Self-Compassion Demonstrating a Dual Relationship with Pain Dependent on High-Frequency Heart Rate Variability. (18th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tian, Shuxiang; Luo, Xi; Che, Xianwei; Xu, Guizhi
• Other Names: Kasai Shinya Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Pain research and management. Volume 2020(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-18
• Subjects: Pain -- Periodicals; Pain -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.0472
• DOI: 10.1155/2020/3126036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1203-6765

Abstract

Abstract : One previous study indicated the significance of trait self-compassion in psychological well-being and adjustment in people with chronic pain. Higher-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) was found to be closely associated with self-compassion and pain coping. The current study was therefore designed to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and experimental pain as well as the impact of HF-HRV. Sixty healthy participants provided self-reported self-compassion and underwent a cold pain protocol during which HF-HRV was evaluated. Results demonstrated a dual relationship between self-compassion and pain, dependent on the level of HF-HRV during pain exposure. Specifically, self-compassion was associated with lower pain in the condition of higher HF-HRV, while there was an inverse relationship between self-compassion and pain when HF-HRV was lower. Our data indicate the significance of HF-HRV in moderating the association between self-compassion and experimental pain.