Electrodermal activity

Electrodermal Activity

Electrodermal activity (pronunciation: e-lek-tro-der-mal ak-tiv-i-ty), also known as Galvanic Skin Response or Skin Conductance, is a method used to measure the electrical conductance of the skin, which varies with its moisture level. This is of interest because the sweat glands are controlled by the Sympathetic Nervous System, so skin conductance is used as an indication of psychological or physiological arousal.

Etymology

The term "Electrodermal Activity" is derived from the words "Electro", referring to electricity, "Dermal", pertaining to the skin, and "Activity", indicating a state of action or function. The term thus refers to the electrical activity taking place within the skin.

History

The phenomenon of electrodermal activity was first described by the French physicians Charles Féré and Raphaël Vigouroux in the late 19th century. They discovered that skin resistance varied with emotional states and introduced the term "electrodermal activity".

Measurement

Electrodermal activity is typically measured with two electrodes placed on the skin of the hand or foot. The electrodes are connected to a device that sends a small, harmless electric current through the skin. The device then measures the resistance to this current, which changes as the sweat glands become more or less active.

Applications

Electrodermal activity is used in many fields, including Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience. It is often used in Psychophysiology to study emotional responses, stress, and anxiety. It is also used in Lie Detection and in some forms of Biofeedback therapy.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Electrodermal activity
Wikipedia's article - Electrodermal activity

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Electrodermal activity