Sexy Measures for a Sexy Science Simple Ways

Sexy Measures for a Sexy Science: Simple Ways to Incorporate Physiological Measures in Sex Research William S. Ryan SSSS Nov. 14 th, 2015

What are Physiological Measures? Any type of assessment of biological function

The Benefits of Physiological Measures Assess process/outcomes not amenable to self-report Allow direct assessment of physiological processes or activation as variables of interest The data is sexy!

BUT… • Many physiological measures are: – Expensive – Invasive & Uncomfortable – Tied to laboratory environment – Difficult to analyze

Not So Sexy….

Sexy!

Smart Phone Physio • ~1/4 people world-wide owns a smartphone • 68% of Canadians, 64% of Americans • Contain accelerometers • Apps to track health behavior • Camera can be used to measure activity of the heart • New and improved attachments and software continually emerging

How it works • Uses photoplethysmography (PPG)- the optical measurement of changes in volume in an organ. • Phone acts as a pulse oximiter to measure changes in blood flow in the finger

• • • Azumio’s heart rate pro app ($1. 99) and free version. Available for i. Phone, android, and Windows phone. www. azumio. com

Let’s Try it!

Basic Experimental Design Δ HR or Reactivity Rest Period Baseline Measurement Task or manipulation Task Measurement

Interpreting our Results Food Condition Sex Condition Baseline Task Reactivity Vs.

Applications Outside the Laboratory • Daily Diary or Experience Sampling – Signal Contingent- take HR when prompted by text message – Interval Contingent- record HR at pre-set intervals (e. g. every few hours or before bed) – Event Contingent- Instruct participants to take their HR whenever a specific event occurs

Examining HR Over Time

Exporting Data

The Data

Important Considerations • HR is an indiscriminant measure of “arousal”, not just the type sexuality researchers are interested in • Thus, bounding or documenting context and psychological state is critical • HR is impacted by: – Body position – Medication use (e. g. beta blockers) – Caffeine, Nicotine

Tips for Implementation Have an in-lab session to install app, ensure participants know how to use it properly, collect a baseline, assess demographic variables Create tags for variables of interest (e. g. upon waking, while watching porn, after sex, etc. ) Use automated texting to prompt participants to take reading Combine with questionnaire data and/or have participants comment on mood, setting, etc. in the “notes” section

Other Smart Phone Capabilities Movement Tracking using built in accelerometer

With some added equipment Equipment Heart Rate Monitor Blood Pressure Cuff Heat Sensing Camera Capability Continuous HR and Variability (HRV) Blood Pressure Thermography Application Arousal, task engagement, stress Stress, health Sexual arousal Estimated Price $50 -100 $50 -$100 $150 -$250

With the fitbit All models track activity and movement For $50. 00 per year can download data to excel The Fitbit Charge & Surge provide continuous HR $150 -$250 for models with HR Capabilities

Summary • Physiological measures are well-suited to sex research • Doesn’t have to break the bank • Hardware and software getting better and cheaper • Creates opportunities to assess physiological components of sex and arousal both within and outside the lab

Thank You! ryan@psych. ucsb. edu