Skin Conductance Research Articles

HUMAN STRESS DETECTION BASED ON SLEEPING HABITS THROUGH MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS

Stress is a mental or emotional state brought on by demanding or unavoidable circumstances, also referred to as stressors. In order to prevent any unfavorable occurrences in life, it is crucial to understand human stress levels. Sleep disturbances are related to a number of physical, mental, and social problems. This study's main objective is to investigate how human stress might be detected using machine learning algorithms based on sleep-related behaviors. Detecting and understanding stress patterns during sleep can provide valuable insights into individuals' overall stress levels and aid in the development of targeted interventions for stress management. This project focuses on the detection of human stress in and through sleep using various sensing modalities and machine learning techniques. The project employs a multimodal approach, combining physiological signals, sleep-related data, and contextual information to capture comprehensive stress patterns during sleep. Physiological signals such as heart rate, electro dermal activity, and respiratory patterns are collected using wearable sensors, while sleep-related data, including sleep stages and sleep quality metrics, are obtained through polysomnography and actigraphy. This data when given to the web application performs the prediction through the ML model and gives the predicted output. This project is made on a Decision Tree Classifier with best hyper parameters. Key Words: Stress, Sleep disturbances, Human stress, Physiological signals, Polysomnography, Actigraphy

Trait impulsivity influences behavioural and physiological responses to threat in a virtual environment

Trait impulsivity represents a tendency to take action without forethought or consideration of consequences. This trait is multifaceted and can be decomposed into attentional, motor and non-planning subtypes of impulsivity. The purpose of the current study was to investigate how subtypes of trait impulsivity responded to different degrees of threat within room-scale virtual reality (VR) with respect to behaviour and level of physiological activation. Thirty-four participants were required to negotiate a virtual environment (VE) where they walked at height with the continuous threat of a virtual ‘fall.’ Behavioural measures related to the speed of movement, interaction frequency and risk were collected. Participants also wore ambulatory sensors to collect data from electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrodermal activity (EDA). Our results indicated that participants who scored highly on non-planning impulsivity exhibited riskier behaviour and higher skin conductance level (SCL). Participants with higher motor impulsivity interacted with more objects in the VE when threat was high, they also exhibited contradictory indicators of physiological activation. Attentional impulsivity was associated with a greater number of falls across the VE. The results demonstrate that subtypes of trait impulsivity respond to threats via different patterns of behaviour and levels of physiological activation, reinforcing the multifaceted nature of the trait.

Sweet surrender? Changing autonomobile structures of feeling

ABSTRACT Imaginaries of smart, sustainable autonomous vehicles carrying people of all ages and abilities to relax en-route to myriad destinations, evoke a sweet surrender to the machine. But such technocratic visions clash with visions of non-anthropocentric autonomy. The urgency of mobility transformation in the face of ecological overshoot makes this a site of turbulence where new “structures of feeling” are emerging. But how to study changing structures of feeling and apply insights? In this paper we discuss an exploratory study with twelve users of autonomous vehicles, non-users, engineers, and experts in China and the UK who used galvanic skin response sensors to probe their autonomobile emotions. Extending Christian Nold’s Bio Mapping approach, we discuss fissures in values and norms about mobility and the prospect of doughnut mobilities, concluding with reflections on applied mobilities research.

Contemporary prevalence of diabetic neuropathies in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in a Danish tertiary outpatient clinic

BackgroundPopulation-based prevalence estimates of distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DPN) and diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) are scares. Here we present neuropathy estimates and describe their overlap in a large cohort of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. MethodsIn a large population of outpatient participants, DPN was assessed using vibration perception threshold, sural nerve function, touch, pain and thermal sensation. Definite DPN was defined by the Toronto Consensus Criteria. Painful DPN was defined by Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions. DAN measures were: cardiovascular reflex tests, electrochemical skin conductance, and gastroparesis cardinal symptom index. ResultsWe included 822 individuals with type 1 (mean age (±SD) 54 ± 16 years, median [IQR] diabetes duration 26 [15–40] years) and 899 with type 2 diabetes (mean age 67 ± 11 years, median diabetes duration 16 [11−22] years).Definite DPN was prevalent in 54 % and 68 %, and painful DPN was in 5 % and 15 % of type 1 and type 2 participants, respectively. The prevalence of DAN varied between 6 and 39 % for type 1 and 9–49 % for type 2 diabetes. DPN without other neuropathy was present in 45 % with T1D and 50 % with T2D. ConclusionThe prevalence of DPN and DAN was high. DPN and DAN co-existed in only 50 % of cases.

