Psychophysiological Coherence as a Function of Mental Imagery Practice

Abstract

In this experimental study, we explored effects of mental imagery practice on psychophysiological coherence, measured as heart rhythm coherence. A total of 82 undergraduates participated in the study and were randomly assigned to mental imagery, thought monitoring, and control groups. The experiment took a period of 3 weeks, during which the first group regularly practiced two imagery exercises, and the second group practiced a thought monitoring exercise. Participants in all three groups visited a lab, twice a week, where their heart rhythm coherence was measured by a device that monitors heart rate variability. Results showed significant increases in heart rhythm coherence as a function of mental imagery practice. The effects of thought monitoring practice were much more limited. Methodological limitations of the study were discussed particularly in terms of the regulation of thought monitoring practice. Suggestions for future study include manipulating possible sources of variation in the effectiveness of imagery practice, and making connections between the cognitive study of imagery and its therapeutic function.