Effects of Aesthetic Chills on a Cardiac Signature of Emotionality

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that a cardiac signature of emotionality (referred to as E(K), which can be computed from the standard 12 lead electrocardiogram, ECG), predicts inter-individual differences in the tendency to experience and express positive emotion. Here, we investigated whether E(K) values can be transiently modulated during stimulation with participant-selected music pieces and film scenes that elicit strongly positive emotion. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The phenomenon of aesthetic chills, as indicated by measurable piloerection on the forearm, was used to accurately locate moments of peak emotional responses during stimulation. From 58 healthy participants, continuous E(K) values, heart rate, and respiratory frequency were recorded during stimulation with film scenes and music pieces, and were related to the aesthetic chills. E(K) values, as well as heart rate, increased significantly during moments of peak positive emotion accompanied by piloerection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results are the first to provide evidence for an influence of momentary psychological state on a cardiac signature of emotional personality (as reflected in E(K) values). The possibility to modulate ECG amplitude signatures via stimulation with emotionally significant music pieces and film scenes opens up new perspectives for the use of emotional peak experiences in the therapy of disorders characterized by flattened emotionality, such as depression or schizoid personality disorder.