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Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A18]

Presenter: Olivia A. Gharabegian

Faculty Sponsor: Kirby Deater-Deckard

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

ABSTRACT

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has previously been used as a marker for Automatic Nervous System (ANS) health, with moderately high HRV being associated with better ANS functioning and vice versa. Since the ANS is involved in parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system regulation, HRV scores have also been associated with emotional regulation ability. So, HRV scores can demonstrate how well the body is able to respond to stress, through physiological and mental processes. Previous research has also shown declines in HRV with age and, therefore, potentially poorer emotional regulation for older individuals. This study looks at the association between HRV scores and age, as well as the effects HRV can have on emotional regulation, to determine if there is a strong link between the head and the heart. The sample includes mothers aged 21 to 52: 160 participants total. During the study, ECG electrodes were applied for HRV and Heart Rate (HR) detection, as well as an EEG cap to measure brain activity. For statistical analysis, two groups were formed based on age: 33 and under, and 34 and above. Using Pearson's R correlation test, for the group aged 33 and below, there was a negative correlation found between HRV and age, in both the eyes open and closed events. There was no significant correlation between HRV and age for the older group. This could be due to the rapid change in HRV during early middle age, indicating possible emotional/psychological fluctuations in this age group.