Psychophysiological Systems Research Articles

Threat, safety, safeness and social safeness 30 years on: Fundamental dimensions and distinctions for mental health and well-being.

In 1993, the British Journal of Clinical Psychology published my paper titled 'Defence and safety: Their function in social behaviour and psychopathology'. The paper highlightsthat to understand people's sensitivity to threat, we also need to understand their ability to identify what is safe. This paper offers an update on these concepts, highlighting distinctions that were implicit but not clearly defined at the time. Hence, the paper seeks to clarify distinctions between: (i) threat detection and response, (ii) safety and safety seeking, (iii) safeness and (iv) their social and non-social functions and forms. Threat detection and response are to prevent or minimize harm (e.g., run from a predator or fire). Safety checking relates to monitoring for the absence and avoidance of threat, while safety seeking links to the destination of the defensive behaviour (e.g., running home). Safety seeking also relates to maintaining vigilance to the appearance of potential harms and doing things believed to avoid harm. Threat-defending and safety checking and seeking are regulated primarily through evolved threat processing systems that monitor the nature, presence, controllability and/or absence of threat (e.g., amygdala and sympathetic nervous system). Safeness uses different monitoring systems via different psychophysiological systems (e.g., prefrontal cortex, parasympathetic system) for the presence of internal and external resources that support threat-coping, risk-taking, resource exploration. Creating brain states that recruit safeness processing can impact how standard evidence-based therapies (e.g., exposure, distress tolerance and reappraisal) are experienced and produce long-term change.

Do Individual Differences in Perception Affect Awareness of Climate Change?

One significant obstacle to gaining a widespread awareness of the ongoing climate change is the nature of its manifestations in relation to our perception: climate change effects are gradual, distributed, and sometimes seemingly contradictory. These features result in a lag in collective climate action and sometimes foster climate skepticism and climate denial. While the literature on climate change perception and belief has thoroughly explored its sociocultural and sociopolitical aspects, research on the potential contribution of psychophysiological factors remains scarce. In this perspective paper, we outline evidence and arguments for the involvement of psychophysiological systems such as thermoception, hygroreception, and interoception in modulating climate change awareness. We discuss psychophysiological mechanisms of climate change awareness in animals and humans, as well as possible sources of individual variance in climate change perception. We conclude by suggesting novel research questions which would be worthwhile to pursue in future studies.

Compassion as a Skill: A Comparison of Contemplative and Evolution-Based Approaches

AbstractThe editors to this volume posed a series of fascinating questions relating to how seeing compassion as a skill can help us understand its nature, cultivation and effects within secular contexts. This paper addresses these questions by comparing evolutionary with contemplative approaches to compassion. Recent scientific approaches have explored the evolved roots and biopsychosocial manifestations of compassion and their impact on mental states and prosocial behaviour, particularly in regard to both its facilitators and inhibitors. In contrast, we discuss how the contemplative traditions have approached the origins and cultivation of compassion through observing the mind (e.g. meditation), with a focus on gaining insight into self-transcendent experiences, the nature of inter-connectivity and non-separate existence (also referred to as non-duality), through which compassion arises naturally. Both evolutionary and contemplative perspectives have the same focus which is to understand and prevent the causes of suffering, including the suffering we cause ourselves because of our harmful potentials. However, in terms of training the mind in compassion skills, this paper considers how training approaches linked to the evolutionary model often use thinking, empathising, reflecting and guided behaviour change to activate psychophysiological systems linked to caring and compassion. In contrast, the contemplative traditions focus less on thinking and reflecting and more on creating conditions for direct experiencing. A key reason for doing so is to settle the mind so that subtler levels of consciousness can enable the experience of self-transcendent compassion to arise. Thus, both evolutionary and contemplative approaches can focus on developing mind awareness and the importance of practise, but evolutionary approaches such as compassion focused therapy do not pursue transcendent wisdoms or insights.

