Theory and evidence bearing on a Scale of Trait Arousability

Trait Arousability is defined, in part, by strength of arousal response to sudden increases in complexity, variation, novelty, and/or unexpectedness of stimuli. The Trait Arousability Scale related positively to increases in diastolic pressure when angered, to heart disease, incidence of illnesses, conditioned aversions, avoidance of social contacts in high-density dormitories, dissatisfaction and lowered performance in high density workplaces, recall of emotional events, enjoyment of violence, and to scales of affiliation, dependency, empathy, sensitivity, impulsivity, affect intensity, low endurance, anxiety, neuroticism, procrastination, paranoia, eating disorders, and suicidal tendencies (but not to depression).