A Comparison of Behavioral Ratings and Heart Rate Measurements in Human Neonates

1 March 1965

journal article
research article
Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in Psychosomatic Medicine

Vol. 27 (2) , 123-134
https://doi.org/10.1097/00006842-196503000-00005

Abstract

Behavioral ratings and heart rate measurements of 20 neonates were recorded simultaneously under conditions of stimulation and nonstimulation. The 2 measurements were found to be highly correlated both between and within individuals. Consistent individual differences were obtained for both the behavioral ratings and heart rates produced by the experimental conditions. It was found that differences in autonomic activity could be fully evaluated only if levels of behavioral excitation are controlled.