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Worry and heart rate variables: autonomic rigidity under challenge
Maryanne Davis1, Iain Montgomery, George Wilson
1School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|October 31, 2002
Summary
This study investigated worry and autonomic nervous system activity. Findings challenge the theory that worry causes autonomic rigidity, as worriers showed no different heart activity responses compared to non-worriers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychophysiology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- The autonomic rigidity theory posits that worry restricts autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity.
- This rigidity is thought to affect both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between worry and ANS activity.
- To test the autonomic rigidity hypothesis in individuals prone to worry.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments were conducted using heart activity measures (heart rate, heart period variability).
- Participants included individuals who worry and control groups.
- Tasks included public speaking, relaxation, cognitive tasks, and aversive imagery.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in heart rate were found between worriers and controls during a public speaking task.
- Worriers and controls exhibited similar average heart rate and heart period variability across relaxation, cognitive, and imagery conditions.
- Results did not support the autonomic rigidity theory.
Conclusions:
- The findings challenge the general applicability of the autonomic rigidity theory to worry.
- Autonomic responses in worriers do not appear to differ significantly from non-worriers under the tested conditions.