Electrodermal reactivity: an analysis by age and sex.

Resting electrodermal levels and electrodermal response to Valsalva maneuver were measured in males and females of three age groups (young, middle-aged, old). Significant sex and age effects were observed. Young and middle-aged females had lower electrodermal resting levels than males. These differences were reversed for the young age group during a Valsalva maneuver, where the females larger specific responses. With old age, sex differences diminished, resting state conductance levels decreased, but the specific conductance responses to Valsalva remained relatively unchanged. Results demonstrate interactive age and sex effects on the electrodermal measure. Possible relevance of the data to sex differences in adaptation and stress response are discussed.