A study on the differences in ERP during sexual arousal elicited by different types of sexual picture in adult men

Abstract

Objective To observe the differences in event related potential(ERP) during sexual arousal elicited by different types of sexual picture in adult men. Methods An implicitly emotional task and a modified oddball paradigm were used.The differences were recorded in EEG with ERP when sexual arousal was induced by heterosexual couple erotic picture, male erotic picture and female erotic picture in fifteen health men. Results The amplitudes of N2 at Fz and P3 at Pz induced by male-female erotic picture((2.32±1.70)μV, (16.62±2.16)μV), male erotic picture((1.58±1.33)μV, (15.82±1.64)μV) and female erotic picture ((1.23±1.47)μV, (14.54±2.00)μV)were not significant differences (P>0.05). But the amplitudes of N2 and P3 elicited by neutral human picture((-6.01±1.35)μV, (11.36±1.81)μV) were smaller than each type erotic picture (P<0.05). There was statistical significance in PSW at Cz elicited by different types of erotic picture. The PSW elicited by male-female erotic picture((12.59±1.13)μV) was significantly higher than female erotic picture((10.38±0.76)μV) and male erotic picture((8.80±0.89)μV)(P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in PSW component between male erotic picture and female erotic picture. Conclusion The level of sexual arousal elicited by explicit heterosexual couple erotic pictures is highest and the attention also maintains longest in heterosexual male. Key words: Erotic picture; Sexual arousal; Event related potential