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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 40-44 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Physiology and Behavior |
Volume | 159 |
Early online date | 14 Mar 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 May 2016 |
Keywords
- Cardiovascular activity
- Impulsivity
- Psychological stress
- Stress reactivity
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Philosophy