APS

31st APS Annual Convention · 2019

Vagal Flexibility during Disappointment Introspection Predicts Empathy and Prosocial Behavior

Washington, DC · May 2019

Poster · Developmental

Session: Poster Session I

Authors

Abstract

Vagal flexibility during emotion introspection was examined as a predictor of adolescents’ prosociality. Less RSA suppression when thinking about disappointment predicts empathic sadness (β=.150, p<.042). Greater RSA suppression when talking about disappointment predicts prosocial behaviors with peers (β=-.198, p<.028). RSA during frustration experiences was not related to behavior.

Affect