Blunted cardiac stress reactors exhibit relatively high levels of behavioural impulsivity

Adam Bibbey*, Annie T. Ginty, Ryan C. Brindle, Anna C. Phillips, Douglas Carroll

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)
210 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Blunted physiological reactions to acute psychological stress are associated with a range of adverse health and behavioural outcomes. This study examined whether extreme stress reactors differ in their behavioural impulsivity. Individuals showing blunted (N = 23) and exaggerated (N = 23) cardiovascular reactions to stress were selected by screening a healthy student population (N = 276). Behavioural impulsivity was measured via inhibitory control and motor impulsivity tasks. Blunted reactors exhibited greater impulsivity than exaggerated reactors on both stop-signal, F(1,41) = 4.99, p = 0.03, ηp 2 = 0.108, and circle drawing, F(1,43) = 4.00, p = 0.05, η p 2 = 0.085, tasks. Individuals showing blunted cardiovascular stress reactions are characterized by greater impulsivity which may contribute to their increased susceptibility to outcomes such as obesity and addiction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)40-44
Number of pages5
JournalPhysiology and Behavior
Volume159
Early online date14 Mar 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 May 2016

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular activity
  • Impulsivity
  • Psychological stress
  • Stress reactivity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Philosophy

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