Individual differences in the orienting response: nonresponding in nonclinical samples

Area of Science:

• Psychophysiology
• Human Behavior Research
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• The electrodermal orienting response (OR) is extensively studied in clinical populations.
• However, systematic investigation of OR nonresponse in healthy adults is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify characteristics of electrodermal nonresponders in healthy adults.
• To review existing literature and present new data on nonresponders.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published studies on nonresponse in nonclinical samples.
• Inclusion of data from three unpublished studies.

Main Results:

• Nonresponse exhibits both trait and state characteristics.
• Nonresponders are more likely to be female, exhibit electrodermal hypoarousal, and score higher on impulsivity and antisociality measures.
• Nonresponders do not differ from responders in sensation seeking.

Conclusions:

• Electrodermal nonresponse may be explained by theories of voluntary/involuntary ORs and the Behavioral Inhibition System.
• OR nonresponse suggests differences in attentional, affective processes, cognitive style, and threat appraisal.