The Moderating Role of Integrative Self-Regulation in the Relationship of Impulsivity and Suppression on HRV in CAD Patients

The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-regulation processes including integrative self-knowledge, mindfulness, and self-control in the relationship between Impulsivity and Suppression on heart rate variability in coronary artery disease patients. Eighty CAD patients were selected by convenience sampling from two heart clinics in Tehran. They responded to impulsivity, suppression, self-knowledge, mindfulness, and self-control scales. The heart rate variability was measured during responding to a stressor and resting time. The result showed that integrative self-regulation has a mediating role in the relationship between Impulsivity and Suppression and HRV. Higher impulsivity is associated with lower rates of HRV which represents poor heart function. Findings also showed that suppression without considering the mediating effect of the integrative self-regulation process is not associated with HRV values. While Suppression seems to be a more adaptive mechanism when accompanied by higher integrative self-regulation values, associating with higher HRV values indicates better heart function and psychological well-being.