P 98 Emotional arousal evoked by novel sounds is reflected in increased sympathetic activation – developmental effects, pupil dilation, and the P3a component

Unexpected novel sounds occurring outside the current focus of attention can involuntarily capture attention. The underlying mechanisms can be investigated measuring the pupil dilation response (PDR) and the event-related potential (ERP) component P3a in the EEG (for review see, Wetzel and Schröger, 2014). Emotional sounds have a high relevance and might cause a stronger orienting of attention and evaluation for novelty than neutral sounds. Emotional arousal was previously associated with increased sympathetic activity (Bradley et al., 2008).

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