Autonomic, neuroendocrine, and subjective responses to emotion-inducing film stimuli

The aim of the present study was to investigate differential emotional response patterns to film stimuli by multimodal assessment of subjective, autonomic and endocrine variables. Scenes of two films, chosen to induce different affective states, were presented to 20 male subjects. Changes in mood and perceived bodily sensations, autonomic activity (heart rate and skin conductance) and one endocrine parameter (salivary cortisol) were measured. Analyses revealed that the films elicited differential mood patterns. The cartoon film, which induced a pleasant, amused state, was accompanied by very few changes in bodily sensations, a temporary decrease in heart rate, and a rapid decrease in electrodermal activity. The suspense film, which elicited a marked reduction in joyfulness and relaxation together with an enhancement in irritation, differed from that pattern primarily by marked changes in several bodily sensations, an increase in electrodermal activity, and a temporary decrease in heart rate. There were no film-dependent cortisol changes. The results together with evidence from other emotion induction experiments support the usefulness of film segments in eliciting mild to moderate affective states and their concomitances. They particularly point to the relevance of bodily sensations as an emotional response component.