Time Since Last Drink is Positively Associated with Heart Rate Variability in Outpatients with Alcohol Use Disorder: Further Evidence of Psychophysiological Recovery in Early Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a biomarker of psychological and physiological health with greater variability reflecting greater psychophysiological regulatory capacity. The damaging effects of chronic, heavy alcohol use on HRV have been well explored, with greater alcohol use associated with lower resting HRV. In this study we sought to replicate and extend our previous finding that HRV improves as individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) reduce or stop drinking and engage in treatment. With a sample of treatment engaged adults in the first year of a current AUD recovery attempt (N = 42), we used general linear models to explore associations between indices of HRV (dependent variables) and time since last alcoholic drink at study baseline assessed using timeline follow-back (independent variable), with checks for effects of age, medication, and baseline AUD severity. As predicted, HRV increased as a function of time since last drink, however, contrary to hypotheses, HR did not decrease. Effect sizes were largest for HRV indices fully under parasympathetic control, and these significant associations remained after controlling for age, medications, and AUD severity. Because HRV is an indicant of psychophysiological health, as well as self-regulatory capacity that may portend subsequent relapse risk, assessing HRV in individuals entering AUD treatment could provide important information about patient risk. At-risk patients may do well with additional support and may especially benefit from interventions like Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback that exercise the psychophysiological systems regulating brain/cardiovascular communication.

In natura heart rate variability predicts subsequent alcohol use in individuals in early recovery from alcohol use disorder.

Impairment in autonomic self-regulatory functioning reflected by reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is a common feature of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and is believed to heighten AUD relapse risk. However, to date, no study has explored associations between in natura HRV and subsequent alcohol use among individuals seeking AUD recovery. In this study, 42 adults in the first year of a current AUD recovery attempt were monitored for 4 days using ambulatory electrocardiogram, followed by 90 days of alcohol use monitoring using timeline follow-back. HRV indices (independent variables) reflecting autonomic neurocardiac engagement were calculated from electrocardiogram recordings. Alcohol use (dependent variable) was calculated from timeline follow-back and expressed as per cent days abstinent (PDA). The sample was 73.81% White/European American, 19.05% Black/African American, 4.76% Asian, and 2.38% Other race/Mixed race. As predicted, higher parasympathetically mediated HRV and lower heart rate were associated with greater PDA over 90-day follow-up. Additionally, interactions between these measures and baseline PDA indicated higher parasympathetically mediated HRV and lower heart rate mitigated the deleterious positive association between baseline and follow-up alcohol use. Including factors known to influence alcohol use and/or HRV in the models did not meaningfully alter their results. Findings are consistent with psychophysiological theories implicating autonomic self-regulatory functioning in AUD treatment outcomes and suggest that select HRV indices may have utility as indicants of risk for alcohol use lapse in individuals in early AUD recovery. Findings provide theoretical support for HRV Biofeedback for this population, which exercises the psychophysiological systems that support self-regulation.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ СТИЛЬОВИХ ОСОБЛИВОСТЕЙ НАВЧАЛЬНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ СТУДЕНТІВ В УМОВАХ ОНЛАЙН НАВЧАННЯ

The article discusses the style features of the educational activities of students in the conditions of forced distance learning. The concept of learning style is analyzed, by which the authors understand a certain psychophysiological system of mastering knowledge and skills, which to a certain extent determines the success of a student as a future professional. Based on the results of the analysis of special literature, a theoretical model is presented that systematizes the most famous classifications of learning styles according to the areas of educational activity of the individual (cognitive, emotional-volitional, behavioral spheres of the individual). It was determined that the differentiation of learning styles based on the motivational characteristics of the individual remains insufficiently developed. The results of the study of the motivation of students’ learning indicate that the majority of them (41.1 %) are motivated by the motivation to receive a diploma. The authors have developed a classification of learning styles based on the motivational sphere of the student’s personality (solid, strategic, superficial, and affiliation learning style). It was revealed that the strategic style of learning prevails among students (41.9 %), the solid style is presented in 24.8 % of the respondents, the affiliationary style – in 18.6 %, the superficial one is less pronounced (14.7 %). The authors have developed recommendations for organizing the educational process. students depending on their style. For students with a dominant strategic style of teaching, the teacher is recommended to determine the goals of the lesson, as well as design a promising goal for the entire period of studying the discipline. It is advisable to organize pedagogical interaction with students with the dominance of the affiliationary style based on their communication needs. In order to attract students with a dominanceof a superficial style of learning activity, it is recommended to provide them with the opportunity to take initiative, to ensure freedom of expression. As a universal, it is proposed to establish feedback and create a favorable learning environment.

The Cost of Adaptation to Information Loading in Mice with Various Genetic Profiles.

