The Effects of Beta-Adrenergic Stimulation and Beta-Adrenergic Blockade on Emotional Reactions

In order to examine the effects of beta-adrenergic arousal on emotional reactions, 84 male students received either 40 mg of the beta-adrenergic blocking agent oxprenolol, placebo, or 20 mg of the beta-stimulating agent orciprenaline. They were placed in one of two situations designed to induce either angerlike or no emotional reactions (neutral control). Dependent variables were heart rate, blood pressure, galvanic skin response, and self reports of bodily and emotional state. The drugs as well as the “anger situation” influenced bodily changes. Reports of anger were increased only under the placebo condition. Under oxprenolol the “anger situation” had no effects on reported emotions, whereas under orciprenaline the “anger situation” led to an increase in reports of anxiety. Characteristics of the “anger situation” and of the sympathetic response pattern induced by orciprenaline are discussed as possible explanations for the latter result.