Premium
Acoustic startle and anticipatory anxiety in humans: Effects of monaural right and left ear stimulation
Author(s) -
GRILLON CHRISTIAN,
DAVIS MICHAEL
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
psychophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.661
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1469-8986
pISSN - 0048-5772
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8986.1995.tb03307.x
Subject(s) - psychology , monaural , binaural recording , audiology , lateralization of brain function , moro reflex , prepulse inhibition , anticipation (artificial intelligence) , stimulation , reflex , laterality , acoustic startle reflex , anxiety , developmental psychology , neuroscience , medicine , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , psychiatry , artificial intelligence , computer science
The startle reflex elicited by binaural acoustic startle stimuli is potentiated by the threat of electric shock. The present study explored the lateralization of this fear‐potentiated startle reflex effect using acoustic startle stimuli delivered binaurally or monaurally to the left or right ear and recorded from the left and right orbicularis oculi muscles. Consistent with previous results, the acoustic startle to binaural stimulation was potentiated during the anticipation of shock. This effect was also present for monaural stimulation but was greater when startle stimuli were delivered to the right than to the left ear. The results are discussed in terms of hemispheric lateralization during shock anticipation.