The Evaluation of Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Psychopathic Traits Across Stress Conditions

• In Event: Assessing the Interrelated Nature of Psychopathic Traits and Self-Control on Victimization and Antisocial Behavior

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of different stressors on the association between autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and traits associated with antisocial behavior. Study participants were randomly assigned into one of two stress conditions (i.e., countdown-task or social-evaluative stressor). The countdown-task involves 2 signaled and 2 unsignaled trials of a 12-second countdown that appears on a computer monitor in front of the participants who are wearing headphones. When the countdown reaches 0, the participants experience a 1-second 90 dB noise blast. The social-evaluative stressor task involves participants preparing and delivering an impromptu speech about their biggest faults and weaknesses in front of a recording device. During the conditions, ANS activity is measured through heart rate and skin-conductance which is collected through NeuLog infrared LED transmitter and galvanic skin response sensors placed on the participant’s hand. The trait measures included are the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP), the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale II (SRP-II), the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional traits (ICU), the Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS-V). Analyses explored differences in associations between ANS measures and traits across stress conditions. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.

Authors

• Nicholas Vietto, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Todd Armstrong, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Dakota Schroll, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Sarah Al Falatah, University of Nebraska at Omaha