Relationship between "strength of the nervous system" and the need for stimulation

Conducted 2 studies with college students (N = 81) of the relationship between the need for stimulation, as measured by the kinesthetic aftereffects task, and tendencies to "reduce" or "augment" incoming stimuli. In Study 1 Ss with high auditory thresholds (who presumably reduce incoming stimulation) were particularly unresponsive to simple stimuli. In both simple and moderately complex stimulus situations, high-threshold Ss were more bored and expressed less enjoyment and interest than did low-threshold Ss. These "insensitive" Ss were particularly likely to drink coffee (a stimulant) and to have been born and raised in urban settings. In Study 2, high-threshold Ss appeared earlier for the experiment than did low-threshold Ss. They also placed more figures in a highly interactive social model setting before judging the setting overcrowded than did the more sensitive Ss. These results suggest that high-threshold Ss have a greater need for social stimulation. (15 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).