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Exploring the autonomic correlates of personality
Daniel Shepherd1, Joseph Mulgrew1, Michael J Hautus2
1Department of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic & Clinical
|June 1, 2015
Summary
This study found that specific personality traits correlate with heart rate variability (HRV) frequency domain measures, indicating potential links between personality, autonomic function, and neurovisceral integration.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysiology
- Personality Psychology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Resting heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic nervous system activity.
- Personality traits are hypothesized to influence physiological regulation.
- Understanding the interplay between personality and HRV is crucial for psychophysiological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Big Five personality dimensions and HRV indices.
- To explore associations between personality types and autonomic functioning.
- To examine the link between Trait Anxiety and HRV.
Main Methods:
- 106 healthy volunteers completed personality inventories (Big Five, Trait Anxiety).
- A 10-minute electrocardiographic recording was obtained for HRV analysis.
- Time and frequency domain HRV measures were derived and correlated with personality data.
Main Results:
- Frequency domain HRV measures (HRV-HF, LF/HF) showed associations with specific personality dimensions.
- Distressed personality types exhibited significantly greater autonomic imbalance (LF/HF).
- No significant associations were found for time domain HRV measures (STD-RR).
Conclusions:
- Specific personality dimensions are linked to autonomic functioning, particularly via frequency domain HRV.
- Personality types, especially distressed ones, are associated with autonomic imbalance.
- These findings support contemporary models of neurovisceral integration.
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