Emotion-modulated startle reflex during reappraisal: Probe timing and behavioral correlates
Jenny Zaehringer1, Christian Schmahl1, Gabriele Ende2
1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health/Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University.
Behavioral Neuroscience
|October 5, 2018
Summary
Emotion regulation using reappraisal effectively inhibits the emotion-modulated startle reflex. Startle inhibition correlates with reduced arousal but not valence, regardless of probe timing during the regulation phase.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Emotion regulation strategies, like reappraisal, can modulate physiological responses.
- The emotion-modulated startle reflex is a sensitive measure of emotional processing.
- The influence of startle probe timing on emotion regulation quantification is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of startle probe timing on emotion regulation effectiveness.
- To examine the relationship between physiological startle inhibition and subjective emotional experience.
Main Methods:
- Participants (N=47) viewed negative and neutral images, reappraising or maintaining emotions.
- Startle probes were delivered at three intervals during the emotion regulation phase.
- Electromyography measured startle response; subjective valence and arousal were rated.
Main Results:
- Startle inhibition during reappraisal was not significantly affected by the timing of the startle probe.
- A significant positive correlation was found between startle inhibition and perceived down-regulation of arousal.
- No significant correlation was observed between startle inhibition and perceived down-regulation of valence.
Conclusions:
- Startle probe timing does not appear critical for quantifying emotion regulation via startle inhibition.
- Startle inhibition serves as a valid physiological indicator of subjective arousal reduction during emotion regulation.
- Findings inform future research on emotion regulation and psychophysiological measures.
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