRS)
was associated with trait anxiety.