Self-Esteem and Autonomic Physiology: Parallels Between Self-Esteem and Cardiac Vagal Tone as Buffers of Threat

Abstract

comments on earlier versions of this paper. AbstractIn this paper we suggest a potential physiological connection to self-esteem: cardiac vagal tone, the degree of influence on the heart by the vagus, a primary nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system. This hypothesis emerges from parallels between the two literatures that suggest both self-esteem and cardiac vagal tone function to provide protection from threat responding. We review these literatures and in addition review evidence and preliminary findings that suggest in some contexts self-esteem and cardiac vagal tone may exert an influence on each other. Lastly, we discuss theoretical and applied health implications of this potential physiological connection to self-esteem.

Self-esteem fluctuations and cardiac vagal control in everyday life

“…Thus, HRV has been considered to indicate inhibitory activity of the prefrontal cortex. It is interesting to note here that the prefrontal cortex is also activated during self-referential tasks and self-reflective and symbolic thinking, thus constituting a promising region for research on the neurobiology of self-esteem (Martens et al, 2008).…”

“…Importantly, recent theorizing has postulated that HRV might reflect the activity of a central autonomic network, which involves -among other regionsthe anterior cingulate, insular, orbitofrontal, and ventromedial prefrontal cortices (e.g., Lane, 2000, 2009). It has been hypothesized that the prefrontal cortex inhibits amygdala-related regions and medullary cardioacceleratory circuits (Martens et al, 2008;Thayer and Sternberg, 2006). Thus, HRV has been considered to indicate inhibitory activity of the prefrontal cortex.…”

“…Consequently, Martens et al (2008) pointed out parallels between HRV and self-esteem. In particular, both variables have been found to buffer physiological threat responding and are inversely related to variables involving negative affect (i.e., anxiety, depression, hostility).…”

Effect of the Occupational Stress and Self Esteem on Mental Health among Nurses

“…Rosenberg [7], 높은 자아존중감은 건강한 행동 및 적응 과 관련이 있어 스트레스 상황에 효율적으로 대처하고, 자아존중감이 낮은 경우 확신이 부족하여 의존적이며 불안, 우울, 적대감과 같은 정신건강 문제를 나타낸다 [8].…”

“…간호사의 정신건강은 환경적 요인과 사회심리적 요 인의 영향을 복합적으로 받는 것으로 상호관계 속에서 연구되어야 하지만 기존의 연구는 직무스트레스 [3], 직 무스트레스와 직무 만족 [9], 직무스트레스 영향 요인 [10], 직무스트레스에 대한 대처 [2], 직무스트레스와 우 울[1], 직무 스트레스와 피로 및 분노 [4], 자아존중감 [8], 심리적 요인 [6] Ⅲ. 연구결과 …”