It was found that male BALB/c and F1(C57BL/6×DBA/2) mice are able to recognize the structure of a complex food-gathering task, when modeling the information loading similar to intellectual work in humans. There were significant differences between linear and hybrid animals in the pattern of learning process formation and prevailing psychoemotional reactions that accompany information load. Factors of information loading (uncertainty of maze environment and solution of the food-gathering task) had a specific influence on the CNS and manifested in individual non-specific features. The presented experimental conditions (changes in the metabolic and functional state) revealed pronounced intergroup differences in the reaction of the functional zones of the adrenal cortex. In hybrid mice, information loading induced a significant decrease in testosterone level and thickness of the zona reticularis producing precursor hormones. This is probably due to disruption of interactions in the adrenal-thyroid system in hybrid mice, whereas in BALB/c mice, these interactions fully protect from suppression of testosterone production, the main anabolic hormone. The individual characteristics of the response to information loading can be formed as a result of unequal involvement of the psychophysiological, psychological, and autonomic systems responsible for adaptation to environmental factors.

Increasing the reliability of stress tolerance prediction as part of aptitude screening of flight specialists

Aim . The paper describes a research aimed at improving the reliability of stress tolerance prediction as part of aptitude screening (AS) of flight school applicants using a proprietary objectifying method of Stress Tolerance Assessment. Stress tolerance (ST) is an important psychophysiological professional quality and serves as one of the factors ensuring both successful flight training, and further professional flight work. However, the methods recommended in regulatory documents for the purpose of ST identification as part of AS are not efficient enough and are affected by subjective factors. Therefore, an objective and thus more efficient method is still required. Methods . The method was developed based on the analysis of subject-matter literature and own experience. Stress stimuli and methods of indicator recording were selected based on their empirical verification. The stress-inducing property of the stimuli was confirmed by the pulse rate increase by 40 – 100% and higher, associated behavioural manifestations and significant dynamics of mental productivity in the course of tests. Out of the methods of mathematical statistics, the authors used correlation analysis. Results . The method of ST assessment is based on the Reakor multifunctional psychophysiological system by the Medicom MTD research and development company from Taganrog, Russia, with a proprietary procedure built in the system’s software. As stress stimulus material and for performance assessment, arithmetically complicated problems were selected, whose solutions involve a larger portion (areas) of the brain than verbal tests. In order to eliminate the effect of habituation and learning, the arithmetic tests were displayed one by one on a computer screen in a random order. The 3-4-second time interval between individual problems was selected based on premises of aviation psychology and tests conducted on a group of students. The sample consisted of 1135 male applicants to the higher flight school in 2016. Correlation analysis shows that the correlations between the external criterion indicators (successful simulator training and flying practice) and the integrated ST indicator are statistically significant: the higher is the ST indicator measured in the course of AS using the respective method, the higher are the expert estimates of the simulator training and flying practice. Conclusion . Thus, the conducted research showed that the application of the developed method of ST assessment in the course of higher flight school AS ensures higher predicted stress tolerance in the selected candidates as the psychophysiological factor of professional efficiency and reliability of flight personnel.

Tibetan pulse diagnostics and attempts to computerize it

Study SubjectThe research concerns attempts to computerize the foundations of pulse diagnostics of Tibetan medicine. An expert in Tibetan pulse diagnostics can evaluate the functioning of an organism (twelve internal organs and three psychophysiological systems) by feeling the pulse in six palpation points on the radial arteries of both wrists of a patient. Nowadays many physicists make attempts to computerize this method. The paper shows a few tests that are intended to «teach» a pulse diagnostics device to identify the diagnostically relevant characteristics of pulse waves. Objective of the ResearchThis investigation is an attempt to objectify basic characteristics of pulse diagnostics. Though pulse diagnostics has always been a subjective art of an experienced doctor, it may also become part of an objective science due to the physical basis that underlies it. MethodThe paper presents tests of pulse measurements by a pulse diagnostics device in conditions that create certain predictable responses of an organism to outer stimuli. A group of volunteers were exposed to certain stimuli that can bring about predictable responses of the organism to be detected, processed and analyzed by the pulse diagnostics equipment. ConclusionExperiments of this kind give practical material for the analysis of the pulse waves obtained under special conditions, which provides the development of the software for the pulse diagnostic equipment and confirms that objectifying basic characteristics of pulse diagnostics of Tibetan medicine is possible, though in a limited scope.

