The effect of anger on pulse-graph parameters in healthy college students: A pilot study

Abstract Objective To explore the effect of anger on pulse parameters in healthy participants. Methods Thirty healthy college students from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine were selected as volunteers. Each participant was asked to watch an anger-inducing film clip. Their discrete emotional dimensions were assessed by a self-report at three time points: 10 minutes before watching the video (T1), the moment when the video ended (T2) and 15 minutes after the video ended (T3). Meanwhile, pulse-graph parameters (pulse tense, pulse force, pulse fluency, pulse rate and pulse rhythmicity) were recorded by a pulse apparatus at the same three time points. Results The target emotion of anger was successfully elicited, and the participants also reported slight sadness and fear. After emotional elicitation, the participants showed significant changes in pulse tense, pulse force, pulse fluency and pulse rate. There was no significant change in pulse rhythm.