This study examined physiological response to an
encounter with and touch by an unfamiliar person. Fifty-five
African American (23 male, 30 female) and 51 European American
(23 male, 28 female) undergraduates participated. A Black
or White interactor entered the room, introduced himself
or herself, checked equipment for 30 s, and then took a
pulse for 30 s. Entry of the interactor resulted in increased
corrugator and zygomaticus facial muscle activity (EMG),
increased skin conductance (SC), and heart rate (HR) acceleration.
Corrugator EMG was greater among Black subjects; White
subjects responded with more zygomatic EMG and SC and greater
HR acceleration. Women showed a more positive facial expression
than did men. Being touched reduced EMG and HR but resulted
in increased SC. White and Black males showed more HR acceleration
when encountering a Black male interactor.