Does Parasympathetic Activity Moderate Sexual Trauma Effects on Depression?

Poster Session IX

Saturday May 24, 2025 (16:00 - 17:00 ET)
Keyword: Mood Disorders

Abstract: This study examines whether HF-HRV reactivity moderates the relationship between sexual trauma and depression within 53 participants. Results showed sexual trauma was uncorrelated with depression, but reactivity HF-HRV inversely correlated with CES-D scores. A cubic model indicated that increased HF-HRV reactivity predicted lower depression, while withdrawal worsened depressive symptoms.