Resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia is associated with affective responses to romantic partner interactions in daily life

Recent theory and research on psychophysiological aspects of self-regulation emphasizes the central role of resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an index of parasympathetic nervous system functioning. Within the context of close relationships, resting RSA may index an individual's self-regulatory capacity to manage affect associated with interpersonal interactions. In the laboratory, RSA was measured during a 10-minute resting baseline and participants completed measures of relationship quality. Partners were emailed a link to complete an online measure of relationship quality. Following the laboratory sessions, participants were prompted (using experience sampling methodology) to provide ratings of their affect during interactions with a romantic partner throughout a day. Resting RSA was correlated with partner reports of conflict in the relationship but not participant ratings of relationship quality. Multilevel models revealed a positive association between resting RSA and reports of calm and relaxed affect during social interactions with a romantic partner. Resting RSA was negatively associated with upset and angry affect during interactions with a romantic partner. These findings suggest that resting RSA may influence affect regulation during social interactions with a romantic partner and may have implications for understanding processes key to self-regulation and health.