Sex Differences in Skin Conductance Measures as a Function of Shock Threat

Investigations of sex differences in various electrodermal measures have yielded inconsistent results. The present investigation attempted to examine sex differences primarily as a function of varied conditions of threat (stated probability of receiving electric shock). Thirty males and 30 females were randomly assigned to three conditions: High Threat Probability (HTP), Moderate Threat Probability (MTP), or No Threat Probability (NTP). All Ss heard, under assigned threat instructions, 2 sets of 11 tones, preceded by a nonstimulation period and followed by 11 tones with shock threat removed. Results indicated that the threat conditions did affect electrodermal measures as expected. In addition, males exhibited higher tonic (basal conductance) levels throughout, while females displayed greater phasic reactivity (GSR magnitude) and a larger number of nonspecific GSRs. In addition, nonspecific frequency was affected by the interaction of sex with treatment (threat), such that females displayed higher frequencies under moderate threat, while males increased linearly with increased threat. Degree of stress or threat, the possibility of differential perceptions, and a theory of differential hormonal functioning were applied in interpreting results.