Interoceptive accuracy scores from the heartbeat counting task are problematic: Evidence from simple bivariate...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Physiology

Background:

• Interoception, the perception of internal bodily states, influences cognitive and emotional functions.
• The heartbeat counting task is a common method for assessing interoceptive accuracy (IAcc).

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the validity and interpretation of Interoceptive Accuracy (IAcc) scores derived from the heartbeat counting task.
• To investigate potential biases and limitations in the current assessment of interoception.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from a large sample (N = 572) of participants performing the heartbeat counting task.
• Examination of the relationship between actual heartbeats and reported heartbeats, including error types (over- vs. under-reporting).
• Statistical assessment of correlations, non-linear variations, and structural dependencies of IAcc scores.

Main Results:

• IAcc scores predominantly reflect under-reporting of heartbeats (>95% of cases).
• A low overall correlation (r = .16) between actual and reported heartbeats was observed.
• IAcc scores showed non-linear variations and were structurally bound to actual heart rates, challenging their conceptual independence.
• Interoceptive capacities appeared indistinguishable among the top 60% of IAcc scorers.

Conclusions:

• The heartbeat counting task's IAcc scores may not reliably measure interoception as intended.
• Researchers should exercise caution and reconsider the interpretation of IAcc scores in cognitive and emotional research.
• Further validation or alternative methods for assessing interoception are warranted.