Relationship between levels of arousal and responsiveness among schizophrenic and normal subjects.

Hypothesized that tonic arousal level, as measured by the basal skin resistance level, would be an important parameter influencing psychophysiological responsiveness to discrete stimuli. 32 schizophrenic Ss and 32 normal Ss were divided into subgroups on the basis of their resting skin resistance levels. Ss were then given 30 mild, discrete auditory stimuli, and their psychogalvanic responsiveness was assessed. The parameter of tonic arousal level accounted for the majority of variability, while psychiatric status was a negligible factor. In general, Ss manifesting high tonic arousal responded more rapidly, with more GSRs to discrete tone stimuli, with more nonspecific GSRs, and with greater amplitude of change than did Ss with low tonic arousal. Results of other studies are discussed within the framework of these findings, and it is suggested that controlling for this parameter may serve to reduce heterogenity of results in future research. (46 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)