Abstract
Aggression can occur as a goal-oriented phenomenon where the aggressor is intent on harm, during which, the aggressor experiences low levels of physiological arousal (Tulogdi, et al., 2012). Reduced physiological arousal may be associated with violent behavior, independent of other psychological risk factors. Using this view, sensation-seeking behavior, along with reduced physiological arousal, are key markers of aggression. (Wilson & Scarpa, 2011). Based on prior studies and research in this area, we are testing the idea that acute stress results in blunted biochemical and self-report measures of stress in individuals with low physiological arousal compared to individuals with typical (or high) physiological arousal. Specifically, we are examining the extent to which low physiological arousal is associated with 1. physiological and behavioral responses to acute stress 2. self-report markers of specific behavioral patterns (low anxiety levels, high sensation seeking behavior, and high aggressive behaviors) and 3. a genetic marker of aggression (MAO-A low). We hypothesize that individuals with low physiological arousal will show a blunted physiological response to stress, self-reported aggression, and low MAO-A activity. Participants are tested in one 1 hr session in which they first fill out demographic and selfreport questionnaires. Heart rate (HR) and saliva samples are taken 1min before, during (only HR), 1 min after, and 20 min after an acute stress task. Findings from this study will show, for the first time, if low physiological arousal is related to blunted stress responses and increased behavioral and self-report markers of aggression.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Jessica Garcia-Brown, Dr. Thomas Fagan, Dr. Jaime Tartar
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-12-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
4-12-2013 5:30 PM
What Goes on Beneath the Green Skin and Purple Pants: Physiology of the Bruce Banner Haplotype Under Stress
Alvin Sherman Library
Aggression can occur as a goal-oriented phenomenon where the aggressor is intent on harm, during which, the aggressor experiences low levels of physiological arousal (Tulogdi, et al., 2012). Reduced physiological arousal may be associated with violent behavior, independent of other psychological risk factors. Using this view, sensation-seeking behavior, along with reduced physiological arousal, are key markers of aggression. (Wilson & Scarpa, 2011). Based on prior studies and research in this area, we are testing the idea that acute stress results in blunted biochemical and self-report measures of stress in individuals with low physiological arousal compared to individuals with typical (or high) physiological arousal. Specifically, we are examining the extent to which low physiological arousal is associated with 1. physiological and behavioral responses to acute stress 2. self-report markers of specific behavioral patterns (low anxiety levels, high sensation seeking behavior, and high aggressive behaviors) and 3. a genetic marker of aggression (MAO-A low). We hypothesize that individuals with low physiological arousal will show a blunted physiological response to stress, self-reported aggression, and low MAO-A activity. Participants are tested in one 1 hr session in which they first fill out demographic and selfreport questionnaires. Heart rate (HR) and saliva samples are taken 1min before, during (only HR), 1 min after, and 20 min after an acute stress task. Findings from this study will show, for the first time, if low physiological arousal is related to blunted stress responses and increased behavioral and self-report markers of aggression.
