Background: Substantial evidence supports the association between rumination and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, autonomic dysregulation, as indexed by low levels of heart rate variability (HRV) is related to both maladaptive emotional regulation (e.g., rumination) and depressive symptoms. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to investigate the interplay between heart rate variability, rumination, and depressive symptoms. Specifically, this study focused on the possible moderating role of heart rate variability in the association between rumination and depression. Methods: 31 individuals took part in the study (10 males, 21 females). Self-report questionnaires were used to assess rumination and depressive symptoms (Ruminative Response Scale and Beck Depression Inventory-II, respectively). A time-domain measure of vagally mediated heart rate variability (rMSSD) was computed from short electrocardiogram recordings obtained through a smartphone-based photoelectric volumetric pulse wave assay. Results and conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that both rumination and vagally mediated HRV (as measured by rMSSD) are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Specifically, those with greater rumination and those with lower heart rate variability exhibited higher levels of depressive symptoms. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the association between rumination and depression is moderated by heart rate variability: among individuals with greater rumination, those with reduced HRV had higher levels of depression. These findings highlight the complex interplay between autonomic dysregulation and cognitive dysfunctions involved in depressive symptoms. The study suggests the importance of considering both cognitive-affective (i.e., rumination) and autonomic (HRV) factors to improve the understanding of depression and develop targeted interventions for its management. Limitations of this study include its cross-sectional design, which restricts causal inferences and the assessment of predictive relationships, and the potential limitations introduced by conducting the study remotely, suggesting the need for future longitudinal research and replication in controlled laboratory settings.

Depressed Mood, Rumination, and Heart Rate Variability in At-Risk University Students

LO GIUDICE, ANDREA
2022/2023

Abstract

Background: Substantial evidence supports the association between rumination and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, autonomic dysregulation, as indexed by low levels of heart rate variability (HRV) is related to both maladaptive emotional regulation (e.g., rumination) and depressive symptoms. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to investigate the interplay between heart rate variability, rumination, and depressive symptoms. Specifically, this study focused on the possible moderating role of heart rate variability in the association between rumination and depression. Methods: 31 individuals took part in the study (10 males, 21 females). Self-report questionnaires were used to assess rumination and depressive symptoms (Ruminative Response Scale and Beck Depression Inventory-II, respectively). A time-domain measure of vagally mediated heart rate variability (rMSSD) was computed from short electrocardiogram recordings obtained through a smartphone-based photoelectric volumetric pulse wave assay. Results and conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that both rumination and vagally mediated HRV (as measured by rMSSD) are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Specifically, those with greater rumination and those with lower heart rate variability exhibited higher levels of depressive symptoms. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the association between rumination and depression is moderated by heart rate variability: among individuals with greater rumination, those with reduced HRV had higher levels of depression. These findings highlight the complex interplay between autonomic dysregulation and cognitive dysfunctions involved in depressive symptoms. The study suggests the importance of considering both cognitive-affective (i.e., rumination) and autonomic (HRV) factors to improve the understanding of depression and develop targeted interventions for its management. Limitations of this study include its cross-sectional design, which restricts causal inferences and the assessment of predictive relationships, and the potential limitations introduced by conducting the study remotely, suggesting the need for future longitudinal research and replication in controlled laboratory settings.
2022
Depressed Mood, Rumination, and Heart Rate Variability in At-Risk University Students
Rumination
Depression
HRV
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/51588