This review highlights consistent patterns in the literature associating positive affect (PA) and physical health. However, it also raises serious conceptual and methodological reservations. Evidence suggests an association of trait PA and lower morbidity and of state and trait PA and decreased symptoms and pain. Trait PA is also associated with…

Tests the hypothesis that depressed subjects would exhibit greater psychophysiological arousal than nondepressed subjects following negative feedback but not after positive feedback. (Author/RK)

Reviewed task-related differences in physiological arousal between Type A and Type B persons and found that differences are less consistent and of a smaller magnitude than what is usually assumed. Furthermore, the median difference in systolic blood pressure between Type A and Type B persons working on tasks was small. (Author/JAC)

The study examines emotional and cognitive processes associated with a response to provocation, using the "stream of consciousness" technique, as well as mood and attitude questionnaires. Physiological processes (heart rate, electrodermal responses, and blood pressure) and sex differences in a display of aggressive behavior are also…

Discusses psychophysiological methods in relationship to personality research. The paper is organized in four sections: (l) advantages inherent in the use of psychophysiological measures; (2) psychophysiological constructs particularly well suited to personality research; (3) how to choose a set of psychophysiological measures; and (4) whether or…