Blink modulation during positive and negative picture stimuli.

Abstract

In this study, emotional response to negative and positive visual stimuli is examined using blink modulation as a behaviorally based dependent variable. The researcher exposed 58 participants to an array of predetermined emotionally valent and arousing pictures, and were measured by establishing the number of blinks during presentation of stimuli. Results revealed a significant difference in positive low arousal stimuli compared to negative low arousal stimuli. Implications of this research include both a demonstration of visual stimuli activating measurable different responses and blink modulation as a rigorous behavioral measure to investigate responses to emotionally charged stimuli.