Abstract
Recent efforts have demonstrated classical conditioning of human systolic pressure (De Leon, 1972). The present research attempted a replication with longer sessions and to maximize the CS+, CS− differentiation by varying CS+ durations. Student volunteers (N = 64) underwent four, 50 minute sessions, three conditioning and one extinction, distributed over two weeks. Shock (UCS) occurred intermittently in light-on (CS+) and never in light-off (CS−). Results closely replicated the earlier work, revealing a characteristic UCR, a significant CS+, CS− differential and, conditioned elevations failed to adapt within and across sessions. The pressure differential was inversely related to CS+ duration. Clarification of conditioning influences requires followup research on these clients outside of the laboratory. Nevertheless, these studies provide firm experimental evidence for implicating stimulus variables in the origins of certain hypertensive states.
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Wexler, H.K., De Leon, G. Classical conditioning of human systolic pressure: Replication and extension using three stimulus durations. Pav. J. Biol. Sci. 14, 20–30 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03001813
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03001813