Pulse diagnosis in the Tibetan medical tradition: the experience of objectification of basic principles of pulse diagnosis using a pulse diagnostic device

This article describes the experience of objectification of basic characteristics of pulse waves in pulse diagnosis based on Tibetan medical tradition. A competent therapist – expert in Tibetan pulse diagnosis can assess functionality of the body (twelve internal organs and three psychophysiological systems) by feeling the pulse in six points of palpation located on the radial arteries of both wrists of the patient. The goal of this research consists in “teaching” pulse diagnostic device to recognize the diagnostically relevant characteristics of pulse waves. The article represents an attempt of objectification of the fundamentals of pulse diagnosis. Although pulse diagnosis has always been a subjective art of the talented therapist, its basic knowledge can become part of objective science as it is based on the real physical phenomena. The author describes the method of measuring pulse rate using a pulse diagnostic device in the conditions that create certain predictable responses of the body to an exogenous irritant, which in this case contributes to calming the rlung (wind) system. The experiment involved a group of volunteers. The conclusion is made that similar experiments provide material for the analysis of pulse waves acquired under specifically arranged conditions, which promotes the development of software fort the pulse diagnostic device, and proves that the objectification of fundamentals of pulse diagnosis in the Tibetan medicine is possible, although on a limited basis. The novelty is defined by the fact that the research based on the material of Tibetan medical tradition have not been previously conducted. The work consists of the three parts: first part is an extensive introduction that provides records on Buddhist medicine and pulse diagnosis, which help to understand the essence of the experiments; second part is dedicated to the experimental measurements of pulse rate using pulse diagnostic device; and third part represents the conclusions drawn from the conducted experiments.

THEORETICAL-METHODOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM OF THINKING IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE

The theoretical and methodological analysis of the problem of thinking in psychological science is proposed. The classification of thinking forms and their subspecies is presented. The theoretical analysis of well-known scientists concerning the characteristics of the thinking essence and functions of the cerebral hemispheres in the framework of information processing is presented. The scheme of anatomical and psychophysiological system of thinking is offered. Understanding is revealed as a result of human thinking, as a complex analytical and synthetic activity of the brain, aimed at revealing the inner essence of objects, processes and representations of objective, surrounding reality. Consideration of forms of thinking and their varieties, especially conclusions, characterized in the presentation of information and communication technologies in the educational process of preschool institutions, which was noted in the prospects for further research . Key words: thinking, brain activity, anatomical and psychophysiological system, forms of thinking, preschool education. Клак В. О. Теоретико-методологічний аналіз проблеми мислення в психологічній науці/ Переяслав-Хмельницький державний педагогічний університет імені Григорія Сковороди, Україна, Переяслав-Хмельницький Запропоновано теоретико-методологічний аналіз проблеми мислення в психологічній науці. Представлена класифікація форм мислення і їх підвидів. Подано теоретичний аналіз відомих учених стосовно характеристики сутності мислення і функцій великих півкуль мозку у рамках обробки інформації. Запропонована схема анатомо-психофізіологічної системи мислення. Розуміння розкрите як результат мислення людини, як складну аналітико-синтетичну діяльність мозку, спрямовану на розкриття внутрішньої сутності предметів, процесів і явищ об'єктивної, оточуючої дійсності . Розгляд форм мислення і їх різновидів, особливо умовиводів, охарактеризовано у рамках представлення інформаційно-комунікаційних технологій у освітньому процесі дошкільних закладах, що було зазначено в перспективах подальшого дослідження. Ключові слова: мислення, діяльність мозку, анатомо-психофізіологічна система, форми мислення, дошкільна освіта.

Deep roots? Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) sensitivity and entrepreneurship

A growing number of studies suggest a link between disinhibition and entrepreneurship. Separately, psychology literature has theorized and empirically shown that the roots of disinhibition can largely be traced to two psychophysiological systems – the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS). Despite BIS/BAS sensitivity underling constructs linked to venturing (e.g. impulsivity, clinical profiles, personality, motivation), and the existence of validated self-report scales for BIS/BAS operationalization, research has almost entirely yet to examine the connection between BIS/BAS sensitivity and entrepreneurship. We explore whether BIS and BAS sensitivities are related to entrepreneurial action and performance. Two studies are presented, and serve as a basis for further inquiry. Our examination of BIS/BAS (and associated Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory) in entrepreneurship adds to prior research that has largely looked to higher-order constructs. This work further opens and substantiates emerging research in entrepreneurship involving for example impulse-driven action, clinical constructs such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and underlying drivers of individual differences.

