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An inverted U-shaped relationship between heart rate deceleration and empathic emotions
Toshiyuki Himichi1, Yohsuke Ohtsubo2
1School of Economics and Management, Kochi University of Technology, 2-22 Eikokuji, Kochi City, Kochi 780-8515, Japan.
Biological Psychology
|December 3, 2019
Summary
Moderate parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity, measured by heart rate deceleration, is linked to higher empathy. Both low and high PNS activity showed weaker associations with personal distress and empathic concern.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysiology
- Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Previous research indicates an inverted U-shaped relationship between tonic parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity and empathy.
- It remains unclear if this inverted U-shape applies to phasic PNS activity and empathic emotions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between phasic PNS activity and empathic emotions.
- To determine if an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between cardiac measures of phasic PNS activity and subjective empathy.
Main Methods:
- Participants underwent an empathy-inducing task involving exposure to others' negative states.
- Cardiac activity was measured using electrocardiogram during the task.
- Participants self-reported their emotional states post-task.
Main Results:
- An inverted U-shaped relationship was observed between heart rate deceleration (phasic PNS activity) and self-reported personal distress.
- A similar inverted U-shaped relationship was found between heart rate deceleration and empathic concern.
- Moderate levels of phasic PNS activity were most strongly associated with higher levels of personal distress and empathic concern.
Conclusions:
- Phasic parasympathetic nervous system activity, reflected in heart rate deceleration, exhibits an inverted U-shaped association with empathic concern and personal distress.
- These findings suggest that optimal levels of PNS engagement facilitate empathic responses.
- The study highlights the nuanced role of autonomic nervous system activity in emotional processing and empathy.
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