University of Twente Student Theses
Assessing the efficacy of an intervention aimed at increasing heart rate variability and decreasing perceived stress in individuals with personality disorders - A single case experimental design pilot study
Laurman, Jochem (2023) Assessing the efficacy of an intervention aimed at increasing heart rate variability and decreasing perceived stress in individuals with personality disorders - A single case experimental design pilot study.
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| Abstract: | Research suggests that stress plays an important role in maintaining pathology in individuals with personality disorders (PD). Individuals suffering from PD are at increased risk of exposure to stressful events. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a marker for stress; greater HRV corresponds to lower perception of stress and greater ability to handle stressful situations. HRV can be influenced through breathing. In this single case experimental design pilot study participants were instructed to do breathing exercises, twice every day and to measure their HRV and fill in a measure for perceived stress every morning. Five inpatients suffering from PD participated in this study. For one participant there was an increase in HRV during the intervention, corresponding to the expected effect that HRV would increase. Unexpectedly, for three participants no significant changes were found compared to their respective baselines. For three participants, increased HRV corresponded to lower perceived stress. However, one participant demonstrated a positive relationship between these variables, indicating a heterogenous and complex relationship. One participant completed no exercises. The results of this study convey the message that interventions aimed at stress reduction in individuals with PD, should be tailored carefully to individual needs. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Clients: | Mediant |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/94528 |
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