Idiodynamics Vis-à-vis Psychophysiology: An Idiodynamic Portrayal of Cardiovascular Reactivity

Author: Friedman B.H.

Source: Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies, Volume 5, Number 4, October 2003 , pp. 425-441(17)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Idiodynamics offers a conceptual foundation upon which alternatives to the prevailing model of cardiovascular reactivity could be advanced, built upon systematic investigations of individuals. The origins of a union of idiodynamics and psychophysiology are described, accompanied by an empirical study that exemplifies this synthesis. In the study, a montage of cardiovascular measures was used to assess autonomic patterns in six subjects across a range of laboratory tasks on three occasions. Cardiovascular profiles were derived with p-technique factor analysis and then group aggregated with chain p-technique. The group pattern suggested three components: rate, contractility, and peripheral resistance. When individual profiles were compared to the group, consistencies and disparities appeared. Differences in the number of factors, percentage of variance explained, and dominance of specific components distinguished subjects from one another, leading to a hypothesis about underlying cardiovascular complexity. Idiodynamics, combined with novel methodologies, can expand the construct of reactivity beyond traditional stimulus-response conceptualizations.

Keywords: idiodynamics; psychophysiology; cardiovascular reactivity

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Assistant Professor of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; bhfriedm@vt.edu

Publication date: 2003-10-01