Trait Self-Compassion Reflects Emotional Flexibility Through an Association with High Vagally Mediated Heart Rate Variability

• DOI: 10.1007/s12671-016-0549-1
• Publication Date: 2016-06-02T20:05:17Z
• Authors: Julie Lillebostad...; Berge Osnes; Per-Einar Binder; Ingrid Dundas; Endre Visted; Helge Nordby; Elisabeth Schanche; Lin Sørensen
• Keywords: Self-Compassion; Trait; Association (psychology)

Converging evidence shows a positive effect of self-compassion on self-reported well-being and mental health. However, few studies have examined the relation between psychophysiological measures. In present study, we therefore trait vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) in 53 students (39 female, mean age = 23.63). Trait was assessed using Self-Compassion Scale, resting vmHRV measured during 5-min ECG baseline period. We hypothesized that higher levels would predict vmHRV. Controlling for potential covariates (including age, gender, BMI), results confirmed our hypotheses, showing predicted These were validated with 24-h measure vmHRV, acquired from subsample participants (n 26, 16 23.85), confirming correlation high The self-compassion, anxiety (the scale State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI) rumination Rumination subscale Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire; RRQ-Rum) also investigated. Higher highly correlated low self-compassion. anxiety, but not rumination, marginally significantly level findings study indicate predicts better ability to physiologically psychologically adapt emotional responses. Possible implications limitations are discussed.