Perinatal hypoxia as a risk factor for psychopathology later in life: the role of dopamine and neurotrophins.

Brain development is influenced by various prenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal events which may interact with genotype to affect the neural and psychophysiological systems related to emotions, specific cognitive functions (e.g., attention, memory), and language abilities and thereby heighten the risk for psychopathology later in life. Fetal hypoxia (intrapartum oxygen deprivation), hypoxia-related obstetric complications, and hypoxia during the early neonatal period are major environmental risk factors shown to be associated with an increased risk for later psychopathology. Experimental models of perinatal hypoxia/ischemia (PHI) showed that fetal hypoxia-a consequence common to many birth complications in humans-results in selective long-term disturbances of the dopaminergic systems that persist in adulthood. On the other hand, neurotrophic signaling is critical for pre- and postnatal brain development due to its impact on the process of neuronal development and its reaction to perinatal stress. The aim of this review is (a) to summarize epidemiological data confirming an association of PHI with an increased risk of a range of psychiatric disorders from childhood through adolescence to adulthood, (b) to present immunohistochemical findings on human autopsy material indicating vulnerability of the dopaminergic neurons of the human neonate to PHI that could predispose infant survivors of PHI to dopamine-related neurological and/or cognitive deficits in adulthood, and

Divination and Human Nature. A Cognitive History of Intuition in Classical Antiquity

Divination and Human Nature. A Cognitive History of Intuition in Classical Antiquity

Taxonomies of psychological individual differences: biological perspectives on millennia-long challenges.

This Editorial highlights a unique focus of this theme issue on the biological perspectives in deriving psychological taxonomies coming from neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, genetics, psychiatry, developmental and comparative psychology-as contrasted to more common discussions of socio-cultural concepts (personality) and methods (lexical approach). It points out the importance of the distinction between temperament and personality for studies in human and animal differential psychophysiology, psychiatry and psycho-pharmacology, sport and animal practices during the past century. It also highlights the inability of common statistical methods to handle nonlinear, feedback, contingent, dynamical and multi-level relationships between psychophysiological systems of consistent psychological traits discussed in this theme issue.This article is part of the theme issue 'Diverse perspectives on diversity: multi-disciplinary approaches to taxonomies of individual differences'.

Tractor Noise Levels Impact on Operator Safety

Acoustic noise is one of the most persistent pitfalls of the operators of construction, mining and agricultural machineries, predominantly hearing loss or weak hearing. Also noise include decreased productivity, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure, startle reaction, and other cardiovascular and psychophysiological system changes (Mansoor, et al. 2011, 2012). The aim of this reaserch was to investigate the impact of noise levels emitted from the agricultural tractors under field operations on the operator safety. Three types of tractors used in this study were Nasr, Belarus and Universal/UTB (Romani). They are without cabin and represent about 76% of the total number of tractors used in Egypt (Economic affair sector, 2012). The noise emitted from them was monitored and evaluated under plowing and land leveling operations as a heavy duty operation field. The data was collected at different engine speed and gears as recommended by the operator for each operation. Measurements of noise levels were taken with the use of Cirrus CR 110A doseBadge and RC 110A reader unit. The noise level measurements were performed in accordance with the Egyptian environmental law (EEL) number 4/1994 modified issue in 2012. Results show that the sound pressure level (SPL) in operator ear and the noise dose % from all tractors under all cases were more than EEL allowable 90 dBA criterion level for 8 hour of operation. The obtained results indicated that the noise levels with “A” frequency weighting (LAeqdB) for all tractors loaded with chisel plow were the highest measured values. The noise levels emitted from the Nasr tractor were the highest and ranged from 102 to 107 dBA, for Belarus tractor were ranged from 99 to 105 dBA and for UTB tractor were ranged from 96 to 104 dBA. The daily noise exposure levels (Lex(8)dB) from Nasr, Belarus and UTB tractors were 105, 102 and 100 dBA and the corresponding noise dose % as function of equivalent-continuous sound pressure level were 800%, 560% and 400% respectively. The results showed that there was highly significant difference in the systolic blood pressure (SBP) before and after work shift. Similar results were found for the diastolic blood pressure (DBP). For the classification of blood pressure among the operators before and after work shift, majority of the operators was under stage one hypertension (64.5 %), followed by pre-hypertension (28.4 %) and stage two hypertension (7.1%). This study showed that there was association between noise exposure and blood pressure among the operators. It is recommended that; the tractors operators must use one of hear protecting tool to increase working hours, arrange work schedules to let operators exchange work activities so that no one person is exposed to the noise for more than permissible hours in one day and proved tractors with a cabin for the tractors types under this study.

