A state-trait analysis of alpha density and personality variables in a normal population

In Study I eyes-open and eyes-closed percentage time resting alpha in normal young male adults was correlated positively with psychological test scores that reflected greater energy, feelings of confidence and control, and lesser social inhibition. Study II was consistent with Study I in that alpha density was related inversely to a projective measure of maladustment as well as measures of state and trait anxiety. The effects of visual stimulation on the size of the relationship between alpha and psychological trait measures suggested that this is a highly unstable relationship likely to appear only when experimental arrangements maximize the congruency betweey psychological states and traits. Finally, it was suggested that the application of a state-trait rationale to alpha phenomenon might be useful to organize the relationship between physiological and psychological variables and could serve as a starting point for conceptualizing the potential effects of biofeed-back applications.