Highlights in clinical autonomic neuroscience: Autonomic correlates of social cognition.
Human beings by nature are relational and in relating to others modulate their autonomic responses. Interpersonal relationships may be stressful or calming depending on social contexts, individual temperaments and personality traits. Not only human relationships, but also interactions with affectionate pets and virtual relationships via social networking technology can elicit autonomic responses. These responses range from sympathetic arousal to vagal modulation of cardiovascular activity, and from changes in energy intake and expenditure to modification of physical exercise habits, all of which have potential implications for health and well-being.
Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, United States. cheshire@mayo.edu
William P
WP
Cheshire