Associations of Trait and Ability Emotional Intelligence with Heart Rate Variability and Emotional Reactivity in Undergraduate Students

Author(s)

• Miriam Bowser, Liberty UniversityFollow

Publication Date

5-1-2026

School

School of Behavioral Sciences

Major

Psychology

Keywords

emotional intelligence, heart rate variability, emotional reactivity, adaptive functioning

Disciplines

Biological Psychology | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Recommended Citation

Bowser, Miriam, "Associations of Trait and Ability Emotional Intelligence with Heart Rate Variability and Emotional Reactivity in Undergraduate Students" (2026). Senior Honors Theses. 1576.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1576

Abstract

Ability emotional intelligence (EI) and trait EI have been previously associated with heart rate variability (HRV), suggesting adaptive autonomic regulation. Emotional reactivity (ER) has also been correlated with EI, possibly because individuals with higher EI are more sensitive to emotional information. The current study used a cross-sectional design (N = 71) to examine trait and ability EI, self-reported ER, and HRV. No relationship was found between trait and ability EI, suggesting distinct underlying constructs. EI was not associated with HRV. Trait EI was positively associated with positive valence (r = .34, p = .004) and ability EI with negative arousal (r = .25, p = .037), weakly supporting hypotheses. Overall, findings inform research on emotional-physiological regulatory mechanisms.