Trait emotions and affective modulation of the startle eyeblink: On the unique relationship of trait anger.

Abstract

We examined relationships among individual differences in trait emotions and the emotion-modulated startle-eyeblink response. In particular, we examined the extent to which trait anger, which is negative in valence, would be associated with a pattern of approach motivation in startle eyeblink responses to appetitive stimuli. Self-reported trait emotions were compared with emotion-modulated startle eyeblink responses to auditory probes during appetitive, aversive, and neutral pictures. Results revealed that trait anger, enjoyment, and surprise were each associated with greater blink inhibition to appetitive pictures, indicating an approach motivational response. No other trait emotions were associated with startle eyeblink responses to appetitive or aversive pictures. These results support the idea that trait anger, although experienced as a negative emotion, is associated with an approach-related motivational response to appetitive stimuli at basic, reflexive levels of processing.

Toward an understanding of the emotion‐modulated startle eyeblink reflex: The case of anger

“…A recent study examined trait anger in relation to startle eyeblink responses (Amodio & Harmon‐Jones, ) and found that trait anger, as well as the other approach‐oriented emotions such as interest and enjoyment, were associated with startle eyeblink inhibition in response to probes during arousing positive stimuli.…”

The Influence of Agreeableness and Ego Depletion on Emotional Responding

“…Startle probes elicit larger eye blinks while participants view arousing aversive images (compared to neutral, nonarousing images), but smaller eye blinks while viewing arousing appetitive images (compared to neutral, nonarousing images; e.g., Lang et al, ). This differentiation in startle eye‐blink responses as a function of aversive versus appetitive stimuli has been used in prior research to elucidate a person's emotive state (e.g., Amodio & Harmon‐Jones, ; Caseras et al, ; Lang, ).…”

Effect of Seated Trunk Posture on Eye Blink Startle and Subjective Experience: Comparing Flexion, Neutral Upright Posture, and Extension of Spine

“…This is usually a short burst of white noise and is referred to as an auditory startle probe. The magnitude of the startle response is modulated by emotional valence, and is considered a well-established psychophysiological measure capable of distinguishing between the approach-avoidance dichotomy of emotions [10], [11]. With presentation of pleasant stimuli triggering approach motivation, the startle magnitude in response to an auditory startle probe is reduced relative to a neutral emotional state, whereas it is increased when aversive stimuli related to avoidance motivation are presented.…”