The impact of heart rate variability on subjective well-being is mediated by emotion regulation

Resting heart rate variability (HRV) can serve as an index of self-regulatory strength. In the present study we tested the hypotheses that HRV, indexing adaptive self-regulation, is associated with subjective well-being, and that this association is mediated by the habitual use of strategies of emotion regulation that involve executive functions. In addition to measuring heart rate at rest, subjective well-being – as indicated by positive habitual mood and satisfaction with life – and habitual emotion regulation were assessed via self-reports. The findings were largely consistent with our predictions. HRV was positively associated with cheerfulness and calmness, and these effects were mediated by executive emotion regulation. Mediated by these strategies, HRV was also associated with satisfaction with life. Together, the results support the use of HRV as an index of self-regulatory strength.