Autonomic Response Specificity

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Abstract
The 4th paper of a series dealing with an analysis of somatic response to stress. 85 male college students were used as subjects and each was exposed to 4 stresses in sequence. These consisted of: (1) Mental arithmetic for 2 min.; (2) hyperventilation for 45 sec.; (3) letter association for 2 min.; (4) modified cold pressor test for 1 min. The tests were given in this order and a recovery period was provided between successive tests. Palmar conductance, heart rate and variability of heart rate were continuously and simultaneously recorded by the Fels dermohmmeter and the Fels cardiotachometer, respectively. Results were scored both in terms of max. level of physiological function reached (autonomic tension), and the max. displacement of physiological function exhibited (autonomic lability). It is concluded that there exists a principle of relative response specificity of autonomic function. From stress to stress, individuals tended to respond "with a pattern of autonomic activation in which max. activation occurs in the same physiological function".