Efficacy of a Tailored COMET Protocol Combined with Medication on Vibratory Perception and SkinConductance in Diabetic Neuropathy- A Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial

This research attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of a customized COMET protocol in conjunction with medicine for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, with vibratory perception and skin conductance being the main focus. Participants will be allocated to either the intervention group, which will get the customized COMET protocol and medicine, or the control group, which will receive standard medication alone, in a randomized controlled trial. Validated measurement instruments will be used in the trial to evaluate variations in skin conductance and vibratory perception both at baseline and during the course of the investigation. Strict adherence to ethical rules will guarantee the safety and well-being of participants. This study intends to provide important insights into the holistic management of diabetic neuropathy by examining the effects of the customized COMET protocol in conjunction with medication on vibratory perception and skin conductance. This could result in better treatment plans and an improvement in the quality of life for those who are affected. CTRI Reference Number CTRI/2023/07/055366,https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=89691&EncHid=88073.73654&modid=1&compid=19,20/07/2023

The effect of listening to Holy Quran recitation on stress among healthy adults: a non-blinded randomized controlled trial

BackgroundStress is the body’s inability to reach a balance between physical or psychological demands and the ability to meet them. Failure to meet these demands has a crucial impact which includes physical, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Recitation of the Quran is believed to cause relaxation by lowering adrenocorticotropic and cortisol hormonal levels. This study aimed to assess the effects of Quran recitation on stress levels using the biofeedback indicators electromyogram, skin conductance, and heart rate among healthy adults. MethodsThis study used a pre- and post-test group design involving 40 males between 19 and 23 years of age, randomized into two groups, i.e. control group (n=20) and Quran recitation listeners (n=20). The subjects were conditioned in a quiet room for 30 minutes before the stress level measurements were taken. The stress level measurements by means of electromyogram, skin conductance, and heart rate were performed with biofeedback before and after giving the stressor tests’ protocol. Statistical analysis using independent t-test was then performed. ResultsThe baseline comparative measurement using biofeedback between control and treatment groups revealed nonsignificant between-group differences in electromyogram, skin conductance, and heart rate (p=0.150; p= 0.389; and p=0.985 respectively). After applying the stress protocol followed by the intervention, the independent t-test revealed significant between-group differences in electromyogram and skin conductance (p= 0.042 and p=0.030), but not in heart rate (p=0.741). ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that Quran recitation has a significant effect in relieving stress levels assessed using biofeedback parameters (electromyogram and skin conductance) among healthy adults.

Machiavellian behavior and social-emotional functioning in middle childhood and early adolescence.

Machiavellianism is an antisocial interpersonal style involving the use of manipulative, deceptive, and coercive behaviors in the pursuit of self-interest. Although widely studied as a "dark" personality trait in adults, relatively little is known about the developmental correlates of Machiavellian tendencies earlier in life. The present study addressed this knowledge gap by examining associations between Machiavellian behavior and three theoretically relevant social-emotional domains-prosocial emotions, emotion recognition skills, and self-control-in a community sample of 7- and 11-year-old Canadian children (N = 300, 50% female). Of particular interest was the extent to which individual differences in social-emotional capacities were uniquely associated with Machiavellian behavior after controlling for aggression, a relatively well-studied antisocial behavior in childhood. Parents reported on children's Machiavellian behavior and aggression. Social-emotional correlates were assessed via parent and child reports, behavioral tasks, and physiological assessments. Machiavellian behavior and aggression were similarly associated with lower parent-reported prosocial emotions and self-control. Machiavellian (but not aggressive) behavior was associated with lower child-reported guilt (a prosocial emotion), higher resting skin conductance levels (reflecting a general tendency for higher arousal), and better anger recognition. Semipartial correlational analyses indicated that these patterns of association with Machiavellian behaviors held independent of aggression. These findings indicate that, by middle childhood, Machiavellian behavior constitutes a distinct form of antisocial conduct that is associated with a unique social-emotional risk profile. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Dunaway, Johanna & Searles, Kathleen (2023). News and Democratic Citizens in the Mobile Era. Oxford University Press