Pre-vocational skills laboratory: designing interventions to improve employment skills for students with autism spectrum disorders

The use of information and communication technologies in educating children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a dynamic field linking both special education and learning technologies research areas. This paper reports on the development of pre-vocational skills laboratory (PVS-Lab), a Web-based learning environment aiming to support students with ASD towards developing pre-vocational and employment skills. The first section addresses theoretical foundations and the design framework of PVS-Lab, as well as the structure and the functionality of the system. Following a particular intervention is presented including the analysis of the engagement of an autistic student with PVS-Lab and his tutors' monitoring, based on a psychophysiological signal recording system. The paper concludes with the need to advance future research towards new learning environments that can help (a) students with autism to acquire pre-vocational skills, and (b) tutors to harness the potential of multiple forms of information (PVS-Lab system log files, psychophysiological data, video records and observation notes) towards designing effective individualized interventions.

Wireless Monitoring of Changes in Crew Relations during Long-Duration Mission Simulation.

Group structure and cohesion along with their changes over time play an important role in the success of missions where crew members spend prolonged periods of time under conditions of isolation and confinement. Therefore, an objective system for unobtrusive monitoring of crew cohesion and possible individual stress reactions is of high interest. For this purpose, an experimental wireless group structure (WLGS) monitoring system integrated into a mobile psychophysiological system was developed. In the presented study the WLGS module was evaluated separately in six male subjects (27–38 years old) participating in a 520-day simulated mission to Mars. Two days per week, each crew member wore a small sensor that registered the presence and distance of the sensors either worn by the other subjects or strategically placed throughout the isolation facility. The registration between two sensors was on average 91.0% in accordance. A correspondence of 95.7% with the survey video on day 475 confirmed external reliability. An integrated score of the “crew relation time index” was calculated and analyzed over time. Correlation analyses of a sociometric questionnaire (r = .35-.55, p< .05) and an ethological group approach (r = .45-.66, p < 05) provided initial evidence of the method's validity as a measure of cohesion when taking behavioral and activity patterns into account (e.g. only including activity phases in the afternoon). This confirms our assumption that the registered amount of time spent together during free time is associated with the intensity of personal relationships.

Human Factors Analysis Using Wearable Sensors in the Context of Cognitive and Emotional Arousal

Quantitative investigations on stress conditions in evaluation scenarios have so far mainly been conducted in static scenarios, such as, in desktop studies. Studies involving the mobility of participants are rather rare, in particular, considering substantial comparison between different stress conditions. Recently, data and eye tracking glasses have shifted the attention on future applications classes that would require wearable devices delivering multisensory, including psychophysiological, data in various everyday contexts, requiring information about the psychological status of the user. These settings need to investigate stress conditions in different mobile settings, querying which parameters would provide discriminative features for stress indication. A study with 20 participants was conducted in a shopping and a navigation context, involving participants – being equipped with portable psychophysiological sensors and eye tracking glasses - in memory and orientation tasks, respectively, for the inducing of cognitive and emotional arousal. From the results we conclude that the specific context and the cause of arousal lead to different reactions of the psychophysiological system as well as in the eye movement behavior. Depending on the context and the stress condition under investigation, different arousal, and consequently, stress classifiers as well as attention models should be applied.

Pupil dilation prediction of random events

We report the results of a conceptual replication of a study that reported that pupil dilation can predict potentially threatening random events above chance level. In this study, participants’ pupil dilation was used to predict the appearance of a threatening or a neutral stimulus, presented randomly in a double sequence of ten trials with replacement, i.e. replacing the chosen trial for the future extractions.In the first experiment, with a sample of 100 participants, the average correct prediction was 55.9%, with a small difference between the two stimuli.This effect was further tested in an exact pre-registered study where the average correct prediction was 58.7%. The reliability of these findings was checked utilizing both a frequentist and a Bayesian statistical parameters estimate approach.These findings collectively support the hypothesis that pupil dilation can be used to anticipate random and therefore theoretically “unpredictable” events in an implicit unconscious way that is without a conscious awareness, and that this ability is another characteristic of the powerful anticipatory adaptive systems of our psychophysiological system.