This experimented proposed to test the relationships between self-reported hostility and both facial muscle tone and cardiovascular functioning. Based on previous research, it was proposed that individuals high in self-reported hostility would show increased cardiovascular reactivity in response to a physical stressor (the cold-pressor task). Additionally, based on the integration of multiple lines of research, it was proposed that individuals with high levels of self-reported hostility would show asymmetric facial tone, with greater muscle activation at the left-hemiface. Results showed increased cardiovascular responding in the high-hostile participants following exposure to the cold-pressor task. Additionally, the individuals with high levels of self-reported hostility did show asymmetric facial tone, with increased left-hemifacial EMG values. These differences were present prior to exposure to the cold-pressor task, and were increased following the stressor. Results supported the literature showing increased cardiovascular responding to stress in high-hostile individuals, and also supported the proposed relationship between right orbitofrontal functioning and hostility. / Ph. D.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/37723 |
| Date | 07 June 2012 |
| Creators | Rhodes, Robert D. |
| Contributors | Psychology, Harrison, David W., Jones, Russell T., Bell, Martha Ann, Clum, George A. Jr. |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
| Relation | Rhodes_RD_D_2010.pdf |
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