The work under analysis is doubly indispensable in view of its disruptive component, but also as a relevant update to the debate around the social and political impact of DMs in contemporary societies. We categorise it as disruptive in that it uses data analysis methods from psychology, such as measuring skin conductance when paying attention to the news, which are still a minority in the field of communication sciences, as well as sociology. We also categorise the work as a powerful contribution to updating the debate around new and emerging forms of digital inequality, with widespread implications in the socio-economic and political spheres, conditioning access to political participation.

EEG neural substrates of cognitive engagements for research-based learning with contemplative education in the young child

One becomes aware of the evidence of cognitive insights following attending the research-based learning program with contemplative education, electroencephalography (EEG), and electrodermal activity (EDA) were used to track the improvement of emotional and cognitive states. Research-based learning (RBL) and teaching models were developed to enhance research characteristics and cognitive training for children in the 21st century. To date, there have been no reliable cognitive tools to monitor the cognitive insight of the child who attends the course. The EEG, EDA, and cognitive scores of thirty healthy students participating in a research-based program for an hour per week were evaluated prior to the course, 3 months, and 6 months after the program started. The cognitive tests included a standard progressive matric (SPM) test, arithmetic test, Eriksen flanker task, and biofeedback sessions. The same procedures were determined in the comparative students’ group. After six months of taking the program, students in the RBL group showed a significant improvement in their SPM and arithmetic test scores. A significant increase in beta and gamma activity was detected in the temporal cortex of the RBL group during the SPM test. A more significant enhancement of frontal theta power was observed during the arithmetic test. This study shows that contemplative education and research-based learning improve cognitive abilities, indicating a significant increase in EEG quantity for cognitive engagement and the ability to confer individual differences in cognitive abilities.

Wearable Ring-Shaped Biomedical Device for Physiological Monitoring through Finger-Based Acquisition of Electrocardiographic, Photoplethysmographic, and Galvanic Skin Response Signals: Design and Preliminary Measurements.

Wearable health devices (WHDs) are rapidly gaining ground in the biomedical field due to their ability to monitor the individual physiological state in everyday life scenarios, while providing a comfortable wear experience. This study introduces a novel wearable biomedical device capable of synchronously acquiring electrocardiographic (ECG), photoplethysmographic (PPG), galvanic skin response (GSR) and motion signals. The device has been specifically designed to be worn on a finger, enabling the acquisition of all biosignals directly on the fingertips, offering the significant advantage of being very comfortable and easy to be employed by the users. The simultaneous acquisition of different biosignals allows the extraction of important physiological indices, such as heart rate (HR) and its variability (HRV), pulse arrival time (PAT), GSR level, blood oxygenation level (SpO2), and respiratory rate, as well as motion detection, enabling the assessment of physiological states, together with the detection of potential physical and mental stress conditions. Preliminary measurements have been conducted on healthy subjects using a measurement protocol consisting of resting states (i.e., SUPINE and SIT) alternated with physiological stress conditions (i.e., STAND and WALK). Statistical analyses have been carried out among the distributions of the physiological indices extracted in time, frequency, and information domains, evaluated under different physiological conditions. The results of our analyses demonstrate the capability of the device to detect changes between rest and stress conditions, thereby encouraging its use for assessing individuals' physiological state. Furthermore, the possibility of performing synchronous acquisitions of PPG and ECG signals has allowed us to compare HRV and pulse rate variability (PRV) indices, so as to corroborate the reliability of PRV analysis under stationary physical conditions. Finally, the study confirms the already known limitations of wearable devices during physical activities, suggesting the use of algorithms for motion artifact correction.

