Clarifying the nature of startle habituation using latent curve modeling

Startle habituation is present in all startle studies, whether as a dependent variable, discarded habituation block, or ignored nuisance. However, there is still much that remains unknown about startle habituation, including the following: (1) what is the nature of the startle habituation curve?; (2) at what point does startle habituation approach an asymptote?; and (3) are there gender differences in startle habituation? The present study investigated these three questions in a sample of 94 undergraduates using both traditional means-based statistical methods and latent curve modeling. Results provided new information about the nature of the startle habituation curve, indicated that the optimal number of habituation trials with a 100 dB startle stimulus is 13, and showed that females display greater startle reactivity but habituate toward the same level as males.

► Latent curve modeling provides a better representation of habituation. ► The trajectory of startle habituation follows a quadratic pattern of decline. ► Optimal number of habituation trials with 100 dB startle stimulus is 13. ► Females display higher initial startle, but habituate at a rate similar to males.