PERSONALITY-CORRELATES OF INDIVIDUAL-DIFFERENCES IN ELECTRODERMAL LABILITY

This study examined relationships between individual differences in th e spontaneous fluctuation rate of electrodermal activity (EDA lability ) and a battery of personality measures. In contrast to previous work, which emphasizes cognitive correlates of EDA lability, in this study a broad-band personality inventory and specific emotion-relevant perso nality dispositions were administered. A sample of 62 male and female undergraduates completed a battery of personality questionnaires and a laboratory session where spontaneous, nonspecific skin conductance re sponses were recorded white the subject was at rest in a sound-attenua ted and dimly lit room. The strongest personality correlate of resting EDA lability, consistent across sexes, was neuroticism (N), with a hi gh N Ss exhibiting more spontaneous sympathetic nervous system activit y than low N Ss. Beyond Neuroticism, other results reveal a different pattern of personality correlates of EDA lability in men and women. Di scussion focuses on possible sources for this sex difference.