Conflict Dynamics of Post-Retrieval Extinction: A Comparative Analysis of Unconditional and Conditional Reminders Using Skin Conductance Responses and EEG.

The post-retrieval extinction paradigm, rooted in reconsolidation theory, holds promise for enhancing extinction learning and addressing anxiety and trauma-related disorders. This study investigates the impact of two reminder types, mild US-reminder (US-R) and CS-reminder (CS-R), along with a no-reminder extinction, on fear recovery prevention in a categorical fear conditioning paradigm. Scalp EEG recordings during reminder and extinction processes were conducted in a three-day design. Results show that the US-R group exhibits a distinctive extinction learning pattern, characterized by a slowed-down yet successful process and pronounced theta-alpha desynchronization (source-located in the prefrontal cortex) during CS processing, followed by enhanced synchronization (source-located in the anterior cingulate) after shock cancellation in extinction trials. These neural dynamics correlate with the subtle advantage of US-R in the Day 3 recovery test, presenting faster spontaneous recovery fading and generally lower fear reinstatement responses. Conversely, the CS reminder elicits CS-specific effects in later episodic tests. The unique neural features of the US-R group suggest a larger prediction error and subsequent effortful conflict learning processes, warranting further exploration.

The presence of fear: How subjective fear, not physiological changes, shapes the experience of presence.

When we become engrossed in novels, films, games, or even our own wandering thoughts, we can feel present in a reality distinct from the real world. Although this subjective sense of presence is, presumably, a ubiquitous aspect of conscious experience, the mechanisms that produce it are unknown. Correlational studies conducted in virtual reality have shown that we feel more present when we are afraid, motivating claims that physiological changes contribute to presence; however, such causal claims remain to be evaluated. Here, we report two experiments that test the causal role of subjective and physiological components of fear (i.e., activation of the sympathetic nervous system) in generating presence. In Study 1, we validated a virtual reality simulation capable of inducing fear. Participants rated their emotions while they crossed a wooden plank that appeared to be suspended above a city street; at the same time, we recorded heart rate and skin conductance levels. Height exposure increased ratings of fear, presence, and both measures of sympathetic activation. Although presence and fear ratings were correlated during height exposure, presence and sympathetic activation were unrelated. In Study 2, we manipulated whether the plank appeared at height or at ground level. We also captured participants' movements, which revealed that alongside increases in subjective fear, presence, and sympathetic activation, participants also moved more slowly at height relative to controls. Using a mediational approach, we found that the relationship between height exposure and presence on the plank was fully mediated by self-reported fear, and not by sympathetic activation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Integrating smartwatches in community mental health services for severe mental illness for detecting relapse and informing future intervention: A case series.

This case series explored the integration of smartwatches in a community mental health service to support severe mental illness (SMI) management and intervention. We examined whether biometric data provided by smartwatches could help to predict relapse and inform treatment decisions. Four Australian SMI outpatients of mixed diagnoses (age range = 19-24) were selected from a prior study. Clinicians accessed patients' biometric data (activity, sleep, heart rate, and electrodermal activity) through smartwatches. Changes in circadian rhythm and electrodermal activity preceded hospitalization in two cases. Additionally, smartwatch data was effectively used to guide targeted interventions, improving patient treatment outcomes. Integrating smartwatches in community mental health services offers promise as adjunct tools for SMI management. However, ethical considerations on data privacy and technology reliance require further evaluation. Additionally, as this is a small case series, randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are required to provide evidence for generalisability of results.

Evaluation of physiological response and synchronisation errors during synchronous and pseudosynchronous stimulation trials

Rhythm perception and synchronisation is musical ability with neural basis defined as the ability to perceive rhythm in music and synchronise body movements with it. The study aimed to check the errors of synchronisation and physiological response as a reaction of the subjects to metrorhythmic stimuli of synchronous and pseudosynchronous stimulation (synchronisation with an externally controlled rhythm, but in reality controlled or produced tone by tapping) Nineteen subjects without diagnosed motor disorders participated in the study. Two tests were performed, where the electromyography signal and reaction time were recorded using the NORAXON system. In addition, physiological signals such as electrodermal activity and blood volume pulse were measured using the Empatica E4. Study 1 consisted of adapting the finger tapping test in pseudosynchrony with a given metrorhythmic stimulus with a selection of preferred, choices of decreasing and increasing tempo. Study 2 consisted of metrorhythmic synchronisation during the heel stomping test. Numerous correlations and statistically significant parameters were found between the response of the subjects with respect to their musical education, musical and sports activities. Most of the differentiating characteristics shown evidence of some group division in the undertaking of musical activities. The use of detailed analyses of synchronisation errors can contribute to the development of methods to improve the rehabilitation process of subjects with motor dysfunction, and this will contribute to the development of an expert system that considers personalised musical preferences.

How Do First-Year Engineering Students’ Emotions Change while Working on Programming Problems?

Emotions are a complex multi-faceted phenomenon. To assess the complexity of emotions from different facets, multi-modal approaches are necessary. However, multi-modal approaches are rarely used for assessing emotions, especially in the context of computer programming. This study adopts a multi-modal approach to understand the changes in students’ perception of emotions before and after working on programming problems. Understanding these changes in students’ perceptions may enable educators to devise interventions that help students adjust their perceptions and regulate their emotions as per their skills. We conducted a one-on-one programming session and retrospective think-aloud interview with 17 students from an introductory programming course. During the programming session, students filled surveys and performed four programming tasks. While working on these tasks, students’ eye gaze, video of face and screen, and electrodermal activity data were also collected using a non-invasive device. The data collection for this study was multi-modal, with a mix of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Data analysis was primarily qualitative, with additional triangulation of qualitative and biometric data for select exemplars. The findings of this study suggest that students experience changes in emotions because of many reasons, for instance, they encountered repeated errors, they set high standards for their performance, or they could not manage time. For some students, negative emotions changed to positive emotions when they solved errors without any external help or achieved more than what they expected going into the task. Moreover, the triangulation of qualitative and biometric data of two participants provides a fine-grained analysis of their emotions and behaviors and confirmed the change in the perception of their emotions while performing the programming tasks.

Is autonomic functioning distinctly associated with anxiety and unsociability in preschoolers?

There are many benefits of peer interactions for children's social, emotional, and cognitive development, and isolation from peers may have negative consequences for children. Although biological processes may underlie social withdrawal broadly, distinct patterns may be associated with withdrawal behaviors depending on their underlying motivation (e.g., shy versus disinterested). This study investigated the role of autonomic nervous system activity, as assessed via skin conductance level (SCL) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) in predicting changes in unsociability (e.g., lack of interest in peers) and anxious-fearfulness (e.g., discomfort among peers). Data were collected using a community sample of 92 US preschool children (45.7% female; Mage = 45.51 months, SDage = 3.81 months) at two time points one year apart. Gender differences were also explored. Baseline physiology was assessed while viewing a neutral video clip, and reactivity was assessed while viewing social exclusion and post-aggression discussion videos. For all children, coinhibition (i.e., SCL inhibition accompanied by RSA inhibition) to the post-aggression discussion video and blunted SCL activation to the exclusion video were prospectively associated with higher levels of anxious-fearfulness one year later. For boys only, baseline reciprocal sympathetic activation (i.e., SCL activation and RSA inhibition) was prospectively related to higher levels of unsociability one year later. For girls only, RSA inhibition in response to the post-aggression discussion video was prospectively related to higher levels of unsociability one year later. Findings contribute to a growing literature on autonomic reactivity in preschoolers' adjustment and suggest possible differences in the physiological processes underlying unsociability and anxious-fearfulness.

