Neuroticism's importance in understanding the daily life correlates of heart rate variability.
Individual differences in high-frequency heart rate variability (HRV) have been conceptualized in terms of a greater capacity to self-regulate problematic outcomes, but have also been conceptualized in terms of greater moment-to-moment flexibility. From a self-regulation perspective, higher HRV should be inversely correlated with trait neuroticism and problematic daily outcomes. From a flexibility perspective, high HRV should result in more state-like functioning--that is, functioning that is more contextual and less trait-like in nature. In the latter case, HRV and trait neuroticism may interact to predict problematic outcomes such that neuroticism should be a less consequential predictor at higher levels of HRV. The flexibility perspective was systematically supported in a daily experience-sampling protocol. Implications focus on theories of neuroticism and HRV.
Ode
Scott
S
Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University.
Hilmert
Clayton J
CJ
Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University.
Zielke
Desiree J
DJ
Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Robinson
Michael D
MD
Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000503:physiopathology; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology