Electrodermal hyporeactivity and antisocial behavior: does anxiety mediate the relationship?

Area of Science:

• Psychophysiology
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Electrodermal hyporeactivity is a reliable correlate of psychopathy and undersocialized aggressive conduct disorder (UACD).
• This phenomenon has been interpreted as reflecting a weak behavioral inhibition system (BIS), a concept from Gray's work.
• Existing temperament research separates trait anxiety/neuroticism and inhibitory control, with BIS often linked to anxiety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence supporting the association between electrodermal hyporeactivity and temperament dimensions.
• To examine the relationship between electrodermal hyporeactivity, anxiety, disinhibition, and impulsivity in psychopathy.
• To explore alternative explanations for electrodermal hyporeactivity, including broader executive function deficits.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and empirical findings.
• Analysis of temperament scale data in relation to electrodermal responses.
• Examination of findings concerning psychopathy, impulsivity, and executive functions.

Main Results:

• Electrodermal hyporeactivity is associated with low anxiety and behavioral disinhibition, supporting the weak BIS hypothesis.
• The findings suggest a link between electrodermal hyporeactivity and impulsivity in psychopaths, potentially more so than core psychopathic traits.
• Evidence indicates that psychopaths may have broader deficits, possibly executive function deficits, which could stem from primary disinhibition.

Conclusions:

• The results are largely consistent with the electrodermal hyporeactivity-weak BIS hypothesis.
• Electrodermal hyporeactivity may be related to impulsivity and disinhibition, which could lead to secondary executive function deficits.
• Further research is needed to resolve outstanding issues regarding the precise nature of the deficit and its relationship to psychopathy.