CookiesWe use cookies to enhance your experience and the functionality of our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More

CookiesWe use cookies on our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More

New Inner Balance™ Coherence Plus Sensor and App: Includes Free Lifetime Access to the New HeartMath® App Learn More

Research Library
Publication

The Effects of Emotions on Short‑Term Power Spectrum Analysis of Heart Rate Variability

    • Published: 1995 PR
    • Rollin McCraty; Mike Atkinson; William A. Tiller; Glen Rein; Alan D. Watkins
    • American Journal of Cardiology. 1995; 76(14): 1089-1093.
    • Download the complete paper, click here.

Abstract

Introduction

This study utilizes HRV analysis to examine a new method of intentionally shifting emotional states, and demonstrates that positive emotions lead to alterations in sympathovagal balance that may be beneficial in the treatment of hypertension. Anger, on the other hand, was shown to significantly increase sympathetic activation.

Summary

Salivary IgA, heart rate and mood were measured in thirty individuals before and after experiencing care or anger. Two methods of inducing the emotional states were compared: self-induction and external induction via video tapes. Anger produced a significant increase in total mood disturbance and heart rate, but not in S-IgA levels. Positive emotions, on the other hand, produced a significant increase in S-IgA levels. Examining the effects over a six hour period we observed that anger, in contrast to care, produced a significant inhibition of S-IgA from one to five hours after the emotional experience. Results indicate that self-induction of positive emotional states is more effective at stimulating S-IgA levels than previously used external methods. Self-induction techniques may therefore be useful in minimizing the immunosuppressive effects of negative emotions.