Citation

Herrero N, Gadea M, Rodríguez-Alarcón G, Espert R, Salvador A. Horm. Behav. 2010; 57(3): 276-283.

Affiliation

Unitat de Psiquiatria i Psicologia Mèdica, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de València, CIBERSAM, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez 15, E. 46010 València, Spain.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.12.008

PMID

20045413

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate neuroendocrine and cardiovascular responses together with changes in brain asymmetry following an anger mood induction laboratory task. Previous research has shown an increase in heart rate and blood pressure when anger is experienced. Increased Testosterone and decreased Cortisol in response to anger and aggressive behavior have also been reported. With regard to asymmetrical frontal brain activity and emotion, the valence model links negative affect (as anger) to the right hemisphere while the motivational direction model links approach-related emotions (as anger) to the left hemisphere. From the subjective perception and from the neuroendocrine and cardiovascular response of the subjects, we can conclude that the self-referent statements Anger Induction method by Engebretson et al. (1999) was able to generate an experience of an anger affect in 30 healthy men. Another question was to analyze the consequences of that experience upon perceptual asymmetry when measured with a non-emotional laterality task. Regarding dichotic listening, an enhanced REA (Right Ear Advantage) was observed after anger which indicates greater left hemisphere activity, supporting the motivational direction model.

Language: en