Physiological and neuropsychological correlates of hostility

Author(s): Harrison, D. W.

Journal/Book: Neuropsychologia. 1997; 35: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England OX5 1GB. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 1405-1411.

Abstract: This experiment tested two hypotheses linking right cerebral arousal to hostility and physiological arousal. A replication of previous research supporting heightened physiological (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate) reactivity among high-hostility subjects was partially successful. Hemispheric lateralization of cerebral activity in response to stress was also measured. Low-and high-hostility subjects were identified using the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale (CMHS). Physiological measures (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate) were recorded and dichotic listening procedures were administered before and after administration of the cold-presser paradigm. The primary finding of this research was greater right cerebral activation to stress among high-hostility subjects, as indicated by their enhanced ability to identify syllables presented to the left ear. Data further supported previous findings of heightened physiological reactivity to stress among high-hostility subjects and suggest a positive relationship between right cerebral activity and cardiovascular arousal.

Note: Article Demaree HA, Virginia Polytech Inst & State Univ, Dept Psychol, Coll Arts & Sci, Blacksburg,VA 24061 USA

Keyword(s): stress; asymmetry; cardiovascular disease; HEART-RATE RESPONSES; EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION; BRAIN PHYSIOLOGY; ASYMMETRY

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