In an exploratory study of the situational generality of cognitive complexity (CC), Ss were administered a modification of Kelly's Role Construct Repertory Test under non-stress or stress instructions. The social role-figures on the complexity measure were also divided into socially close and distant subgroups. The results supported previous research indicating greater CC toward distant persons, perhaps a result of the perceiver's vigilant stance toward such individuals. However, Ss were generally less complex under stressful task instructions, possibly a manifestation of a decrease in tolerance for stimulus incongruity. Stress thus appears to be a relevant contextual as well as stimulus dimension with respect to CC.
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