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Autokinesis as a Function of Attention Deployment

Harold M. Voth, MD; Robert Cancro, MD

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1972;26(5):445-448.

Abstract
The research is a second demonstration of a relationship between the autokinetic phenomenon and electroencephalographic (EEG) variables. The qualitative changes in consciousness as measured by the amount of alpha produced during the ten-minute test period correlated negatively with more extensive autokinesis. This relationship was predicted from the theory of ego-closeness—ego-distance and appears to illuminate further the differences in consciousness which have been shown to be related to autokinesis. The sample consisted of 60 women and five men between the ages of 19 and 60 who were twice given the autokinetic test while being monitored by the EEG. The theoretical implication of the findings for better understanding personality are discussed.

Author Affiliations
Topeka, Kan; Hartford, Conn

From the Department of Research, the Menninger Foundation, Topeka, Kan (Dr. Voth) and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Hartford, Conn (Dr. Cancro).

Footnotes
Submitted for publication Nov 24, 1970.

Reprint requests to Department of Research, the Menninger Foundation, Box 829, Topeka, Kan 66601 (Dr. Voth).