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Spontaneous Eye Blink Rates vary according to individual differences in generalized control perception
Carolyn H Declerck1, Bert De Brabander, Christophe Boone
1Department of Business Economics, Faculty of Applied Economics, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium. carolyn.declerck@ua.ac.be
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|August 19, 2006
Summary
Individual differences in Spontaneous Eye Blink Rates (SEBR) correlate with Locus of Control (LOC). Higher internal LOC, reflecting greater personal control, was associated with increased SEBR during interviews.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Individual differences in generalized control perception are a key aspect of personality.
- Spontaneous Eye Blink Rate (SEBR) is a physiological measure that can vary with cognitive and emotional states.
- Previous research suggests potential links between cognitive processes and physiological responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether individual differences in generalized control perception, specifically Locus of Control (LOC), are reflected in Spontaneous Eye Blink Rates (SEBR) during conversational interviews.
- To explore the potential biological underpinnings of personality traits related to control perception.
Main Methods:
- Assessed Locus of Control (LOC) using Rotter's internal-external Locus of Control questionnaires in 43 undergraduate adults.
- Measured Spontaneous Eye Blink Rates (SEBR) by analyzing video recordings of interviews.
- Employed Pearson correlations and linear regression analyses to examine the relationship between LOC and SEBR.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous Eye Blink Rates (SEBR) did not significantly differ across various interview questions designed to elicit different mental states.
- A significant positive correlation (r = .26) was found between overall Spontaneous Eye Blink Rates (SEBR) during the entire interview and an internal Locus of Control.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide modest but corroborative evidence suggesting a potential biological component to the personality trait of control perception.
- The study discusses the possible involvement of dopamine neurotransmission and frontal cortex activity in the relationship between Locus of Control and Spontaneous Eye Blink Rates.
