Relaxation, Stress, and Palmar Skin Potential Level in Smokers and Non-Smokers

Abstract

Palmar skin potential level was examined as an index of speed of relaxation in 8 non-smokers, 8 smokers low in arousal, and 8 high in arousal during resting periods before and after an interpolated stressor. The former were smokers who experienced their strongest need to smoke in low-arousal situations characterized by, e.g., monotony and low-level stimulation, while the latter experienced their strongest need to smoke in high-arousal situations characterized by, e.g., anxiety and high-level stimulation. The rate and the amount of reduction in negativity of pre-stressor palmar skin potential level was significantly greater in non-smokers. No significant differences were observed between the groups of smokers. Stress significantly retarded relaxation in nonsmokers to a level comparable to the two groups of smokers.