Basal skin resistance (BSR) and galvanic skin responses (GSR) to five intensities of sound and light were recorded on four occasions in 32 student subjects (Ss). These occasions were assumed to include unfamiliarity and basal and real life stress conditions. All Ss completed the MMPI, California Personality Inventory, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Clyde Mood Scale and Examination Anxiety Scale. GSR amplitude was greater under conditions of unfamiliarity, alertness (by electroencephalographic criteria), and higher intensities of stimulation in both stimulus modalities. It was not greater during the presumed stress period. High ego strength-high Barrier score Ss showed a greater GSR amplitude than low ego strength-low Barrier Ss. Test indices of anxiety generally were not related to GSR amplitude, nor were other personality and mood variables.
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