loading page

Associations between ANS activity and psychopathic traits: A consideration of differences in association across stress task and psychopathy measures
  • +1
  • Nicholas Vietto,
  • Todd Armstrong,
  • Dakota Schroll,
  • Sarah Al Falatah
Nicholas Vietto
University of Nebraska Omaha

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Todd Armstrong
University of Nebraska Omaha
Author Profile
Dakota Schroll
University of Nebraska Omaha
Author Profile
Sarah Al Falatah
University of Nebraska Omaha
Author Profile

Abstract

Despite growing evidence that associations between autonomic nervous system (ANS) responsivity and psychopathic traits vary across stress tasks only a single study has systematically assessed cross-task differences in associations. To advance this limited literature the current study randomized subjects into either a noise blast (countdown) task or a social stressor speech task. Analyses estimated associations between ANS (heart rate, skin conductance) and measures of psychopathic traits (Self-Report Psychopathy Scale-III, Inventory of Callous-Unemotional traits, Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, Sensation Seeking Scale – Form V). Results indicated that associations between ANS activity and psychopathic traits varied across stress task, ANS measure, and psychopathy measure. Associations that were consistent across analyses included a negative association between heart rate reactivity to the countdown task and SRP total scores, and a negative association between skin conductance reactivity to the social stressor speech task the interpersonal manipulation scale in the SRP. In addition, there was a negative association between resting skin conductance and SSS-V total scores.
01 Nov 2023Submitted to Psychophysiology
03 Nov 2023Submission Checks Completed
03 Nov 2023Assigned to Editor
03 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned