The autonomic correlates of dysphoric rumination and post-rumination savoring

Abstract

Trait dysphoric rumination is a transdiagnostic factor associated with depression and anxiety that has also been linked with blunted respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an index of reduced emotion regulation capacity. However, the autonomic correlates of state dysphoric rumination remain unclear. We examined the physiological correlates of state dysphoric rumination and the potential repairing effects of savoring on autonomic functioning. To provide a comprehensive assessment of autonomic correlates, we examined changes in parasympathetic (RSA) and sympathetic (cardiac pre-ejection period, PEP; and electrodermal activity, EDA) arousal independently, as well as autonomic coordination among indices. Eighty-two women (ages 18-25) completed laboratory physiological assessments, including rumination and savoring tasks, and self-report measures of trait rumination. Dysphoric rumination was associated with sympathetic activation (i.e., decreases in PEP, increases in EDA), and subsequent Savoring following a recovery period also corresponded with decreases in PEP. Trait rumination did not predict autonomic changes during state rumination. However, higher trait rumination was associated with greater sympathetic coordination (PEP-EDA correspondence) during savoring. In summary, dysphoric rumination co-occurred with sympathetic activation, and subsequent savoring successfully recruited sympathetic activity (PEP) redirected on positive moods and events. Results also emphasize the utility of examining sympathetic and parasympathetic indices, and coordination among autonomic indices to delineate autonomic activity associated with emotion regulation strategies.

Emotion context insensitivity in depression: Toward an integrated and contextualized approach

“…Along these lines, both blunted and potentiated reactivity to laboratory challenges have been associated with maladaptive emotional reactivity and regulation (see Obradović & Boyce, for review). Similarly, we have found that both maladaptive (i.e., dysphoric rumination) and adaptive (i.e., positive savoring) emotion regulation strategies are associated with increases in sympathetic activation among healthy individuals (Stone et al., 2020). The association between crying and corresponding emotional changes also is dependent upon context, particularly in relation to interpersonal factors (Bylsma, et al., 2008).…”

“…Further, the lack of coherence among emotion response domains highlights the importance of examining within and cross‐level associations to gain a full picture of emotional functioning in MDD, as these complex interactions may also contribute to divergent findings. Although prior research has revealed only modest and inconsistent associations between physiology and self‐reported emotion and affective behavior (Mauss et al., 2005; Mauss & Robinson, 2009), complex interactions may still be uncovered, and associations may change with context (e.g., Stone et al., 2020).…”

“…Typically, researchers interested in sympathetic activity assess either skin conductance (electrodermal activity, EDA), or PEP, as both are assumed to be relatively “pure” indices of sympathetic activity. However, recent work reveals that these indices may not even be significantly correlated (Stone et al., 2020) and may show differential relationships with parasympathetic activity and emotion regulation processes (Stone et al., 2020). This could be due to differences in temporal resolution in PEP and electrodermal measures (i.e., as electrodermal measures tend to have a slower onset and offset), or the fact that PEP is primarily driven by beta‐adrenergic neurotransmission, while electrodermal measures reflect primarily cholinergic neurotransmission (Stone et al., 2020; Stone et al., 2020).…”

“…However, recent work reveals that these indices may not even be significantly correlated (Stone et al., 2020) and may show differential relationships with parasympathetic activity and emotion regulation processes (Stone et al., 2020). This could be due to differences in temporal resolution in PEP and electrodermal measures (i.e., as electrodermal measures tend to have a slower onset and offset), or the fact that PEP is primarily driven by beta‐adrenergic neurotransmission, while electrodermal measures reflect primarily cholinergic neurotransmission (Stone et al., 2020; Stone et al., 2020). Further, skin conductance reactivity has been more associated with threat of punishment, while PEP reactivity is more sensitive to reward receipt or anticipation (Obradović & Boyce, 2012), suggesting that the nature of the stimuli and context may be particularly relevant.…”

Current Progress and Future Directions for Theory and Research on Savoring

“…Likewise, clinicians and health researchers have investigated the role of savoring in treating autism ( Cai et al, 2018 ) and anxiety disorders ( Eisner et al, 2009 ); preventing depression ( Ford et al, 2016 ); reducing pain ( D’Raven et al, 2015 ); helping people cope with stress ( Samios et al, 2020 ), cancer ( Hou et al, 2017 ), and acquired physical disability ( Dunn and Brody, 2008 ); repairing the negative effects of state dysphoric rumination ( Stone et al, 2020 ); reducing the link between marijuana use and marijuana problems ( Luba et al, 2020 ) and reducing pain and opioid misuse risk ( Garland, 2021 ). Research with older adults has also investigated the role of savoring in promoting resilience ( Smith and Hollinger-Smith, 2015 ) and positive attitudes toward aging ( Bryant et al, 2021 ), improving physical health ( Geiger et al, 2017 ), buffering the deleterious effects of illness on subjective well-being ( Smith and Bryant, 2016 ), and lowering cardiovascular reactivity and boosting agency ( Borelli et al, 2020 ).…”