In the context of psychophysiology, what does increased skin conductivity indicate?

• A. Decreased arousal and relaxation
• B. Heightened sympathetic nervous system activity
• C. Reduced emotional responses to stimuli
• D. No correlation with emotional responses

Answer: (B)

Increased skin conductivity is closely associated with heightened sympathetic nervous system activity. This physiological response occurs because the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" reactions, activates sweat glands. When an individual experiences arousal—whether due to stress, excitement, or anxiety—sweat production increases, which in turn enhances skin conductivity as the electrical properties of the skin change with moisture.

As a result, psychophysiological studies often use measurements of skin conductance to infer levels of arousal and emotional responses. When skin conductivity rises, it indicates that the individual is likely experiencing a heightened state of arousal linked to psychological or emotional stimuli, reflecting the engagement of the sympathetic nervous system. This understanding is central to interpreting psychophysiological data in relation to emotional and stress responses.