Eye Contamination Variations Linked with Gaze, Arousal, and Autistic Characteristics in Students
In a groundbreaking study conducted between 2015 and 2017, researchers led by Jennifer C. Lawson examined the intriguing phenomenon of pupillary contagion in children and adolescents with varying autism spectrum traits. The study, which presented naturalistic images of children's faces depicting either small or large pupils, aimed to shed light on the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and its association with autism.
Pupillary contagion is a phenomenon where one's pupil size unconsciously adapts to the pupil size of an observed individual. It is presumed to reflect the transfer of arousal. The study aimed to examine the extent to which pupillary contagion reflects autonomic nervous system reaction through pupil size change, heart rate, and skin conductance response.
The study was conducted on a group of children and adolescents with a wide range of autistic traits, a third of whom had been diagnosed with autism. The researchers controlled for low level stimuli properties to ensure observations were due to internal change in arousal.
Results show that pupil contagion and concomitant heart rate change, but not skin conductance change, were evident when gaze was restricted to the eye region of face stimuli. Interestingly, a positive association was observed between pupillary contagion and autistic traits when participants' gaze was constrained to the eye region.
The study's findings add to a broader understanding of the mechanisms underlying pupillary contagion and its association with autism. Moreover, they suggest that pupillary contagion and heart rate changes are associated with autistic traits. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore their implications.
The second aim of the study was to determine the association between arousal reaction to stimuli and degree of autistic traits. When estimating pupil contagion, low level stimuli properties need to be controlled for to ensure observations are due to internal change in arousal.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between pupillary contagion, heart rate changes, and autistic traits. As research in this area continues to evolve, we can expect a deeper understanding of the neurological underpinnings of autism and potential avenues for intervention and support.
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