Toward a social psychophysiology of vagally mediated heart rate variability: Concepts and methods in self‐regulation, emotion, and interpersonal processes

Abstract

Theory and research on self‐regulation, emotional adjustment, and interpersonal processes focus increasingly on parasympathetic functioning, using measures of vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) or respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). This review describes models of vmHRV in these areas, and issues in measurement and analysis. We propose a framework organizing theory and research as examining (a) vmHRV as an individual difference or a situational response, and (b) resting, reactive, or recovery levels. Evidence supports interpretation of individual differences in resting vmHRV as a broad biomarker for adaptive functioning, but its specificity and underlying mechanisms require elaboration. Individual differences in vagal reactivity (i.e., trait‐like differences in vmHRV decreases during challenge or stress) are less commonly studied in adults and results are mixed. Many stressors and challenges evoke temporary decreases in vmHRV, and in some research self‐regulatory effort evokes increases. In a smaller literature, positive interpersonal experiences and some restorative processes increase resting vmHRV, whereas depletion of self‐regulatory capacity through related effort decreases it. Greater attention to conceptual distinctions regarding vmHRV constructs and several methodological issues will strengthen future research. Importantly, researchers should exercise caution in equating vmHRV with specific psychosocial constructs, especially in the absence of converging assessments and precise experimental manipulations.

The autonomic nervous system in its natural environment: Immersion in nature is associated with changes in heart rate and heart rate variability

“…A decrease in RSA has been associated with poor cognitive, emotional, and self‐regulation via increased autonomic activation and downregulation of the prefrontal cortex (Porges, 1995, 2007; Thayer et al., 2009, 2012). On our extended trip, participants were removed from their everyday environment and could be experiencing dysregulation while being away from friends, family, and responsibilities as lower RSA is also linked to a lack of social support (Kok & Fredrickson, 2010; Smith et al., 2011, 2020; Uchino et al., 2020). While there was no change in self‐reported social connectivity on the trip, future studies could design conditions in an attempt to isolate social influence on nature exposure.…”

“…Low resting RSA, or having too “fixed” a HR interval, is associated with poor regulation of the stress response and self‐regulatory behaviors. In contrast, high resting RSA reflects greater variability among HR intervals and is associated with efficient regulation of stress and behavior in response to environmental demands (Porges, 1995, 2007; Smith et al, 2020; Thayer et al., 2009).…”

“…In line with SRT, this study also assesses changes in self‐reported mood and self‐reported stress with the expectation that nature exposure would improve mood and reduce stress. Due to the positive relationship between RSA and social support (Kok & Fredrickson, 2010; Smith et al., 2011, 2020; Uchino et al., 2020), a self‐report measure of social connectivity was included to examine as a potential covariate. Similarly, we included self‐report measures of exercise and sleep disturbance, as well as an objective measure of blood glucose levels, which could have a metabolic influence on the physiological measures of interest (Hall et al, 2004; Sandercock et al., 2005; Singh et al, 2000).…”

Effects of Dynamic Resilience on the Reactivity of Vagally Mediated Heart Rate Variability

“…Statistically, analyses partially supported the hypothesis that the higher dynamic resilience groups would exhibit smaller vagal reactivity than the lower dynamic resilience groups; as lnrMSSD reactivity scores were overall significantly lower in the higher dynamic resilience group when compared to the moderate dynamic resilience group across vmHRV reactivity segments. According to the NVI model, this may suggest that higher dynamic resilience may be a product of enhanced temporal processing of the CAN (Thayer et al, 2009 ; Smith et al, 2020 ). In particular, dynamic resilience within a dynamic decision-making task may index the efficiency of temporal executive functions, in which the individual will possess superior strategizing and scheduling toward executing optimal courses of action.…”

“…In short (see Thayer et al, 2009 ; Smith et al, 2017 for detailed descriptions), the NVI model is founded upon the role of the central autonomic network (CAN); a component of the CNS that comprises different brain structures within the prefrontal cortex and exerts control over internal-regulation (Laborde et al, 2018 ). The CAN integrates visceralmotor, neuroendocrine, and behavior response with emotion, attention, and cognitive executive functioning for goal-directed behaviors and adaptability (Benarroch, 1993 ; Thayer and Lane, 2000 ; Smith et al, 2020 ). This is facilitated through vagal feedback loops, that provides an anatomical pathway connecting the CNS and the ANS (Koenig, 2020 ).…”