Galvanic Skin Response

The method which is used in the measurement of electrical skin resistance is termed as galvanic skin response. The skin resistance can vary with change in psychological conditions of a person. The term, galvanic skin response is also known as skin conductance response (SCR), psychogalvanic reflex (PGR) and electrodermal response (EDR). The GSR method has been used in research that is carried out to study anxiety symptoms and stress levels.

Galvanic Skin Response

In the galvanic skin response method, conductivity of skin is measured at fingers of the palm. The method can be highly effective and sensitive in gaging emotions. The different applications of galvanic skin response method can be found in treating various dermatological conditions. It is also used in desensitization training and relaxing. The medical condition of excessive sweating is also treated with galvanic skin response. The skin conductance of electrical charge can be classified as Tonic and Phasic skin conductance. Tonic skin conductance rises sharply as the subject being measured wakes up. Level of this type of conductance rises further with stress or other mental activities which are demanding. On the basis of psychological arousal, tonic skin conductance can vary a lot. The responses associated with phasic skin conductance can be observed 1 - 2 seconds after the stimulus has been provided. Skin conductance achieves its peak after about 5 seconds of the stimulus.

The history of research carried out in galvanic response measurement is a long one. Research on this topic started in the 1900s. 'Studies in Word Analysis', a book written by C.G. Jung has references of GSR instruments being used in Psychoanalysis. Electrodermal measurement was the umbrella term used to denote galvanic skin response. There are 2 different techniques used in the measurement of galvanic skin response. The first method makes use of electric current that is passed through the body in order to measure the resistance. In the second method however, no current is passed. Instead, the charge present in the body, acts as a source of electricity.

Measurement of Galvanic Skin Response

In the process of measuring galvanic response of skin, electrodes are attached to the fingers of either hand. The response/skin resistance is monitored with the help of a computer screen. In a relaxed state, the electrical conductance of the body is at a lower level. The outer skin is negative by 40 mV in comparison to interior tissues of the body in this state. The measurement of galvanic skin response has different applications in psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. Depths of hypnotic trance can be detected with this kind of measurement. The hypnotic trance detection further proves to be helpful in suggestion therapy. Measurement of GSR can also prove to be helpful in behavior modification. Gaging the psychological responses like fear is possible with the help of GSR measurement.

Sensor

The principle or theory behind functioning of galvanic skin response sensor is to measure electrical skin resistance based on sweat produced by the body. When high level of sweating takes place, the electrical skin resistance drops down. A dryer skin records much higher resistance. The galvanic skin response sensor measures the psycho galvanic reflex of the body. Emotions such as excitement, stress, shock, etc. can result in the fluctuation of skin conductivity. Aluminum foil and Lego motor wire form important components of the sensor.

The galvanic skin response methodology is a complicated as well as interesting topic for further studying the human mind and physical manifestations of its different responses. The subject needs to be studied in depth to gain further insights to the human mind.