Intercorrelation between ANS indicators and the link to antisocial behavior: what do we make of the seemingly conflicting patterns?

• In Event: Psychopathic Personality, Antisocial Behavior, and Crime: The Role of Psychophysiology

Abstract

Low resting heart rate (HR), an autonomic nervous system (ANS) indicator, is related to more antisocial behavior. However, high resting heart rate variability (HRV) is considered a robust biomarker for emotion regulation. HR is influenced by the two branches of ANS, the parasympathetic and the sympathetic nervous system (PNS and SNS) wherein the former lowers and the latter elevates HR. High resting HRV, a PNS indicator, would be expected to link to low resting HR (hence more antisocial behavior). How do we reconcile these findings with seemingly opposite directions? Moreover, skin conductance (SC), a commonly used SNS indicator, often lacks associations with HR or the Pre-ejection Period (PEP; a SNS indicator). The current study aims to shed light on the seemingly conflicting association patterns. Data were drawn from a sample of a heterogeneous sample of 133 urban male adults. Participants reported their antisocial behavior in the past 12 months and completed resting, fear conditioning, reward, and stress tasks where their Electrocardiogram, Impedance Cardiography, and Electrodermal Activity data were recorded to derive HR, HRV, PEP, and SC. Analyses results will be presented and tentative recommendations on the selection of ANS markers when studying their links with antisocial behavior will be outlined.

Author

• Frances Chen, Georgia State University