Date of Award
2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S. in Biological Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Lainy B. Day
Second Advisor
Gail Stratton
Third Advisor
Dwight E. Waddell
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
The philosophies behind many martial arts often claim that by practicing martial arts individuals can gain better control over stress. We tested this idea by using controlled physical stressors to elicit an acute stress response from martial artists (n=15) and non-martial artists (n=18). To measure the extent of the stress response, we looked at changes in heart rate, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and galvanic skin level. These three measures explore both parasympathetic and sympathetic responses, and changes in these variables continue to be explored in studies of stress and reactive aggression. In addition to our physical stressors we also exposed individuals to affective imagery from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). Individual levels of aggression were also assessed using the Buss and Perry aggression questionnaire. Martial artists elicited a stable galvanic skin level while being tapped upon the forehead, and there was a trend that indicated the martial artists were less aggressive.
Recommended Citation
Pemment, Jack, "A Neurophysiological Examination Of Stress Control In Martial Artists" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 904.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/904