Assessment of dynamic cognitive performance under different thermal conditions by multiple physiological signals

A method to evaluate cognitive performance under different thermal conditions by multiple physiological signals is proposed. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (RMSSD), skin conductance level (SCL), skin conductance response (SCR) magnitude and SCR total frequency were measured by a multichannel electrophysiological signal monitor, which were interpreted as thermal stress indicators that can characterize cognitive performance of subjects during cognitive stimulation tasks. In the experiment, the indoor air temperature is the independent variable, ranging from 18 °C to 33 °C, with a step length of three degrees. Other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters are controlled variables. In each experiment, subjects subjectively voted on thermal sensation and cognitive load, and performed cognitive stimulation tasks to evaluate cognitive performance. The study found that different physiological indicators have different “thermosensitivity” zones, indicating variations in thermal attributes. Moreover, the influence mechanism of thermal conditions on the effectiveness levels of three different cognitive functions, namely identification, decision and action, were found to be diverse. Additionally, this paper utilized machine learning algorithms to construct fatigue loss function and residual interference function for cognitive performance, effectively correcting cognitive performance errors caused by fatigue and task superimposition. The feasibility of predicting cognitive performance and thermal comfort by multiple physiological indicators is validated in this study.

Promoting stress and anxiety recovery in older adults: assessing the therapeutic influence of biophilic green walls and outdoor view.

Previous research has already provided evidence regarding the favorable impact of green walls and outdoor views on stress reduction and anxiety alleviation. However, there has been limited exploration into the combined effects of green walls and outdoor views on older adults. In this study, a between-subjects experiment was conducted using virtual reality (VR) technology with 23 participants. Following exposure to stressors, each participant underwent four randomized sessions, each lasting 5 min, in various virtual reality (VR) environments, encompassing non-biophilic and biophilic environments (including green walls, outdoor views, and their combination). Throughout the process, we measured physiological indicators of stress responses, including heart rate, heart rate variability, skin conductance levels, and blood pressure, using biometric sensors. Psychological changes in participants, including anxiety levels, were evaluated through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, recovery scales, and self-reported emotional assessments. In conclusion, in comparison to non-biophilic environments, older adults consistently exhibited lower stress levels, experienced superior anxiety relief, and demonstrated improved recovery in nature connectedness environments, with a notably faster recovery rate. These findings suggest that the incorporation of nature connectedness principles into the indoor environments of public activity spaces within older adults care facilities can significantly contribute to stress reduction and anxiety alleviation among older adults. Furthermore, these effects appear to be contingent on the specific types of nature connectedness environments. These results can provide substantial evidence to support the design of indoor common activity spaces within older adults care facilities.

Immersive Emotion Analysis in VR Environments: A Sensor-Based Approach to Prevent Distortion

As virtual reality (VR) technology advances, research has focused on enhancing VR content for a more realistic user experience. Traditional emotion analysis relies on surveys, but they suffer from delayed responses and decreased immersion, leading to distorted results. To overcome these limitations, we propose an emotion analysis method using sensor data in the VR environment. Our approach can take advantage of the user’s immediate response and not reduce immersion. Linear regression, classification analysis, and tree-based methods were applied to electrocardiogram and galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor data to measure valence and arousal values. We introduced a novel emotional dimension model by analyzing correlations between emotions and the valence and arousal values. Experimental results demonstrated the highest accuracy of 77% and 92.3% for valence and arousal prediction, respectively, using GSR sensor data. Furthermore, an accuracy of 80.25% was achieved in predicting valence and arousal using nine emotions. Our proposed model improves VR content through more accurate emotion analysis in a VR environment, which can be useful for targeting customers in various industries, such as marketing, gaming, education, and healthcare.

No evidence that arousal affects reactivated memories

Memory for inherently neutral elements of emotional events is often enhanced on delayed tests - an effect that has been attributed to noradrenergic arousal. Reactivation of a memory is thought to return its corresponding neural ensemble to a state that is similar to when it was originally experienced. Therefore, we hypothesized that neutral elements of memories, too, can be enhanced through reactivation concurrent with heightened arousal. Participants (n = 94) visited the lab for three sessions. During the first session, they encoded 120 neutral memories consisting of an object presented in unique context images. In session two, the 80 objects were reactivated by presenting their corresponding context images, 40 of which were immediately followed by an arousal-inducing shock. Finally, recognition memory for all objects was tested. It was found that memory for reactivated objects was enhanced, but even though the shocks elicited elevations in arousal as indexed by skin conductance, there was no difference between memory of objects reactivated with and without heightened arousal. We thus conclude that arousal, when isolated from other cognitive and affective variables that might impact memory, has no enhancing effect on reactivated memories.