Experimental evidence demonstrates that individuals with antisocial tendencies show less skin conductance, or sweating, in anticipation of a painful stimulus like an electric shock compared to those without such tendencies. This diminished physiological response is interpreted as evidence of emotional deficits and impulsivity, which are thought to underlie the propensity for antisocial behavior.

Reduced Skin Conductance in ASPD as Evidence for Low Arousal

Skin conductance, which measures sweat gland activity on the hands, is a physiological indicator of autonomic nervous system functioning. Because sweat gland activity is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, which is activated during states of arousal or anxiety, skin conductance is used as a direct measure of these emotional states.

Google

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder appear to process emotions differently than most people. A key characteristic is their failure to exhibit fear in response to environmental cues that typically signal impending punishment, pain, or other negative stimulation.

Emotional Deficits and Fearlessness in ASPD

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

Learn Before

Related

Learn After